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Roots of Militarism
Publisher: c/o No Candu for Argentina, Toronto, CanadaYear Published: 1980 Pages: 25pp Resource Type: Article Cx Number: CX2131 Abstract: This article analyses the development of militarism in Argentina from the beginning of the century to the present. The author outlines how Argentina has undergone a steadily increasing process of militarization to the point where the military today argue that a long stay in power is the only "permanent" solution; according to this author this 'solution' is bent on stopping the workers from seizing power. From 1966 to 1971 the military and security budget in Argentina tripled. In 1973 General Lanusse "decided to buy CANDU technology from Canada as a safe way to develop a nuclear weapons capability, 'without the world noticing it'". when completed in 1982, the CANDU will provide the material equivalent of thirty-five Hiroshima-type bombs. The author claims that the repression unleashed through the Videla regime, beginning March 1976, has a central goal of destroying the Argentine trade movement. Argentina now spends more money on arms than any other Latin American country. Its military budget has increased 400% since 1976. In 1979 this amounted to almost $2 billion, or six times the health and education budget. The author argues that Argentina poses a major threat to peace on the American continent particularly because of its military support to Bolivia, Guatemala and EI Salvador. The author has published two other articles dealing with Argentina militarism. The first article provides documented information about the Argentine military industry; the second article reflects upon the possibility of a treaty between South Africa and Latin American 'Southern Cone' countries. The author argues that this pact, the South Atlantic Treaty Organization, could pose a tremendous threat to world peace in addition to blocking liberation process in South Africa and Latin America. Subject Headings |