Most Canadians know very little about Chile and the other countries of what is known as the “southern cone” of South America: Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. But these nations are becoming increasingly important to Canada as potential trading partners in the proposed hemispheric free-trade zone. This video provides some glimpses into significant developments that are currently transforming Chile after a long period of dictatorship. It also assesses the impact of the Pinochet regime on the country’s newly established democracy.

Looking At Chile
Watch this News in Review report, and while doing so, jot down some brief descriptions of noteworthy images or events that are taking place in Chile today. After viewing, form groups to discuss the video. As a group, develop a profile of Chile today as it is depicted in the video. Your discussion should focus on the following questions:
1. How would you describe the current state of the country?

2. How does the economic and political situation of Chile today resemble that of Canada?

3. How does it differ from Canada’s?
Thinking About Chile

Watch the video again. This time, record answers to the following questions and then compare your answers with the information on the following page.
1. For what two reasons has Chile been in the news recently?

2. Why is General Pinochet still a powerful figure in Chile despite his retirement as head of the armed forces?

3. What role do Chile’s armed forces continue to play in the country’s political life after the restoration of democracy?

4. Who was Salvador Allende? Why is he an important and controversial figure in Chile’s history?

5. Why are Chileans still divided over General Pinochet’s record as leader of their country from 1973-90?

6. Who are the “disappeared”? How many of them were there? Why do they continue to play an important role in Chile’s democratic transformation?

7. Who is Manuel Contreras? Why is he in jail today? What makes him an unusual figure in Chile?