ABSTRACT
Chile’s uniqueness lies in its geographic isolation, among other factors. Yet, in order to understand this country, it is necessary to conceive it as part of that “continente desesperadamente esperanzado”. In the midst of this common search for identity and for more influence in international politics we find Chile, one of the Latin American countries where traditionally social policies had advanced more rapidly. Chile was also on the verge of war with bordering countries, such as Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. Both President Carter and President Reagan not only withdrew their support to Pinochet, but also urged him to restore democracy. Religion has traditionally been present in Chilean politics, as illustrated by the fact that both of the Concertacion governments have been lead by the Democracia Cristiana. The Chilean Church had distanced itself from other Latin American countries with a more progressive outlook that was prepared for social change.
