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Why did the Argentine military junta engage in such brutal state terrorism? How did this war spread?
Between 1976 and 1983, Argentina's military junta carried out a state-terrorist campaign known as the "Dirty War." The campaign mainly targeted political dissidents considered to be associated with socialism, left-wing Peronism or the Montoneros movement, resulting in approximately 22,000 to 30,000 people killed or missing. This history not only reveals the military regime's brutality against dissidents, but also reflects the close ties between the military and the far right.
The movement's main targets included communist guerrillas and their sympathizers, but also included students, social activists, trade unionists, writers, journalists and any citizen suspected of supporting left-wing activities.
Event background
In the 1960s and early 1970s, Argentina experienced intense political instability. Over the years, the conflict over Peronism and constant intervention by the military and government led to divisions in society. The military initially tried to overthrow the regime of President Juan Peron, and then launched a coup in 1976, claiming to establish a "national reorganization process" to completely target any potential opposition.
During the movement, government military and security forces carried out mass arrests, torture and enforced disappearances, creating a network of secret concentration camps for hundreds of people, many of whom are still missing.
The military government’s methods
The tactics of Argentina's military government include the use of death squads and enforced disappearances. In so-called "death flights", many captured opponents were abducted and thrown into the South Atlantic. These tactics are not only used against armed rebels, but also against any suspected social activist.
In an experiment on victims, former Navy captain Adolf Skiringo revealed the brutality of the military, noting that the military at the time "did more terrible things than the Nazis."
International relations and economic collapse
Following economic collapse, public dissatisfaction and the failure of the Falklands War, the military government's prestige was severely damaged. In 1978, as the economic crisis deepened and public dissatisfaction with the government grew, the military government had to face the reality of ending its rule.
Many former members of the junta are currently on trial for crimes against humanity and genocide, demonstrating the drive for accountability for past crimes.
Democracy restoration and legal changes
In 1983, democracy was restored in Argentina and an investigation into the conduct of the "dirty war" began. The government of Raoul Alfonsín set up a special agency to uncover the truth and held public trials about the past terrorist activities. Despite the ever-present threat from the military, the previous government continued its efforts to pursue culpability and brought many to justice.
Conclusion
The legacy of the "Dirty War" is still affecting Argentine culture and society. The motivations and consequences behind all this are worthy of everyone's thinking and reflection. After all, how many innocent lives have been sacrificed in the name of pursuing social order?
