The David McWilliams Podcast Australia, Argentina & Ireland: A Tale of Three Economies
18 snips
Nov 4, 2025 Explore the contrasting journeys of Australia and Argentina, two nations that began with similar potential but took divergent paths. Discover how Australia's pragmatic policies shaped its prosperity, while Argentina's populism led to economic turmoil. The discussion reveals lessons for Ireland, delving into the risks of government spending and growing bureaucracy. With a nod to political shifts and global influences, the episode raises critical questions about the future of these economies and the potential pitfalls for Ireland.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Divergent Paths From Similar Starts
- Argentina and Australia started similarly wealthy but diverged due to policy choices.
- By 1950s policy shifts led Australia to steady prosperity and Argentina to long-term decline.
The SS Dresden And Mass Migration
- David paints the 1889 SS Dresden voyage carrying 1,795 third-class Irish immigrants to Buenos Aires.
- He uses this to show mass European migration built Argentina’s population and promise.
Perón’s Corporatism Broke Market Discipline
- Juan Perón adopted corporatist, Mussolini-inspired economic models and populist politics.
- Peronism expanded the state, weakened market discipline, and undermined productivity growth.
