Informed Questions on Chilean Domestic Politics
Abstract
Chile has set the example for modernization in Latin America after struggling to reestablish democracy following 17 years of non-democratic rule. Economic markets are thriving and democracy has stood the test of several elections since reestablishment in 1989. Despite its repression, the military dictatorship was able to institute free market reforms and lay the groundwork for the free market success story that Chile is today. This process is proving difficult for other emerging countries, a fact that speaks to the uniqueness of the Chilean experience. The process of democratization, however, has not been without growing pains. Personal liberties such as free speech, while not fully restricted, are limited in some cases. The Constitution of 1980 is crafted to make changes difficult, and ensure institutional protection from democratic reform for some established elites and the military. Chilean society and the government have not yet come to grips with human rights abuses under the 1970s military repression. The military retains special privileges, making civil control questionable, and at best, difficult. Additionally, the government is grappling with problems that plague other more established democracies, such as erosion of social safety nets (health care and pension systems), the frustration of compromise in the multi-party system, corruption, and establishing a sound course in the troubled economic seas of the new millennium. The following questions, each preceded by a short background paragraph, are intended to provide a starting point for discussion about the Chilean perspective on each of these important issues.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA441589
Entities
People
- Clayton A. Grindle
Organizations
- National War College