Argentina

Argentina is a South American country that has played a central role in the geopolitics of the region in the 20th and 21st centuries. Unlike the Argentina of our timeline, which was dominated by military dictatorships and right-wing populism, this Argentina has developed as a key member of a left-leaning, anti-imperialist alliance led by the powerful Kingdom of New Netherland.

Independence and the Rise of Argentinian Nationalism

Argentina gained independence from Spain in 1816 after a protracted struggle led by the iconic patriot José de San Martín. In the decades following independence, the country was rocked by political instability and conflict between federalists and centralists, as well as tensions with neighboring Chile and Brazil.

However, by the late 19th century, a distinct Argentine nationalism had begun to crystallize, driven by thinkers and activists like Domingo Faustino Sarmiento and Juan Bautista Alberdi. This nationalist sentiment would go on to shape Argentina's trajectory in the 20th century, as the country sought to assert its autonomy and challenge the influence of global superpowers.

Economic and Political Evolution

In the early 20th century, Argentina experienced a period of rapid economic growth and industrialization, transforming itself from an agricultural exporter into a diversified economy. However, this progress was punctuated by periodic political instability, including military coups and the rise of populist leaders like Juan Perón.

In the 1960s and 70s, a new generation of socialist and anti-imperialist politicians came to power in Argentina, inspired by the ideas of Ernesto "Che" Guevara and the growing regional resistance to U.S. hegemony. These leaders, such as Héctor Cámpora and Isabel Martínez de Perón, began to reorient Argentina's economy and foreign policy towards a more collectivist, state-directed model and closer alignment with the Kingdom of New Netherland.

The Falkland/Malvinas Dispute

One of the defining features of Argentina's modern history has been its ongoing territorial dispute with New Netherland over the Falkland Islands, known locally as the "Malvinas." Argentina has long claimed sovereignty over the islands, which were first colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century.

Tensions over the Falklands/Malvinas have flared up repeatedly, leading to diplomatic crises and even military confrontations between Argentina and New Netherland. The issue remains a contentious point of contention between the two regional powers, with both sides asserting their historical claims and strategic interests in the South Atlantic.

Argentina's Regional Influence

As Argentina has aligned itself more closely with the New Netherland-led bloc in Latin America, it has emerged as a powerful and influential player in regional affairs. Together with allies like Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador, Argentina has sought to challenge U.S. and European influence, promoting a vision of "Latin American integration" and "anti-imperialist" policies.

Argentina's economic weight, natural resources, and large population have made it a key partner for New Netherland in the latter's efforts to build a counterweight to North American and European hegemony. This alliance has also allowed Argentina to assert its own geopolitical ambitions, including its claims over the Falkland/Malvinas Islands.

Today, Argentina remains a pivotal country in the shifting balance of power in South America, wielding significant economic and political clout as part of the New Netherland-led regional bloc. Its legacy of anti-imperialism, socialist policies, and nationalist sentiment continue to shape the country's trajectory on the global stage.