Building Democracy Across Borders: How Transnational Non-State Actors Became Forces for Global Democratization in Argentina’s Pursuit of Justice

Abstract

During the last military dictatorship in Argentina, also called the Proceso de Reorganización Nacional (National Reorganization Process, 1976-1983), General Jorge Rafael Videla and the other members of the leading juntas sought to subdue the extremist violence that had built up over several decades. Yet, the junta used its mandate to persecute “subversive elements” that it saw as threats to its ideal of a Western and Christian society: political opposition, intellectuals, students, religious minorities, and even apolitical citizens. In this brutal repression operation, also referred to as the Guerra Sucia – the Dirty War – the military government abducted, “disappeared,” tortured, and killed an estimated 30,000 people. After a defeat in the Falklands/Malvinas War, the junta was replaced by Raúl Alfonsín’s elected civilian government in 1983, which implemented a series of policies designed to bring truth, justice, and accountability – core to a concept scholars call “transitional justice” – to Argentina. This effort, which included the creation of a truth commission, the prosecution of perpetrators of repression, and the reparation of victims, was essential for the construction of a new, legitimate, and robust democracy. Through transitional justice, the government sought to repair the social ruptures caused by the Dirty War and ensure that the human rights violations would not happen again. While Alfonsin and his successor Carlos Menem facilitated a period of impunity between the late 1980s and the early 1990s, the pursuit of truth, justice, and accountability continues to this day. While the role of domestic dynamics in this process has been studied extensively, this thesis seeks to uncover the role of other valuable players: transnational non-state actors. These organizations, which transcend boundaries to enact change, are crucial in a world governed by international norms. Thus, my thesis investigates the question: How did transnational non-state actors help promote truth, justice, and accountability throughout the Argentine democratization process? By focusing on three types of transnational non-state actors, regional human rights bodies, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and philanthropic foundations, this research highlights the mechanisms used by these organizations to promote transitional justice and democracy from abroad – both during and after the National Reorganization Process. To achieve this, I explore archival material and secondary sources, supplemented by a variety of expert interviews. Ultimately, I argue that by elevating the Argentine human rights situation into the global public sphere, supporting domestic activity, and pressuring both the Argentine and foreign governments to uphold international norms, transnational non-state actors effectively fostered truth, justice, accountability, and democracy. This research is particularly important in the current era of democratic backsliding, in which elected leaders are consolidating power, eliminating protections for rights, and questioning international norms. I argue that by implementing policies to weaken transnational non-state actors, leaders are tacitly eliminating a fundamental democratic safeguard. By strengthening transnational non-state actors from within, it will be possible to counteract this trend and preserve democracy.