The Chile Project

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After a modest fare increase in Santiago's Metro, twenty stations were set ablaze, igniting widespread protests. This unrest reflected years of social discontent over low pensions, high tolls, school segregation, inadequate education, and poor public health services, all stemming from decades of neoliberalism. Initially, Chile was hailed as a model for neoliberal policies, established during Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship with guidance from Chicago economists. Despite its reputation as a successful developing economy, the underlying issues of poverty and income inequality led to growing dissatisfaction. The narrative explores how Chile transitioned from a symbol of market reforms to a nation engulfed in violence and political turmoil. It delves into the origins of neoliberalism and the "Chicago boys" who shaped its implementation, highlighting the conflict between economic growth and social equity. The book examines key policies, such as the shift to privately managed pension systems, globalization, fiscal rules, inflation control, and austere public services. As Chile embarks on drafting a new constitution amidst rising global populism, this work provides a crucial evaluation of neoliberalism's legacy at a critical juncture in history.