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The Varieties of Capitalism in Chile (1)

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THE VARIETIES OF CAPITALISM:
CASE STUDYCHILE(DEVELOPMENTALISM)
Done by: Blessing Ngozi Ngwa
MAY 15, 2023
NEPTUN CODE: T3M3GG
LECTURER: Dr. Zoltan Pogatsa
The policy space offered in Chile for various kinds of economic policy.
Chile is a country of about 19 million people in South America. It is known for its stable
economy and high economic growth. In recent years, Chile has been classified as a highincome country by the World Bank and ranked among the most competitive economies in
Latin America.
Chile’s GDP per Capital in current prices from 1988 to 2028
The Chilean economy is highly diversified, with many industries contributing to GDP. The
country is best known for its copper mining industry, which accounts for around 10% of GDP.
Other important sectors are agriculture, forestry, fishing, and tourism.
Chile has undergone significant economic reforms over the past decade, transforming its
economy from a primarily closed and protectionist system to a more open and marketoriented approach. While these reforms have contributed to the country's remarkable
economic growth and stability, they have also created widening inequalities and other
challenges.
One of Chile's most important economic reforms was trade liberalization, which began in the
1970s and continued through the 1990s. The government has lowered tariffs, removed nontariff barriers to trade, and negotiated free trade agreements with other countries, opening
the economy to more competition and foreign investment. This has contributed to increasing
exports, attracting foreign investment, and promoting economic growth.
Chile underwent significant neoliberal reforms in the 1970s and 1980s and is often cited as
one of the most successful examples of a neoliberal economy. During the Pinochet
dictatorship (1973-1990), the government implemented neoliberal reforms that transformed
the country's economy. These reforms included liberalizing trade, privatizing state-owned
enterprises, and deregulating industries such as banking and telecommunications. One of the
most important reforms was the privatization of the country's social security system, which
was replaced in 1981 by a compulsory private pension system. The reform, devised by
economist José Pinera, is seen as a model for other countries considering pension reform.
 Trade Policy:
One of the key features of Chile's economic policy is its commitment to free trade. The
country has several free trade agreements with countries around the world including the
United States, European Union, and China. These agreements have contributed to increasing
exports and attracting foreign investment. In addition to its commitment to free trade, Chile
has taken several steps to promote market liberalization and deregulation. For example, the
country has privatized many state-owned enterprises and simplified business regulations.
This has helped create a more business-friendly environment and attract foreign investment.
 Fiscal policy:
Chile's commitment to fiscal discipline is another key feature of its economic policy. The
country has introduced strict fiscal rules that limit government spending to a certain
percentage of gross domestic product (GDP). This has reduced government debt and kept
inflation low. Chile's constitution provides for balanced budget rules, which limit the
government's ability to manage a deficit. In recent years, however, pressure has increased to
increase public spending in areas such as education, health care, and infrastructure. This has
eased fiscal policy to some extent but still maintains the balanced budget rule.
Despite its strong economic performance, Chile faces several economic and social challenges.
Income inequality remains high, with the top 1% of the population owning one-third of the
country's wealth. The labor market is characterized by a high degree of informality, with
many workers in low-paid and precarious employment. Access to education and health care
is also limited, especially among low-income households. With a Gini coefficient of 0.47 in
2021, Chile is one of the most unequal countries in the world, according to the World Bank.
Such high levels of inequality are associated with a range of negative social consequences,
including higher crime rates, worsening health conditions, and reduced social
mobility.
In recent years, a segment of Chilean society has grown frustrated with the limitations of the
country's capitalist model. In 2019, protests erupted across the United States over issues
such as inequality, high cost of living, and inadequate social services. The government has
since announced several reforms to address these concerns, including raising the minimum
wage, cutting healthcare costs, and expanding access to education. For example, the country
has introduced a targeted social assistance program called “Chile Solidario”, which provides
cash transfers to families in extreme poverty. The government is also investing heavily in
education and health care to improve access to these services for all citizens.
 Monetary Policy:
Chile's central bank, Banco Central de Chile, has a reputation for independence and
credibility. The country has an inflation-targeting system, which gives it greater policy leeway
in implementing monetary policy. Central banks have been able to maintain low and stable
inflation rates while responding to external shocks such as changes in the global economy.
Overall, Chile offers significant room for monetary policy.
Chile: Unemployment rate from 2003 to 2022
© Statista 2023
 Labor Policy:
Chile has relatively flexible labor market regulations compared to other countries in the
region. The relatively low minimum wage and weak unions give employers great bargaining
power. However, there have been recent efforts to strengthen occupational health and
safety, such as the 2017 revision of the country's labor law. Overall, Chile offers some policy
space in labor policy, although there is room for improvement in terms of strengthening
occupational safety and health.
 Industrial policy:
Chile is traditionally known for its reliance on market forces to drive economic growth.
Recently, however, there have been efforts to develop more aggressive industrial policies,
especially in areas such as renewable energy and innovation. The government has launched
several initiatives to support research and development and attract foreign investment in
these areas. Overall, Chile offers some policy space for industrial policy, but it is still relatively
limited compared to other countries in the region.
Critics of neoliberalism argue that it has caused a variety of negative social and economic
consequences, including increased inequality, reduced social protection, and environmental
degradation. They argue that the pursuit of free markets and minimal government
intervention can exacerbate existing inequalities and undermine democracy.
Various capitalist theories have been applied in many countries around the world, including
Chile. In the case of Chile, some analysts argue that the country's economic model reflects a
mixture of a coordinated market economy (CME) and a liberal market economy (LME).
On the other hand, Chile's economy is heavily dependent on exports, with an emphasis on
primary industries such as mining and agriculture. This suggests a focus on short-term profits
and shareholder value that is characteristic of LMEs. However, Chile also implements a
number of government-led policies to encourage long-term investment in skills and
innovation, such as research and development subsidies.
In addition, Chile's labor market is highly regulated, and workers are provided with strong
protections. This demonstrates the focus on collaboration and long-term investment that
characterizes CME. At the same time, however, Chile's labor market is highly unequal, with
many workers in precarious jobs with little social protection.
In summary, the Chilean economy can be viewed as an example of a liberal market economy
with an emphasis on free trade, limited government intervention, and entrepreneurship. But
it also shows some elements of coordinated market capitalism, especially when it comes
to social programs and aggressive industrial policies. Overall, different approaches to
capitalism provide a useful framework for understanding the complex ways in which
capitalist economies are organized, and Chile explores the tensions and trades that arise
between different models of capitalism.
Discussing the question of whether a unitary European economic model could be formulated
from these widely different economic paradigms.
The question of whether a single European economic model can be formulated from the
disparate economic paradigms of European Union (EU) member states is complex and the
subject of much debate among policymakers and academics. On the one hand, the EU is
characterized by considerable economic diversity, with member states having different levels
of economic development, institutional frameworks, and cultural traditions. Meanwhile, the
EU is also keen on the idea of economic integration and has pursued a number of measures
aimed at harmonizing economic regulations and promoting convergence among member
states.
One approach to solving this problem is to argue that the EU needs to adopt a more flexible
approach to economic integration that recognizes the diversity of its member states.
Proponents of this view argue that the EU should not try to impose a single economic
model on member states but instead, allow for different economic approaches. It argues that
this will allow member states to maintain their own economic culture while enjoying the
benefits of economic integration, such as increased trade and investment.
Another approach I take is to argue that the EU needs to move to a more unified economic
model to achieve its goals of economic convergence and competitiveness. Proponents of this
view believe that the diversity of the EU's economic model poses a significant challenge to
economic integration, as countries have different regulations, tax systems, and labor market
practices, which can create significant barriers to trade and investment. claim to bring about
They argue that the EU needs to develop a more unified economic model that emphasizes
free trade, competition, as well as market liberalization.
In fact, the EU follows the middle ground between these two approaches. While seeking to
promote economic integration among member countries, it also recognizes the importance
of respecting national differences and allowing flexibility in economic policy. For example, the
EU has introduced several institutions and policies to facilitate economic adjustment and
convergence, such as the European Semester and the Stability and Growth Pact. At the same
time, recognizing that countries have different economic structures and traditions, allowed
member states flexibility in implementing these measures.
In summary, the question of whether it is possible to formulate a unified European
economic model from the disparate economic paradigms of EU member states is a complex
question without a clear answer. While pursuing policies aimed at promoting economic
fusion and integration, the EU also recognizes the importance of respecting national
differences and allowing flexibility in economic policies. Ultimately, the success of the EU's
economic integration project will depend on its ability to balance these competing
responsibilities and develop policies that promote economic growth and
competitiveness while respecting the diversity of Member States.
Chile - Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita 2028 | Statista
Most unequal Latin America countries by Gini coefficient | Statista
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Saavedra-Rivano, N. (2019). The paradox of Chilean capitalism: A review of the literature.
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