Latin American Business Environments: The Case of Argentina

In this course, you explore the business environment of Argentina within the broader regional context of Latin America. Your initial focus is on the historical evolution of the broader political economy of Latin America and Argentina up to 1990. You review the era of export-led development from 1850 to 1914 during which Argentina outperformed its neighbors before examining the inward-looking development paradigm pursued from the 1930s through the 1970s. During this era, Argentina underperformed the other leading Latin American economies.

Beginning in the 1990s with the process of globalization, companies rushed to trade with and invest in countries throughout the world, including the emerging markets of Latin America - particularly Argentina - which became a favored destination of foreign investors. Then in 2001-2002 the Argentine currency collapsed, provoking a deep economic downturn affecting all of Latin America. Beginning in 2003, however, Latin American economies began a sustained economic recovery that lasted five years. In some respects, Argentina performed very well during the recovery and foreign capital flows began to return, although with hesitation given the volatility that seemed to define its political economy.

During the second half of the term, you turn your attention to the key components of the contemporary business environment. As Latin America emerges from the downturn provoked by the 2008-2009 global financial crisis and recession, investors are again turning with interest to Argentina. But its erratic business history demonstrates the importance of understanding the particulars of its special business climate. Companies today are looking to hire young professionals with the background knowledge and intercultural skills appropriate for operating effectively in such challenging and changing environments. Taking full advantage of its Buenos Aires location - the hub of Argentine commercial activity - this course helps prepare you for careers related to Argentina and the rest of Latin America and gives you a competitive advantage in building professional expertise in Latin American business.