A Synthesis of an Inclusive and Unified Argentina: Insights from the New Book by Martín Redrado and José Urtubey
Title: Federally Forward: Martin Redrado and Jose Urtubey's Call for a New Federal Argentina
The argument is clear: True federalism is the key to substantial development, argue authors Martin Redrado and José Urtubey in their recently published book, "Argentina Federal: Territorial Balance for Socioeconomic Development."
Readers will have the chance to delve into their ideas at the Buenos Aires Book Fair, scheduled for Friday, May 2, at 7 p.m., in the Victoria Ocampo Room. Journalist Luciana Geuna will lead the discussion. Before this event, our website, Culture, had a chance to chat with the duo.
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The duo's publication emphasizes the necessity of genuine federalism for Argentina to achieve equitable development. Concentrating resources in specific regions has left many provinces on the sidelines, hindering their advancement and the nation’s growth as a whole. Redrado and Urtubey propose an alternative, a new framework for resource sharing and a tax overhaul to correct these discrepancies. Their vision guarantees territorial harmony and fuels national progress.
Martín Redrado is an alumnus of Harvard, holding a Master's in Administration, and the director of Fundación Capital. He is a senior leadership fellow at the Adam Smith Institute of Florida International University, having previously served as president of the Central Bank, vice-chancellor, and a member of the WTO dispute settlement tribunal, to name a few positions. In 2020, Redrado published "Argentina primero," his sixth book.
Jose Urtubey is an attorney at Universidad Católica Argentina, boasting a Master's in Administrative Law and a specialization in Constitutional Law from Universidad Austral. He served as vice-president of the Argentine Industrial Union (UIA) and was awarded a merit diploma by the Konex Foundation in 2018.
The questions you're wondering about: How the idea for writing a book together came about?
-José Urtubey: Teaming up with Martin, based on shared analyses in our professional work, we decided to put our ideas into print and contribute to Argentina's development agenda on a pressing issue. Our diverse perspectives complement each other, forming a strong foundation for the national debate.
-Martín Redrado: For many years, José and I have exchanged viewpoints and opinions on Argentina's socio-economic situation in our numerous conferences. From our countless discussions, we decided to take action with a public proposal that aims to facilitate the future development our country needs.
The question you keep asking yourself: Why is it so important to consider an Argentina that embraces federalism and departs from the current system?
-M.R.: Argentina Federal paves the way for an integrated country that unlocks opportunities for every Argentinian to flourish in their native land. With José, we have collaborated with our technical teams for over two years and managed to outline concrete and executable proposals to ensure the equitable distribution of resources, resulting in sustainable and inclusive growth.
-J.U.: It is crucial. Argentina has made strides in representativeness and republicanism and faces the challenge of advancing in federalism, particularly in economic matters, to harmonize its development and attract sustainable investments.
The question that keeps you up at night: Are you optimistic about Argentina's future?
-J.U.: Yes, I am optimistic because Argentina possesses abundant natural resources and currently maintains a good educational level. By respecting the National Constitution, we will create appropriate institutions that will allow the country to develop, benefiting both current and future generations.
-M.R.: Despite the present global instability, global megatrends in energy and food security, as well as new production chains, offer Australia a springboard that combined with a federal development strategy like the one we propose in our book, shall unlock an integrated and inclusive Argentina.
Don't miss these Book Fair highlights: Festival of the Book 2025 Program: All Activities on April 30 | A Year Without Paul Auster: Siri Hustvedt's Love Letter to Literature | Javier Cercas and Urgent Discussions, Live on Our Website from the Book Fair
Topics on the Radar:
-José Urtubey | -Martín Redrado | -Culture | -Book Fair | -Book Fair 2025 Argentina | -Buenos Aires International Book Fair | -Economy | -Federal Argentina
- The authors of "Argentina Federal: Territorial Balance for Socioeconomic Development", Martin Redrado and Jose Urtubey, argue that true federalism is essential for Argentina to achieve equitable development.
- The duo proposes a new framework for resource sharing and a tax overhaul to correct the discrepancies between regions in Argentina, ensuring territorial harmony and fuelling national progress.
- Martin Redrado, who holds a Master's in Administration from Harvard and is the director of Fundacion Capital, and Jose Urtubey, an attorney with a Master's in Administrative Law and a specialization in Constitutional Law, teamed up to contribute to Argentina's development agenda.
- Both authors are optimistic about Argentina's future, believing that with appropriate institutions and a federal development strategy, the country can overcome its challenges and unlock an integrated and inclusive Argentina.
