Upheavals in Chile & Bolivia

Chile, long regarded as one of Latin America’s most stable countries, is experiencing its worst unrest in decades. Set off by a modest rise in the subway fare in Santiago de Chile, the protests that started in mid-October continue to spread throughout the country. What provoked the recent upheaval that surprised both officials and analysts? How have the government of Sebastían Piñera and opposition parties responded? What measures are needed to address diverse demands? Will a new constitution be enough to restore stability and social peace? What are the risks of drafting a new constitution? To what extent is the divide in Chile socioeconomic, ideological or generational?

In Bolivia, after the departure of president Evo Morales for Mexico and weeks of nationwide turmoil triggered by credible allegations of electoral fraud, interim president Jeanine Añez has signed into law a bill to hold new elections. Will elections help reduce sharp socioeconomic and ethnic divisions in the nation? Can the interim government restore peace and effectively organize elections? Will tensions increase or subside in the coming months? What are the prospects of potential presidential candidates for the opposition and also the MAS party, post-Evo Morales? Will Morales continue to have an impact on Bolivian politics?

Follow this event on Twitter at #UpheavalsChileBolivia and @The_Dialogue.

Speakers:

Roberto Laserna

President, Fundación Milenio & Director, CERES (@roblaser)

Fernando Molina

Bolivian Author & Journalist 

Lucia Dammert

Associate Professor, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (@LuciaDammert)

Moderator:

Michael Shifter

President, Inter-American Dialogue (@MichaelShifter)

This conversation will be held in English & Spanish without interpretation.