Martín Mosquera, The Meaning of Milei
NLR 155, September–October 2025
With Latin America in President Trump's crosshairs, a report from Buenos Aires examines the social deadlock that enabled far-right firebrand Javier Milei to implement the harshest shock therapy in Argentina’s history. Mosquera draws on the ideas of Gramsci, Trotsky, Otto Bauer, and Angelo Tasca to analyze the role of the region’s influential new right-wing movements.
“I am the king and I will destroy you—all of the castas feed my appetite,”
Javier Milei shouted at his victory rally following Argentina’s legislative elections on 26 October 2025.
His party’s victory was not guaranteed. After nearly two years in office, the far-right, self-proclaimed anarcho-capitalist had controlled the rampant inflation. However, as the dollar gained strength from July 2025, increasing economic pressure on Argentinians, Milei’s approval ratings began to decline.
Context and Analysis
- Milei’s shock therapy measures represent the most severe economic restructuring in Argentina’s history.
- The far-right's rise reflects broad social frustration amid persistent economic instability.
- Mosquera situates Milei within a tradition of radical right movements influenced by historical thinkers.
Despite early economic improvements, mounting hardships due to currency fluctuations have challenged Milei's popularity and political standing.
Author’s summary: Martín Mosquera highlights how Javier Milei’s extreme right-wing economic policies emerged from Argentina's social deadlock, influenced by historical radical thinkers.