This paper examines the "The Chilean Miracle," which is basically Chile's ability to escape the hyperinflation and stagnation suffered by many of its Latin American neighbors.
Abstract This paper details the neo-liberal economic reforms that took root in Chile during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, which continue to this day. Chile's experimentation with neo-liberal ideas started in the 1960s when a group of Chileans, who had studied economics in Chicago, who returned to implement what they learned. The writer of this paper details the five cardinal points of neoliberal economics which Pinochet was determined to embrace. The market was to rule supreme, unrestrained by the intervention of government or labor unions. To reduce government interference in the market and reduce government debt, the government withdrew itself from many social welfare programs. This paper analyzes Pinochet as a leader who was able to manipulate institutional changes in his favor, while simultaneously convincing the public that he was acting on their behalf. The writer contends that although democratic principles continue to lag in Chile today, the nation's economic system continues to thrive under a neoliberal, capitalist regime.
From the Paper "One might state that need not condone the horrors of the Pinochet regime, to grant that some economic successes did result from his policy, and that the reforms may have been necessary. In concrete policy terms, this change enabled an opening of Chile's economies to the world through free trade. Tariffs were reduced and there was an elimination of state-sponsored subsidies of inefficient businesses, combined with an opening of capital markets, relaxation of restrictive labor laws, a reduction in public employees, privatization of state-owned enterprises and changes in formerly inflexible currency regimes and foreign exchange policies. It is unlikely that such sweeping and foreign domestic reforms could have been accomplished so quickly, and been sustained in the 1990's in the absence of a military regime."
Abstract This paper discusses the variety and anatomy of the Chile pepper. It also expands on worldwide production, physiological impact, and influence on culture and cuisine. The author also mentions its origins, and various uses.
From the Paper "The Chile pepper has gained enormous popularity over the past few decades. Putting the lie to popular beliefs the Chile pepper did not originate in India but comes from South America. There area variety of Chile peppers. The fruit of Pepper plan ..."
Tags:Chile pepper, capsaicin, Scoville number, cuisine, culture, history
Abstract This paper discusses the reasons that a Hilton Hotel in Chile may or may not be a success. It begins by describing a general overview of Chile and its current business environment. It then discusses its political stability and its infrastructure. It discusses the cultural aspects of Chile that would make it a favorable position for a Hilton Hotel. The paper concludes by discussing the plans for the Hilton in that area of South America.
Table of Contents:
Chile: A Country Overview
Current Business Environment Of Chile Political Stability
Economic Infrastructure
Cultural Aspects
Plan for the Hilton
Conclusion
From the Paper "Given the Chilean government's new desire to address historical inequities in the nation, and its relatively strong economy and currency which would mitigate some of the risks in embarking upon these new ventures, Chile offers itself as a nation not simply of scenic beauty, but of attractive investment opportunities. The nation and the region are changing, and so is the hospitality industry. Because of its varied nature, offering a site for local business as well as a potential place for adventure travel or 'off the beaten path' personal enrichment, Chile offers a wealth of unusual investment opportunities for the Hilton Corporation."
Abstract This paper looks at the politics of memory and the politicization of memory, with particular reference to Chile and the human rights violations inflicted upon the population by the Pinochet regime. The writer believes that the horrific events in Chile's past led to the suppression of memory in an effort to block out and not re-live the horrors. Moreover, the writer explains that the government and leadership of Chile have also chosen a path of memory-loss in order to move on rather than dwell on the ill past of its nation.
From the Paper "Let us talk more about the "pact of silence" entered into by the political left of Chile, in terms of guilt. Many on the political left, who governed during the difficult years of transition, from 1970-1972, when there were strikes, and demonstrations, which led to infighting and mistakes being made within the party (the UP, Popular Unity party); many, consequently, feel that had the decisions that led to this situation not been taken, or had the actions been rectified at that point, then none of what followed would have happened (Hite, 2003b). The traumatic events of 1973 would thus lead to feelings of powerlessness, especially as they feel that, in some way, the events were their fault, as they had not recognized the path to the events that would follow, and changed course, as it were."
Tags: terror, history, communism, democracy, politics, government, trauma, war
Abstract This paper examines one of the ways in which the Chilean armed forces have continued to exert power and influence in post-dictatorship Chile -through the National Security Council, a quasi-governmental institution given the role of convening to discuss threats to national security. This paper shows how, due to the failures of the council to engage in legitimate national security discourse as well as the symbolic nature of this tool of military intervention, it is in actuality a body that is not conducive to the furthering of unity, stability, and democracy within Chile.
From the Paper "Although the power and influence of the military has been diminished since the end of the Pinochet dictatorship in 1990, the Chilean armed forces nonetheless have managed to maintain a substantial political and civilian role in Chilean society after the transition back to democracy. One of the most important manifestations of this lingering power and influence has been the National Security Council, a near-perfect representation not only of the Chilean military's perpetual political ambitions but also of its fixation upon the notion of ?national security.? The symbolism of this institution has consequently cast the very existence of the National Security Council in the national spotlight, and it has been one of the most debated and controversial issues of contemporary Chilean politics, especially in the current administration of Socialist Ricardo Lagos. The negative consequences of a sustained opportunity for military involvement in civilian and political affairs, even on a seemingly small scale, such as exists with the National Security Council in its present form is not conducive to further democratic growth and unity in Chilean society. What this paper aims to do is identify the importance of the National Security Council in its implications on civilian-military relations, national unity, stability, and democracy, and to explain how it is an obstacle to these principles."
Abstract This paper provides a survey of the forms of government in recent Chilean history and how these have developed into a quasi democracy. It shows how Chile has long faced problems in instituting a true democratic system of government. It explains that while the earlier Chilean government was strongly democratic, the military coup under Pinochet has done harm to the image of democracy in Chile.
From the Paper "It has been stated that the failures of Democracy in Latin America are due to a lack of democratic tradition. Authoritarian rule is the norm, and democracy is ever an experiment, tried, but often rejected. Yet, every Latin American country is different, and has taken a different approach towards government. Chile has proven that the troubles of Democracy in Latin America are not due to a lack of democratic tradition alone. Chile had a long and stable democracy for most of its history, yet its democracy fell in one quick swoop. Democracy has made a comeback in Chile, but the question is, will it remain? Will the existing democratic traditions as well as a return to democracy make a lasting impact, or will it fall back to Authoritarianism like so many others? To answer this, the fall and return of democracy in Chile bears examination, as well as the current political situation in Chile."
Abstract Patricia Verdugo's "Chile, Pinochet, and the Caravan of Death" is a complex and chilling portrait of the time of a brutal dictator. Her book is an effective account of the Caravan of Death, a euphemism for the mass execution of 75 political prisoners that marked the beginning of General Augusto Pinochet's brutal regime in Chile. This review provides a detailed analysis of Verdugo's book. The impact of the book's title and chapter headings are investigated, and the writing style is critiqued. Further, Verdugo's reasons for writing the book and any potential conflicts of interest are investigated. Finally, the scholarship, credibility, and the ultimate success or failure of the book are analyzed.
From the Paper "Verdugo's book was published while Pinochet was in power, a personally dangerous move for Verdugo, which she refers to as a "matter of honour" (Jamasmie). Clearly, to oppose Pinochet, a man who Verdugo paints as an insecure, cold and calculating killer, was personally dangerous for Verdugo. Given the personal danger inherent and writing Chile, Pinochet, and the Caravan of Death, Verdugo's decision to publish the book at all was courageous. In an interview with Cecilia Jamasmie, Verdugo notes that "the truth needed to be told somehow" (Jamasmie). Her father's disappearance played an important role in her decision to reveal many of the secrets of Pinochet's crimes (Jamasmie)."
Abstract This paper studies the economy of Chile, concentrating on the reasons for its economic growth over the past fourteen years. The author asserts that the growth has been led by a boom in exports, concentrated primarily in products and processed natural resources, namely copper, fresh fruit, and forestry and fisheries. The paper then details how the export boom has been sparked by soaring investment, both foreign and domestic. The author also explains how both Chile's mix of products and markets for exports are becoming increasingly diversified.
From the Paper "Open trade policies and a sensitivity to market needs have developed commodity and value-added exports with trading partners in the United States, Europe, and Asia over the past year. Chile steadfastly remains committed to free trade, lower barriers and open investment rules. The Chilean economy is clearly working well in a world economic system which no longer functions as it did. Yet, growth in Chile is based on the principle that one nation does not grow at the expense of another."
Abstract This paper explains that the Republic of Chile is a presidential system of democracy; whereas, Japan adapted the parliamentary system. The author compares the roles and powers allocated within the executive and legislative branches in both countries, as ascribed by their Constitutions and their veto players, and defines who plays a vital role in policy making and changes. The paper examines (1) the relationship between the two branches of government of each country indicating how legislation is carried out and (2) the different approaches to decision making in Chile and Japan.
From the Paper "There are two chambers in Chile's Congress, namely the Chambers of Deputies and Senate. The Chamber of Deputies comprises of 120 members who are directly elected by their electoral districts through popular vote. The Chamber is renewed every four years, and the president has the right to dissolve it. The Senate is comprised of 49 parliamentarians. Thirty eight senators are directly elected from their designated districts and serve for eight years. The others include former Presidents, and various other high ranking former officials. Party coalition in both Chambers is common as the last Senate and Chamber elections unveil this trend."
Abstract This paper is written in the form of a memo to Henry Kissinger. The paper lays out the recent history of the U.S. policy toward the socialist leadership of Chile. It then provides several arguments as to why support for the coup in Chile was in the best interest of the U.S at the time it was written.
From the Paper "These policies have been partially successful in creating social unrest and displeasure with the Chilean socialist government among the citizens and workers of that nation, although a rebellion against the government by the masses is unlikely. The economic failures of the socialist economy have been especially detrimental to the working class, which suffers from low wages and poor working conditions, further undermining the credibility of the socialist reforms imposed by Allende and contributed to civil unrest in the nation."
Abstract This paper details the processes of globalization and modernization which have emerged in the last two decades in Latin America. In particular, the outstanding effect of the cultural dominance of the global cultural affecting the cultures and education systems of Chile.
Tags: WORLD HISTORY AND CULTURE / SOUTH-AMERICA, globalization education chile
Abstract This paper looks at the different economic and political development histories of Thailand, Ghana, and Chile. It then compares and contrasts these histories by applying different economic and political development theories to each country. The paper concludes with the finding that each of the countries mentioned has achieved great developmental progress, but they all have a long ways to ago in terms of freedom for their people and their social institutions.
From the Paper "How to best assist developing countries has been a political an economic issue ever since the end of colonization. Three developing areas of particular interest are Thailand, Ghana, and Chile. They each have very different development trajectories, and have gone about developing in very diverse ways. Thailand has actually followed the modernization theory of development, and just needs to continue working on social issues. Ghana in more in line with dependency theory due to its colonial past and has a lot of work to do in the political, economic, and cultural arenas. Chile followed dependency up to a point, when Pinochet took over and led the economy into modernization, leaving much to be desired in the social areas."
Abstract This paper forecasts the exposure for transaction risk, translation risk and economic exposure in Chile, and discusses methods for mitigating those risks. It looks at the background of the Chilean economy and its volatile currency.
From the Paper "The Chilean peso has been somewhat volatile over the past year. Since January the peso has gained strength against the dollar overall moving from pesos to the dollar to pesos to the dollar. However the peso ..."
Abstract The paper questions how, under the rule of Pinochet, Chile, with a long, well-respected history of democratic rule, could abandon the civic values it once regarded so highly and turn on it's people. The paper discusses how Pinochet created a fractured state by running the state of peace as if it were really a state at war, by propagandizing the evils of communism and the need of the nation to refrain from democracy until it was eradicated, and by creating a military like system for everything, fostering secrecy and the status quo and forcing fierce capitalism.
Outline:
Introduction
Propaganda
Compartmentalization
Secrecy & Fear
Conclusion
From the Paper "The mental preparedness for war creates within the military a sense that the enemy could be around any and every corner. This mentality as well as the secrecy and compartmentalization that it creates developed a fragmented Chile, where the whole of the population from exiled former diplomat to the lowliest peasant had to choose based on his or her buy in and what he or she had witnessed during and following the bloody coup of 1973. Pinochet fed the culture of secrecy by committing acts that demanded such secrecy and by engaging the country through mandates and orders, decrees and systems unlike any that had occurred prior as well as flooding her with anti-revolutionary propaganda. "Official propaganda stressed the violence and chaos of the Allende [socialist] years and depicted the coup as a glorious act of liberation."
This paper explores if the Catholic Church influenced social policy regarding education and divorce in Argentina and Chile, from the 1950s until today.
Abstract The paper delves into the two distinct branches of feminism, socialist and liberal, that developed in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. The paper discusses how women were employed in domestic roles and as industry workers. The paper examines how the Civil Codes maintained the authority of men over women even as women became wage earners and educated. The paper discusses the issues of women voting, divorce and education. The paper concludes that the Catholic Church has exerted great influence over the educational and divorce laws, regulations and social mores in the countries of Chile and Argentina and that this influence has been one of an ongoing nature since the decade of the 1950s, even until the present day.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Lavrin
Two Distinct Branches of Feminism - Socialist and Liberal
Women Employed in Domestic Roles and Industry Workers
Double-standards
Women Gain the Vote - 1947
Influence of Catholic Church - Divorce
Chile - Catholic Church and Educational Influence
Convention Article 10 - Education
Divorce - Chile The Vatican and the Gender Wars
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Fifty-one percent of the population of Chile is comprised of women yet women only account for thirty-seven percent of the total labor force of the country. Female workers presently earn on 65% of their male counterparts for performing the same jobs however "women and men are equal under Chilean law and the state is obliged to provide both sexes equal employment opportunities. Women possess a great deal of influence and are very active in almost all fields of Chilean society." (Ibid) Even so men have a status that is higher than that of women in the country."
