abstract

[1800hugapirate]

    In my paper, I intend to discuss the normalization of state terror between 1973 and 1989, during Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorial rule in Chile. How did the government so effectively silence such a large population? What were the institutions that enabled such a sudden and broad repression of rights? To explore this theme, I will explore three facets of the government’s public policy. First, the creation of the DINA (and later the CNI): how did these espionage agencies contribute to the atmosphere of terror? What exactly was their involvement in Operation Condor and in the function of the nation’s various detention and torture centers? Second, the strict controls government placed on free press: what were these controls and how well did they work? Were dissenting voices effectively silenced? What kind of articles ran in El Mercurio (the government-sponsored daily periodical), and how did they contribute to the public’s perception of their leadership? What did the government’s official propaganda say, and what were the effects of this propaganda on the Chilean people and on the international community as a whole? Third, government attempts to control already extant institutions: were they effective? Did the Catholic Church comply under dictatorial rule? What about the state legislature? What means did the government take to ensure the compliance of these institutions, and did they work? How did this contribute to the atmosphere of terror?

...i'm inordinately excited about this paper, and even more excited about the sources i've found. i'm getting more and more convinced that academia might not be such a bad place for me.