Neoliberalism in Dispute: The Debate on Market Economy and Dictatorship in Argentina, 1976–83

The article examines the debate surrounding the economic measures introduced by the Argentine Minister of Economy José A. Martínez de Hoz during Jorge Rafael Videla’s dictatorship. It analyzes the contrasting perspectives of liberal-conservative intellectuals, neoliberals, businessmen, and members of the economic ministry regarding the definition and implementation of neoliberalism during that period. The study demonstrates that, despite disagreements over the enacted economic reforms, the regime’s supporters shared a common vision of the dictatorship as the essential tool to dismantle the economic and social structures established under Peronism and to facilitate the transition to a market economy. By highlighting this convergence, the article underscores the inherently authoritarian nature of the early neoliberal projects in Argentina.