ABSTRACT
Recurrent patterns of conflict and consensus provide the environment for foreign policy formulation, bridging the gap between civilian and military governments. The dominance of presidents over foreign policy reinforces the tradition of the “strong executive” and the tendency to attempt to make policy within a restricted inner circle operating in secrecy or semi-secrecy. The style of leadership and personal preferences of each of Argentina’s recent presidents affect the decision-making process and content of foreign policy, and illustrate the role of the office. Argentine foreign policy is very much a function of the character and intentions of the sitting president. Economy ministers play a co-equal and sometimes superior role to foreign ministers in making foreign policy. Under noncrisis conditions the military participates in foreign policy formation through several established channels. The Foreign Ministry implements most foreign policy decisions, including economic agreements concluded by the economy minister.
