Neoliberalism Doesn't Equal Democracy
...on of democracy if it had existed in the first place in any form. Some may argue that democracy didn’t exist in most Latin American countries in the first place therefore a connection between neoliberalism and the suspension of democracy cannot be drawn. This argument is flawed though as can be illustrated by the case of Chile where four decades of parliamentary democracy was enjoyed before the bloody coup on September 11th 1973 (Fisher, 1993; 18). The coup by the military in Chile resulted in the killing of the elected president. The new military regime sought to implement economic policies such as production of raw materials for export, free markets, privatization, cuts in welfare, and privatization of health care and education. These policies were only implemented by the military regime closing opposing political parties, declaring trade unions illegal and through brute military force to supress any opposition (Fisher, 1993; 18). Even with the fall of the Pinochet regime the far reaching corruption of his government was seen in the persistence of the judiciary, armed forces, education and local counsels being controlled by his supporters (Fisher, 1993; 41) In Argentina as well a similar pattern of suspending democracy was seen when the military overthrew the elected government on March 24th 1976 with promises to improve the economy through neoliberal policies (Fisher, 1993; 104). The existence of a small guerilla movement allowed the military dictatorship to justify a dirty war against its people and the canceling of democratic rights. Constitutional rights were suspended, public meetings were forbidden, trade unions and political parties were closed down as well as any individuals opposing the government being imprisoned or eliminated (Fisher, 1993; 104). Even in recent times the suspension of democracy takes place but in a less blatant manner. In the case of Peru the neoliberal government of Fujimori attempted to maintain the semblance of democracy while at the same ...