Is Britain still fighting the Falklands War?

“Same old Argies — always cheating.” The traditional chant of English football fans captures something of the relationship between Britain and Argentina. There’s irritation but also a tone of shoulder-shrugging resignation, an acceptance of the shenanigans you expect from an incorrigible family member. Not a close family member, mind, more like a slightly flashy ex-brother-in-law who’s good company until he gets a bit too drunk and who never quite buys his round. But family, nonetheless. Although Argentina wasn’t part of the British Empire, there have long been strong ties between the countries. British investment in the second half of the 19th century largely drove the Argentine economy as it became a major global player, with most of the infrastructure — banking, railways, shipping — Bri