The rivalry between Argentina and Chile: two countries that (basically) look a lot like

Chile and Argentina have a history of social, political but also tense and complicated military relations. On the albiceleste side, it is recalled with suspicion that in 1817, the Argentine general Jose de San Martín commanded a large part of the revolutionary troops that defeated the Spanish colonizers in Chile, as well as Argentina and Peru, where they finalized their contribution to continental liberation. against the European empire.

Centuries later, it was learned that the Chilean authorities had collaborated openly with the United Kingdom in the Falklands War of 1982, which, to this day, is considered treason to the neighboring nation, which has suddenly lost , although few Argentines Chile was also under a military dictatorship at the time. Margaret Thatcher herself, former British Prime Minister, thanked in 1999 the former South American dictator, Augusto Pinochet, "for the information, communication and welcome" that his country had offered to the British forces during the war with the neighboring country, words that still resonate like a dagger in the back in Buenos Aires.

Historical boundary problem

However, in Chile, they also use arguments to explain this old enmity. The essential is the territorial delimitation: the idea still exists that Argentina is left with much of Patagonia by means of extortion. According to Chilean historian Rolando Rojas, border tension almost sparked a war between the two nations in 1878, but the elite and ruling clbades of Santiago were more concerned about what happened to them. In 1879, the Pacific War broke out against Bolivia and Peru.

At that time, the Argentine authorities took advantage of Chile's lack of interest in developing the so-called Desert Campaign, extending its control over the south of the country until it was mainly inhabited by indigenous communities and murdering all aboriginals who opposed it. The military game went off perfectly and the Argentine state was expanded by force.

In 1881, the Argentine presence in Patagonia was considerable, despite the fact that, in the newspapers, Chile had more arguments to claim its territorial possession. However, fearing that Buenos Aires would participate in the Pacific War against him, Santiago was forced to sign a border treaty in which he recognized the Andes as a binational border: Argentina added huge portions of land and has become one of the largest countries in the world thanks to enormous diplomatic and military pressure, but this is not taught in any local school.

Over the years, friction continued, and at the end of 1978, an almost warlike conflict developed over the sovereignty of the Beagle Channel, in the far south, involving the administration of some strategic islands. . The situation was so extreme that the Vatican had to intervene between the two dictatorships until a peace and friendship agreement was signed in 1984.

The next chapter on these troubled neighbors of the "South American quarter" is that of the sportsman: Chile won the Copa América of Argentine football in the final of 2015 and 2016, both by penalties, a situation that guaranteed all kinds of ridiculous to the fans. Albicelestes. Just walk around with an Argentine shirt on the streets of the Chilean capital so that a santiaguino can remember those football feats, jokes included. It's the same in Buenos Aires if red jerseys appear because they did not qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

More coincidences than we think

Nevertheless, there is also good relationship between people: friendships, family or professional ties are reflected on both sides of the mountain range that divides states. In fact, thousands of Argentines and Chileans cross the mountain range permanently, as tourists, buyers of different products or simple adventurers looking for beautiful scenery. In other words, there are several habits and characteristics common to both territories, because Argentina and Chile are more alike than they seem. Then we review some common points.

Bebibas and meals

* MateIt's hard to find an Argentinian who does not take this typical yerba-based infioplatense infusion, and it's not new. However, it has already become a habit for some residents of Chilean Patagonia and the country's capital.

* WineThe production of this grape beverage is of high quality on both sides of the mountain range and both countries export their production to the rest of the world.

* EmpanadasIt is a very popular food in these countries, but in Chile they are much bigger. In fact, with one or two units, the guest might feel satisfied. While baked in Argentina predominates, with flavors such as meat, chicken or ham and cheese, fried empanadas abound in Chile, with tastes such as seafood and molluscs.

* RoastArgentines and Chileans have the habit of meeting friends and family to eat a good dose of meat on the grill, according to some sort of ritual, although the modes of preparation are different. In Argentina, it should be noted that this practice is more frequent.

Culture

* Music: the production of folklore is a common point, even if each region has its peculiarities. In turn, both countries have their own cumbia groups. On the other hand, Argentine rock is very popular in Chile, but this does not happen in reverse, with few exceptions.

* SoccerSporting pbadion transcends borders and in both countries we live with great emotion. However, social tensions between countries are often repeated in the galleries and on the ground.

Politics

* GovernmentThe two states are led by center-right parties, with Sebastián Piñera and Mauricio Macri, who have good relations. Similarly, in previous administrations, they were governed by the center left, recognizing that the two representatives, Michelle Bachelet and Cristina Kirchner, were women.

* DictatorshipChile first and Argentina later suffered from the military dictatorships of the 1970s that resulted in thousands of murders, missing and political prisoners. Some economic models continue today.

* MapuchesIndigenous resistance, with its territorial claim, is active throughout Patagonia, encompbading both states.

There are reasons to hear.

Leandro Lutzky, RT.