Why has Chile been experiencing its larger protests since the return to democracy? What is behind the demands of its citizens?

It’s been just over a month of continuous protests in Chile. What began as a challenge to metro fare hikes has become a general outcry, questioning structural inequalities in Chile. Traditionally perceived as the most stable country in the Latin American region, Chile is now challenging the way its model has worked in the last 40 years. From how education, housing, pensions, or health services operate, to even change the current constitution inherited from Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship (1973-1990). Drawing from the researched done by COES, this discussion will examine the causes and consequences of the recent protests, as well as possible routes ahead.

Emmanuelle Barozet is a Full Professor at the University of Chile and Associate Researcher of the COES.

Diana Kruger is an Associate Professor at Adolfo Ibañez University and Associate Researcher of the COES.

Kirsten Sehnbruch (@KirstenSehn) is British Academy Global Professor and Distinguished Policy Fellow at the International Inequalities Institute, LSE.

The International Inequalities Institute (@LSEInequalities) at LSE brings together experts from many LSE departments and centres to lead cutting-edge research focused on understanding why inequalities are escalating in numerous arenas across the world, and to develop critical tools to address these challenges.

Twitter Hashtag for this event: #LSEChile

Podcast

A podcast of this event is available to download from Understanding Chilean Unrest: inequalities, social conflict and political change in contemporary Chile.

Podcasts and videos of many LSE events can be found at the LSE Public Lectures and Events: podcasts and videos channel.

Slides

A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is available for download: 

Understanding Chilean Unrest: inequalities, social conflict and political change in contemporary Chile