ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes three major questions: how and why was Chile able to develop and maintain long-standing civilian rule through most of its history in stark contrast to many of its neighbors? Given the record of stability and longevity, why did democracy break down? What are the roots of the crisis of democracy facing Chile? Chile's pattern of early political development mirrors much of the rest of Latin America, where post independence conflict generally boiled down to either armed or political conflict between Liberals and Conservatives. After independence in 1810, conflicts between two oligarchic factions known as the pelucones and pipiolos emerged. The chaotic period of the Parliamentary Republic introduced more complexity, with an explosion of new parties based on the power and influence of local caudillos. The chapter concludes by looking forward, considering whether the current challenges facing Chile can and will successfully be addressed by governments and what institutional reforms might stem the emerging crisis of representation in the country.
