The Americas | Military Mileise

Javier Milei is splurging on the army

Many Argentines are asking why

Argentinian soldiers perform during military parade.
Photograph: Getty Images

Self-proclaimed anarcho-capitalists ought to be sceptical of large standing armies. President Javier Milei of Argentina seems to relish them. Even as he tightens the government purse, he has committed to raising defence spending from 0.5% of GDP to 2% over the next eight years. He vows to “restore the prestige” of the army and transform it into a hi-tech force.

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This article appeared in the The Americas section of the print edition under the headline “Javier Milei’s military splurge”

From the August 24th 2024 edition

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Close up of  Javier Milei.

Entrevista con Javier Milei, presidente de Argentina

Transcripción de su encuentro con nuestro corresponsal

Javier Milei speaks into a microphone.

An interview with Javier Milei, Argentina’s president

A transcript of his meeting with our journalist


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