Governance, democratization and social unrest in Chile: possible scenarios for a new balance

Abstract

After twenty years since the restoration of democracy in Chile, the transitional model based on the thought concertacionista, has shown a lack of flexibility and adaptability to new contexts. The matrix of governance established by this model, under assumptions of vertical relations and stability in the institutional structure has been challenged by the emergence of new players with veto power requiring social inclusion and participation in decision making, which determines the need to consolidate a new governance pact. The general objectives of this study are to identify factors obsolescence governance matrix in Chile between 1990 and 2012 and at the same time identify opportunities for establishing a new balance in the interaction of strategic actors. To the above will be described, first, the basic lines of the debate on governance and central aspects of the Chilean model of transition. Then characterize social conflict in Latin America in the light of the macro-level political processes experienced in recent decades. Third, it analyzes some factors that explain the growing social unrest in Chile and genetics of political deviation expressed in new players and repertoires of protest. Finally, we analyze different scenarios to rebalance the relationship between institutional political actors and new actors with social veto.