The Chilean Dilemma: Between Economic Development and the Deepening of Democracy

In the last three decades, Chile has suffered drastic changes in its economic, political, and social structure. Implantation of a neoliberal economic model, democratic recovery after defeating the armed forces in the ballot boxes (the plebiscite of 1988) and national reconciliation (amendment of the violation of human rights) make up the Chilean mosaic. As an applauded model by some and criticized by others, this article tries to reflect the advances and obstacles of Chilean development. It analyzes the democratic recovery and political stability, the economic growth, and the social perception about these changes. Chile continues to be a case of particular relevance for Latin America.