Because they already defaulted in 2001 and got into a spat with the IMF and various investors from western nations who tried to capitalize on their misfortune.

Because they already defaulted in 2001 and got into a spat with the IMF and various investors from western nations who tried to capitalize on their misfortune. In Krugman's mind, Argentina is disparaged because they don't really want to be part of the western "system" of investment in the national resources of South American nations by developed powers.