Purists will say that the Chilean isn't fascist, since fascism was a specific form of political movement, which mobilised the petty bourgeoisie and lumpen proletariat in a mass movement to crush ine workers.
But use that denniuon. then fascism only ever came to power in Germany and Italy Spain, like Chile, it was the army Wilch was the crucial instrument of counter-revolution. The experience of the Allende government Inside a Chilean prison camp dwellers rarely make the tno to tne orignuy-al celtre, since they have no mone to ouw antilic l display, and feel anyway inal mey ao HOL belong Inere The imposition fascism is not just the imposition OI different order but the Douticul restructuring of the econoIIIY at the expense of the workers. This has been given a particular twist by Chile's situation as still an essentially dependent country vis-a-vis imperialism, and pursuit of Milton Friedman's monetarist policies. reference point in strategy.
also of vital importance. It gives us crucial insights into the economic and social consequences of modern day fascism.
on the contending tactions inside the government.
Chilean popular opinion divides them between "blancos' (soft-liners)
who represent the powerfu Chilean enterprises and the multinations, CHHOS (hard-liners). wno the fascistminded elements in the army. wote mne Dowel of the rests of the military repression, in policy terms it is clearly the 'blancos' who have the up debates on socialist But the experience in Chile since the coup is per hand The abandonment of the project of trying create a strong national industrv - winch mn any casc would involve a break with imperialism and the multinationals creates sharper cleavage. The bourgeoisie remains essentially comprador bourgeoisie; the flashy shops in the centre of Sanlago are a rake oft trom imperialism's super-profits, destined for a tiny elite.
Wing The consequence of this 'new course' for the economy is a sharp attack on the working class, with high unemployment and Aftermath of the coup CHILE
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THE MILITARY COUP in Chile was one of the most important events for the international labour movement since the second world war. and its outcome still provides an essential