In brief
Milei's withdrawal mirrors Trump’s stance against international norms, portraying the W.H.O. as a vehicle for “social control.”
In a bold move echoing the policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei has announced Argentina's withdrawal from the World Health Organization (W.H.O.). This decision is part of Milei's broader strategy to redefine Argentina's relationships on the global stage, breaking away from established alliances. Milei condemned the W.H.O. for what he deemed draconian lockdown measures during the pandemic, labeling it an "enforcement arm" for a large-scale "social control experiment." Reflecting on Trump's early presidency, which also included a decision to withdraw from the W.H.O., Milei’s statements strike a combative tone against international health governance. His criticisms of the W.H.O. are not new; they date back to a 2020 book where he argued against pandemic measures. Nonetheless, the timing of his withdrawal runs parallel with Trump's previous actions, positioning both nations as outliers within the global health community, alongside Liechtenstein, already outside of U.N. health alliances. Milei's stance signifies a pivotal shift in Argentina’s political alignment, prioritizing nationalistic rhetoric over traditional diplomatic ties, even if it means distancing the country from historical partners.
