The Pinochet Shock

"This book provides the first modern social science analysis [of the Chilean military dictatorship]. It will stand not just as the definitive analysis of the Chilean case, but also as a role model for the study of other such regimes."

— James Robinson , Nobel Prize Winner in Economics (2024), Professor of Economics, University of Chicago, USA

"Exploring dramatic changes imposed by the dictatorship at a local and global level, its authors reveal the lived reality, costs and consequences of authoritarian regimes. This is an ambitious and must-read book for anyone interested in understanding the Pinochet years in Chile."

— Tanya Harmer , Associate Professor of International History, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK

"All the chapters contain rare insights, which will come as a big surprise to those whose knowledge of the coup has come mostly from academic papers or the international press (...) I commend the authors for putting together this excellent volume."

— Shanker Satyanath , Professor of Politics, New York University, USA

This book explores the transformation of Chile under the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship. It highlights how the arrival of an authoritarian regime takes place, as well as the impact it has upon citizens and the disruptions it has on everyday life. Through examining how conservative and market-based reforms were introduced to fight socialist ideas and stimulate the private sector, a framework is created for understanding the long-term economic, political, and social impact of the Pinochet dictatorship. The book provides a multidisciplinary perspective and brings together ideas from economics, history, political science, sociology, law, and regional studies. It will be relevant to students and researchers interested in the political economy and history of Chile and Latin America.

Felipe González is Reader in Economics at Queen Mary University of London and Visiting Professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.

Mounu Prem is Associate Professor at the Einaudi Institute for Economics and Finance and Adjunct Professor of Economics at Universidad del Rosario in Colombia.