The ‘Lessons’ of Dictatorship: Political Learning and the Military in Chile

Abstract

This article argues that political learning with regard to civil‐military relations in Chile has proved an obstacle to democratization. In the postauthoritarian period, both the armed forces and political parties have referred to history when considering civil‐military reform, especially with regard to how to avoid a repeat of the conflict of the Unidad Popular period. Meanwhile, the military also utilizes the Spanish example when resisting changes it feels are inimical to its interests. The ‘lessons’ each takes from the past directly influence political strategies and the overall result is that while civilian rule continues, democratic civil‐military relations are not necessarily advanced.