From Populism to Democratic Socialism - Essay Example

Much as there were attempts to have populism in Chile, the system failed mostly because of the failure of the charismatic aspect of the system. Chile was marred with a lot of Europeanization and institutionalization of political parties. (Lederman, Daniel, 27) The ideological gaps were subsequently filled by the emergence of those organizations that were determined to do away with the ideologies of Gen. Augusto Pinochet Uriarte. Rather than being involved in political parties through the ideologist, the Chilean systematically found themselves involved with democratization specifically the working class.

Studies reveal that the appearance of populism was systematic and always did that in partial form. Mostly it came about through leadership style, as a redistributive program, or as a multiclass collision. Several individuals have been associated with the move from populism to social democratization. One of these individuals was Arturo Alessandri Palma, particularly through his role, where he pioneered a demagogic crusade among the working class promising them redemption. Alessandri eventually managed to be the president of Chile where he advanced democratic socialism among the masses. (Lederman, Daniel, 40)

In 1938, Carlos Ibanez got to power with the Chilean Nazis, also known as National Social Movement. Ibanez had managed to bring populists together, which was later utilized by Frei of the Christian Democratic Party. Read More