Ceferino Reato

Inside the Mind of a Military Dictator

Ceferino Reato's Exclusive Interviews with General Videla

The Journalist's Story of Uncovering the Truth Behind a Dark Chapter in History

Ceferino Reato is a highly esteemed Argentine journalist, political analyst, and author renowned for his incisive insights into the country's often turbulent past. His latest book, "The 70s," delves deep into the bloody conflict between the government and leftist guerrilla groups that plagued Argentina during that tumultuous decade.

One of the book's most fascinating and shocking revelations is the result of 20 hours of exclusive interviews Reato conducted with General Jorge Rafael Videla, the infamous dictator who led the military junta that seized power in 1976. Through these unprecedented conversations, Reato gained a rare glimpse into the mind of a man who presided over one of the darkest periods in Argentina's history.

Reato's account of his encounters with Videla provides a chilling portrait of a man who was both ruthlessly pragmatic and utterly devoid of empathy. Videla rationalized his actions by claiming that the country was at war against a subversive enemy that had to be eliminated at any cost. He showed no remorse for the thousands of citizens who were "disappeared" and murdered during his regime.

In the conclusion of the article, Reato eloquently conveys the profound impact these interviews have had on him. He writes, "Looking into the eyes of a man who had ordered the deaths of countless innocent people was a transformative experience. It challenged my understanding of human nature and forced me to confront the unimaginable evil that can dwell within us."

Ceferino Reato's book is a crucial contribution to our understanding of a pivotal and tragic chapter in Argentine history. Through his courageous reporting and penetrating insights, he has given voice to the victims of the past and shed light on the darkness that can consume those who wield absolute power.