Democracy And Poverty In Chile: The Limits To Electoral Politics (series In Political Economy And Economic Development In Latin America)

The critical issues concerning the development of a substantial and enduring democracy in Chile are those of strengthening civil society, democratizing the permanent institutions of the state, and building an economy geared to satisfy effectively satisfy human needs. In this book, the authors offer a critique of the Chilean transition and of the Aylwin electoral regime, analyzing the linkage between political compromises made prior to the civilian’s assumption of power and the choice of socioeconomic policy in the post-electoral period. They argue that the decisive factor underlying the Chilean transition is the contrast between the legal-political changes and socioeconomic and institutional continuities, a contrast that perpetuates the vast inequalities of wealth and power generated under Pinochet’s sixteen-year-old military dictatorship. They also challenge the myth of the "Chilean miracle’’—the purported success of neoliberal policies in promoting sustained growth and social justice—and therefore in laying the basis for long-term social harmony and enduring political stability. A critique of the extent to which Chile has re-democratized after the long Pinochet dictatorship. The book analyzes the links between political compromises made before Aylwin's assumption of power and the choice of socio-economic policy in the post-electoral period. James Petras And Fernando Ignacio Leiva, With Henry Veltmeyer. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.