Chile's Constitutional Upheaval

Mid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politics

Introduction:

• Host: Roifield Brown
• Guest: Peter Siavelis, Professor in the Department of Politics and International Affairs, Wake Forest University
• Topic: Exploration of Chile's political landscape from the 2019 protests to Gabriel Boric's presidency.

Episode Breakdown:

The Spark of 2019:

• Discuss the eruption of protests in 2019 demanding social equality and a new constitution.
• Analyse the root causes and the impact on Chilean society and politics.

From Allende to Pinochet:

• Delve into the historical context starting from 1973, examining the impact of Allende’s presidency and Pinochet’s dictatorship.
• Assess the role of the United States in Chilean politics during this era.

The Pinochet Legacy and Neoliberalism:

• Examine how Pinochet's policies shaped Chile’s economic and social structure.
• Discuss the privatisation of key sectors and its long-term effects.

Chilean Politics Post-Dictatorship:

• Explore the transition to democracy in the 1990s and its political and economic impacts.
• Analyze the role of different political factions in shaping post-dictatorship Chile.

The Rise of Gabriel Boric:

• Discuss the election of Gabriel Boric and its significance as a generational and ideological shift.
• Evaluate his policies and the public response.

Constitutional Reforms and Challenges:

• Discuss the movement for constitutional reform and the challenges faced in drafting a new constitution.
• Analyse the debates surrounding the proposed changes and public opinion.

International Relations and Future Prospects:

• Explore Chile’s relations with key global players like China and the U.S.
• Predict future political and economic trends in Chile.

Key Quotes

On the 2019 Protests:

• "It's not about 30 pesos, it's about 30 years."

On the Legacy of Pinochet’s Dictatorship:

• "Pinochet's policies set up Chile for profound inequality, but also deep reforms. While some hail these as economic salvations, others view them as the roots of today’s disparities."

On the Constitutional Reform Process:

• "Democracy in real time can be messy. The constitutional assembly's chaotic process and laundry list of rights showed the challenges of turning popular demands into coherent governance."

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