For decades, Argentina has confused analysts living beyond its borders. The country boasts a higher standard of living than can be found in most of its South American neighbors, but its economy can't seem to maintain a boom for very long before it busts. Many have tried to explain this history of growth in fits and starts by pointing to a propensity for populism among Argentina's politicians. But an understanding of geopolitics shows that there's much more to the story — and to the country's future — than an economy doomed to underperform. Cut Off From Consumers Argentina's location has played no small part in shaping its modern trade relationships. Situated at the southern tip of the South American continent, the country is geographically isolated from most of the world's major markets.