El Menemato

the long version

"Seven hostile essays examine the negative aspects of Menem's first two years in office. Describe Menem's populist electoral campaign from his caravan, the menemovil and the economic crisis that forced Alfonsín to turn over power early. Then essays contrast Menem's 'man of the people' political style with the corruption that pervades his government and the harsh economic consequences of neoliberalism. Also evaluate his pardons of convicted military chiefs and his pro-US foreign policy. Authors are puzzled by Menem's continued popularity and are alarmed by what they perceive to be a decline into barbarism"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 57.