Behind the News: Argentina's New President w/ Jacqueline Behrend
Jan 15, 2024
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Political scientist Jacqueline Behrend examines Argentina's new president, Javier Milei, discussing the consequences of radical deregulation and currency devaluation. Benjamin Fong explores Americans' love-hate relationship with drugs, discussing drug consumption rates and the history of anti-drug crusades.
Argentina's president, Javier Milei, governs by decree and aims to implement radical policies of deregulation and devaluation, leading to economic turmoil and inflation.
Americans have a high consumption of psychoactive drugs, with a historical shift in drug policy from prohibition to medicalization, highlighting the need for comprehensive healthcare and addressing underlying social problems.
The CIA's involvement in drug operations reveals the geopolitical significance of controlling drug flows and the dark consequences of such engagement.
Deep dives
The Rise of Libertarian Authoritarian Leaders in Argentina
Argentina's new president, Javier Malay, presents himself as a libertarian but is also authoritarian. Lacking a majority in Congress, Malay rules by decree and aims to implement radical policies of deregulation and devaluation. However, these policies have led to intensified inflation and economic turmoil, with estimates of December's inflation around 30%. Malay's political party has a small minority in Congress, leading to challenges in passing his ambitious agenda. The use of presidential decrees, including deregulation and privatization measures, has drawn criticism for bypassing the legislative process. Malay's popularity, although initially high, may decline as people begin to feel the negative effects of his policies on their daily lives.
The Evolution of Psychoactive Drug Use in America
Americans have shown a strong propensity for using psychoactive drugs, consuming as much as 80% of some major drugs despite comprising only about 4-5% of the world's population. Americans use drugs to enhance productivity, cope with stress, and as an escape. The history of drug use in America includes the rise and decline of certain drugs, such as tobacco, which has seen a significant decrease in consumption. The drug policy in America has shifted from moralistic prohibition to medicalization, focusing on the individual as diseased rather than addressing larger social factors. However, the effectiveness of medications like antidepressants has been questioned, highlighting the need to address underlying social problems and provide comprehensive healthcare and stable employment opportunities.
The Involvement of the CIA in Drug Operations
The CIA has been involved in various drug-related activities, such as supporting opium-growing in anti-communist resistance areas. They have also been associated with the MKUltra program, which aimed to gain control over the human mind using psychedelics. The CIA's role in drug operations is complex and spans different drugs and contexts. Their involvement reveals the geopolitical significance of controlling drug flows and the often dark consequences of such engagement.
The Historical and Cultural Significance of Amphetamines
Amphetamines, particularly in the form of benzodrine, had a significant impact on American society, especially during World War II, when they were issued to soldiers. Amphetamines were widely used for weight loss, performance enhancement, and as mood lifters. The normalization of amphetamines continued throughout the post-war period until the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Today, amphetamines are prescribed for conditions like ADHD. The use and perception of amphetamines reflect the American pursuit of productivity and the desire for self-improvement.
Towards a Nuanced Approach to Drug Policy
A comprehensive approach to drug policy should include decriminalization, harm reduction, and eliminating mandatory minimums. However, these measures alone are not enough without addressing larger social issues, such as providing stable employment and an equitable healthcare system. Creating conditions for material prosperity, good jobs, and access to healthcare can help foster a free and informed relationship with drugs. Reducing social stressors and enhancing the overall well-being of individuals should be central to drug policy reform.
Political scientist Jacqueline Behrend examines Argentina’s new president, Javier Milei. Then Benjamin Fong, author of Quick Fixes, talks about Americans’ love-hate relationship with drugs.
Behind the News, hosted by Doug Henwood, covers the worlds of economics and politics and their complex interactions, from the local to the global. Find the archive at leftbusinessobserver.com/radio.html.
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