Communists, Socialists, and Christian Democrats

Abstract

If certain observable trends in Latin America continue, Christian Democracy could well become the political dimension that Latin America at its present stage of development requires. Although a great social, economic, political, and psychological revolution has been sweeping Latin America, no political ideology has arisen with it. Most political parties have been convenient umbrellas for various, shifting small interest groups. Aside from a few strong parties in individual countries, political parties have lacked purpose and have shown ideological weaknesses. Although communism and socialism have been influential on occasion and in different countries, neither has managed to become the party of the masses. The two clashing influences of the present age in Latin America— the Cuban revolution and the Alliance for Progress—created the need for a solution of their conflict. Christian Democracy, especially as it has emerged in Chile, with the resounding success of President Eduardo Frei Montalva, offers hope of a synthesis. Its ideas appeal to youthful intellectuals and to middle-class women, and it has the support of the Roman Catholic Church and the labor unions. If Christian Democracy prevails in the other Latin-American countries, they may, like Chile, show an inclination to "third world" policies in international relations. Although political predictions are risky, we cannot ignore the significance of the new trend toward Christian Democracy in Latin America.—Ed.