Even before Argentine President-designate Reynaldo Bignone announced that banned political parties could resume their activities this week, the most powerful mass movement in modern Argentine history was once again stirring. Peronism, a cult of nationalism, populism and social welfare fostered by the late Juan Domingo Perón, has been a force in Argentina since the mid-1940s. Twice, from 1946 to 1955 and briefly in 1973 and 1974, its founder held power. Twice also, according to the movement's critics, Peronism brought Argentina to the brink of ruin. Yet so strong is the creed's appeal, especially among lower and working classes, that most political...
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