This chapter will analyze Argentinean structures and patterns of interaction observed at the regional level in applied terms from the perspective of lagging regions. For reasons of space, the emphasis is on the geographic structure of the population and its dynamics. The subjection of aspects of the center-periphery relationship also forms part of the discussion. This discussion takes place within the already unbalanced Argentine macro-fiscal context, which generates uneven capacities and structures to absorb and deal with aggregated dynamics. The main characteristics of the regional and urban structure are defined through a series of fundamental variables, such as population, centrality, and diversity.
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This paper will analyze Argentinean structures, and patterns of interaction observed at the regional level in applied terms, from the perspective of lagging regions. For reasons of space, the emphasis is on the geographic structure of the population and its dynamics. The subjection of aspects of the center-periphery relationship (Krugman, 1991; Prebisch, 1980) also forms part of the discussion. This discussion takes place within the already unbalanced Argentine macro-fiscal context, which generates uneven capacities and structures to absorb and deal with aggregated dynamics. The main characteristics of the regional and urban structure are defined through a series of fundamental variables, such as population, centrality, and diversity (Acemoglu, Johnson & Robinson, 2001). Each of the variables, taken separately, are affected by the participation and composition of each urban settlement in the system. Within this regional structure, the identification of entities regarding their importance and role as centers within the local context, with their hierarchical and functional relations, constitute one of the pillars for an adequate territorial diagnosis for subsequent planning (Obstfeld, Peri, Blanchard, & Fatás, 1998).
The ideas of regional hierarchies and the retention of surpluses are decisive in the center-peripheral relations and the new economic geography (Camagni, 2005). These, in turn, are conditioned by structural elements of the Argentine subnational regime. This paper focuses on urban and regional hierarchical relationships, and dynamic retention/expulsion/absorption relationships concentrate on census population data. It concludes with an analysis of hierarchical relations and spheres of influence within the province of Chaco, as input for regional planning schemes. This report forms part of a complementary applied research agenda with axes in the role of the intergovernmental transfer regime and its effect on complex productive structures, absorption capacities and the relative dynamics of productivity (Diamand, 1972; Krugman, 1994).
The following section presents results and analyses of size density and expulsion and retention dynamics at national and regional levels. The article then focuses attention on the province of Chaco, initiating a discussion of hierarchies and integrated territorial planning for development. Typologies and hierarchies are established, oriented to the demographic and physical dimensions of Chaco's territorial disposition. Finally, some observed relational aspects and their implications are discussed, concerning subnational development policies.