Ana Lánquez, a Latin America correspondent for The Economist, joins Anton LaGuardia, the diplomatic editor, and Anne Rowe, obituaries editor, to unpack Argentina's surprising election results amid a turbulent economy. They discuss how Sergio Massa outshone expectations against Javier Milei's radical proposals and the factors driving voter behavior. The conversation shifts to the alarming rise of state-sponsored assassinations, tackling moral dilemmas and international implications. Lastly, they reflect on the life of Ofir Libstein, revealing the human story behind political turmoil.
The unexpected victory of Sergio Massa in the first round of the Argentine presidential race highlights the unpredictability of political outcomes and the potential for shifts in public opinion.
The increasing prevalence of cross-border assassinations suggests a concerning erosion of international norms and the potential for state violence, driven by advancements in technology and justifications based on self-defense or counter-terrorism efforts.
Deep dives
Argentina's Presidential Race: Unexpected Turn of Events
The presidential race in Argentina seemed to be dominated by one candidate, Javier Millet, who led in the primaries and pledged radical reforms. However, the incumbent left-wing Peronist movement gained support, with their candidate Sergio Massa coming out on top in the first round of voting. This unexpected turn of events means that Massa and Millet will now go to a run-off election in four weeks' time.
The Rise of Political Killings
There is a growing trend of states becoming bolder in carrying out cross-border political killings. Recent incidents, such as the murder of a Sikh separatist activist in Canada, highlight the erosion of norms against assassination. Factors driving this shift include advancements in travel and drone technology, which make it easier for states to target their enemies abroad. While some countries attempt to justify such actions through legal loopholes like self-defense or the fight against terrorism, this trend raises concerns about double standards and the potential for repressive state violence.
The Dream of Peaceful Coexistence Near Gaza
Ophir Ljubstein, the mayor of Shahar HaNegev in Israel, had a vision of bringing prosperity and peace to his region near Gaza. Despite facing constant rocket attacks and tensions, he believed in the power of economic development and cooperation. Ljubstein aimed to create an industrial zone and provide jobs for both Israelis and Gazans, envisioning a future where the two communities could live together harmoniously. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was killed defending his kibbutz during a Hamas attack, but his dream of peace and coexistence will be remembered.
After dominating the polls for months, Javier Miliei, a right-wing firebrand, was outshone by the candidate from the ruling Peronist administration. We examine why Mr Milei fell so short and the run-off to come. Cross-border assassinations may be rising—and states seem to be more daring in carrying them out (11:46). And remembering Ofir Libstein, an Israeli mayor killed by Hamas (19:30)
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