A la conquista de mentes y corazones. Propaganda, guerra psicológica y política cultural en Chile (1973-1975)

When we think of dictatorships like the one established in Chile after the coup that overthrew Salvador Allende on September 11, 1973, the first thing that comes to mind, in most cases, is violence. The association with murders, disappearances, detention camps, and torture perpetrated by unscrupulous military personnel is almost immediate. The aim of this work is to highlight that the Chilean dictatorship was far more complex than a regime of terror led by thugs dedicated to extermination. On the ‘domestic front,’ the population was also won over through constant manipulation, carried out through means such as propaganda, psychological warfare, the work of communication experts, influence strategists, psychologists, sociologists, and scientific analysis. On the ‘external front,’ the fear of isolation due to the country’s deteriorating image led the regime to resort to various tools and strategies, which evolved over time, becoming increasingly complex thanks to the contributions of foreign agencies specializing in communication and publicity. These elements prompt a critical examination of the national security counterinsurgency regimes established in the Southern Cone following the coups of the 1960s and 70s, taking into account factors such as the ideological dimension, the search for consensus and legitimacy, the attempt to win over the population on a moral and spiritual level, and the indoctrination efforts through intervention in fundamental areas such as education and culture.