Argentinian President, Javier Milei, is set to meet with some of the most influential names in the tech industry this week as part of his efforts to enhance Argentina’s international standing. The far-right libertarian leader has private discussions planned with prominent figures such as Sundar Pichai of Google, Sam Altman of OpenAI, Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, and Tim Cook of Apple.
Milei’s outreach to tech leaders is a key component of his broader strategy to cultivate international alliances and boost Argentina’s global profile. Despite grappling with domestic economic challenges and widespread protests against government austerity measures, Milei has prioritised international diplomacy, making multiple visits to the US and undertaking eight foreign tours since assuming office, a record for Argentinian presidents.
Elected as an outsider with a reputation for unconventional behaviour and extreme policy proposals, including substantial cuts to government ministries, Milei has succeeded in attracting the attention and support of influential figures in the tech sector. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, for instance, has been an outspoken proponent of Milei, endorsing his pro-deregulation and anti-social justice message on Twitter. Musk has also held multiple meetings with Milei and has expressed interest in Argentina’s lithium deposits, which are crucial for modern batteries.
The upcoming meetings in Silicon Valley come on the heels of a recent stadium event in Buenos Aires, where Milei promoted his book and showcased his charismatic personality by performing with a live rock band while attributing Argentina’s economic woes to “enemies who want socialism and misery to continue.” These activities, along with his support for far-right political movements in other countries, have sparked concerns among human rights organisations.
Despite tech giants such as Google and Facebook previously positioning themselves as proponents of democracy, there is a growing trend towards depoliticisation within these major platforms. For example, Google recently faced internal upheaval over a contract with Israel’s government and military, prompting CEO Sundar Pichai to underscore that the company is not a venue for political debates or contentious issues.
As Argentina’s president expands his influence in the tech world, it is evident that his unconventional approach and alliances are generating interest and scrutiny both domestically and internationally. The impact of these engagements with Silicon Valley leaders on Argentina’s economic and political landscape remains to be seen.