ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the long-standing influence of the Argentine military on government and society, which culminated in its return in disgrace to the barracks in 1983. It discusses the democratically elected successor regime of Raul Alfonsín, and the prospects for a depoliticized military in Argentina. The public’s disgust at the conduct of the Dirty War was a major factor in growing disrespect for the military and its ultimate withdrawal from power. As with most other Latin American nations, military government in Argentina can hardly be considered a deviation from the “norm” of civilian rule. Though the military accepted the Radicals election, some officers soon grew uneasy with what was seen as efforts to denigrate professionalism in their ranks. Distrust among the officer ranks encouraged the formation of secret military societies and factionalism flourished. The invasion of the Falkland/Malvinas islands initially did restore a degree of national unity.
