Marco Vernaschi • THE LAND OF NEVER AFTER
The Land Of Never After delves into Argentina’s cyclical political landscape, marked by its perpetual swings between populist governments and extreme ideologies. Through the lens of the iconic Gaucho culture and its enduring values, the series examines the stark contrast between Argentina’s foundational principles of social equality, unity and harmony with nature, and the divisive populist rhetoric that dominates today.
Marco Vernaschi • THE LAND OF NEVER AFTER
In Argentina, time seems to flow in loops rather than a straight line, endlessly circling back on itself. A look at the past two centuries reveals a familiar rhythm: a pendulum swinging between populist governments on opposite ends of the political spectrum. While political alternation is often a sign of a healthy democracy, Argentina’s version is distinct—marked by drastic ideological shifts that disrupt any path toward sustained stability.
Marco Vernaschi • THE LAND OF NEVER AFTER
Is it a spell? A curse? A quantum anomaly? Though it’s tempting to explain this pattern through the lens of Argentina’s chronic economic crises, that approach only scratches the surface. The real answer may lie deeper—in the unresolved societal tensions embedded in its historical and cultural DNA, and the enduring cycle of political polarization.
Marco Vernaschi · THE LAND OF NEVER AFTER
Far from Buenos Aires’ urban rush, in the northwestern province of Jujuy, lies the Quebrada de Humahuaca—an enchanted valley of breathtaking landscapes and deep cultural roots. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its name stems from the Omaguacas, an Indigenous people who settled here over 10,000 years ago. “Humahuaca” means “sacred waters,” symbolizing transformation without change.
Marco Vernaschi • THE LAND OF NEVER AFTER
Beyond its evocative name, the valley holds a profound historical legacy. It is the birthplace of Argentina’s most iconic cultural figure: the gaucho. First emerging as guerrilla fighters in the War of Independence (1810–1818), gauchos became symbols of resilience and freedom. Their legend was immortalized in El Gaucho Martín Fierro (1872) by José Hernández, a literary masterpiece that cemented their place in Argentina’s national identity.
Marco Vernaschi • THE LAND OF NEVER AFTER
Written as a protest poem, Martín Fierro tells the story of a gaucho stripped of his freedom and identity by sweeping social and economic changes. Hernández’s masterpiece, a response to decades of inequality and exploitation by landowners and the ruling elite, critiques the so-called “Policy of Progress” and the hardships imposed on rural communities by government-driven cultural shifts.
Marco Vernaschi • THE LAND OF NEVER AFTER
Today, under self-identified anarcho-capitalist president Javier Milei, Argentina faces a new chapter in its long cycle of upheaval. His populist government has declared a “cultural war” on social equality, human rights, environmentalism, and pluralism. After decades of corruption and economic decline under previous populist policies, Milei’s rhetoric of division—paired with his promise of a market-driven society devoid of social spending—has resonated with a nation in crisis. Yet, as his radical ultra-libertarian experiment unfolds, Argentina’s historical pendulum seems poised for yet another swing.
Marco Vernaschi • THE LAND OF NEVER AFTER
In these turbulent times, the legacy of gaucho culture remains as vital as ever, embodying Argentina’s core values: social equality, national unity, and harmony with nature. These principles, deeply woven into the country’s identity, echo the ideals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda—values Javier Milei has condemned as the “woke cancer.”
Marco Vernaschi • THE LAND OF NEVER AFTER
By celebrating gaucho culture, The Land of Never After upholds the timeless pursuit of a just, equal, and sustainable society. Fearless and universal, the gaucho epic stands as a symbol of freedom, compassion, and solidarity. In a world darkened by hatred, denialism, and greed, their spirit calls us to defend justice, empathy, and coexistence.
Marco Vernaschi • THE LAND OF NEVER AFTER
