1 I was honored to speak with Lehigh University’s Martindale Student Associates when they were beginning their research studies focused on my home country, Argentina. I am touched that young people, in particular emerging leaders such as the Martindale students, are sincerely interested in learning about the pais that I love and represent as General Consul at the Consulate General of Argentina in New York. I learned then that in normal years the Martindale students and faculty mentors would have traveled to our proud nation to explore in person the economic, social, and political topics of their research. While I am saddened that global circumstances made it impossible for them (yet!) to experience Argentina’s beauty and vibrant culture first-hand, I am impressed that despite the barriers the students persevered to develop the compelling articles contained in this volume. Heartfelt felicidades to the young scholars for their dedication to tackling some of the most important and vexing issues in my country. Our President Dr. Alberto Fernández, speaking to the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly late in 2020, remarked, “The way out of the pandemic and towards the objectives of the 2030 Agenda, requires promoting economic, industrial and social policies aimed at the structural change of our economies.” He mentioned Argentina’s commitments to environmental sustainability, economic productivity and job creation, health, education, equality, and—above everything else—human rights. It is impressive that the articles in this volume address every one of those mentioned by the President. The range of topics is remarkable, from the environmental, economic, and social impacts of the agriculture, energy, and extractive industries; to mitigating poverty and food insecurity and improving infant health; to the power of the media. As I write this, much of the worldwide attention is focused, for obvious reasons, on the near term—the pandemic and its consequences. Like all nations, Argentina has been hard hit, exacerbating the challenges addressed in these articles. These researchers, refreshingly and uniformly, have taken a longer view that is hopeful in seeking ways to foster progress across all of Argentina’s many dimensions. As is natural in academic fields, the views, thoughts, information, and opinions expressed in the following articles belong solely to the authors and to the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent the opinions or views of this Consulate General. Nevertheless, I am glad to see how many young, talented people are interested in my country and grateful to Martindale for picking Argentina as the subject of this volume, which surely will be helpful to overcome our challenges with the insights and recommendations that have emerged from the deep looks by these outside eyes and bright minds. I also believe in the importance of this type of initiative to promote mutual knowledge of our countries, with mutual benefits. I close with a sincere wish and welcoming invitation: that all these scholars will be able to visit sooner rather than later and at last be fully immersed in the wonders of Argentina. Son todos bienvenidos. Vengan pronto. Santiago Villalba General Consul Consulate General of Argentina in New York INTRODUCTION
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