Political and economic freedom in Latin America: ¿is their continued coexistence possible?

This document deals with the process of consolidation of democracy and free market economy in Latin America, beginning with the changes undergone by the continent in the last three decades of the 20th century. Although the final outcome, in terms of success of the political and economic system remains open-ended, it is possible to observe that the majority of the governments adhere to election processes, the empire of the law and economic accountability. Historic novelty seems to have become the rule.

Alejandro San Francisco R. holds a first degree in History (Licenciatura) from the Catholic University of Chile and an M.A. in Studies in Historical Research from the University of Oxford, England. He is a Professor at the Institute of History and at the Faculty of Law of the Catholic University of Chile. Phone (56- 2) 245 33 88. Presidente Riesco 5275, Depto. 174, Las Condes.
Email: asanfran@puc.cl

Ángel Soto Doctor en América Latina Contemporánea IU Ortega y Gasset / Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Professor at the Faculty of Communication of the Universidad de los Andes, Chile. Phone: (56-2) 412 94 53. Av. San Carlos de Apoquindo 2200. Las Condes, Santiago de Chile.
Email: asotog@uandes.cl