Introduction

Abstract

Chile has throughout its history been a country at the centre of international interest, partly the result of its rich mineral resources and relatively stable political system. The left-wing Unidad Popular government (1970–3), led by President Salvador Allende, attracted particular worldwide attention, given that its radical reform programme, and the viability of democratic socialism itself, posed aquestion of universal importance for the left: could there be a peaceful transition to socialism in a pluralistic and democratic society? Yet the right-wing military coup of 11 September 1973, the ferocity of which caused shock waves around the world, shattered not only the country’s long democratic tradition, but facilitated the implementation of the earliest and most radical neo-liberal economic liberalization programme. Although the armed forces, led by General Augusto Pinochet, finally relinquished power on 11 March 1990, the military still retains considerable authority and autonomy, while the civilian governments are severely restrained by the military-imposed 1980 constitution.