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Allende's Chile: An Inside View

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Boorstein offers a very much needed Leftist account of the Allende/Unidad Popular government and their foes. It explains the economics and social-political constraints put upon the ruling Socialist government by several inter-related players such as the reactionary Chilean Nationalists, the moderate Christian Democrats, the Chilean Armed Forces, and--of course--the C.I.A. and several U.S. multi-national corporations. The important fact is that Boorstein worked FOR the Chilean government and he lived in Santiago during the massive demonstrations for and against Unidad Popular. He wasn't writing from the outside looking in (see, Chile's Marxist Experiment by Robert Moss for a conservative critique of Allende and Unidad Popular). All in all, an under-appreciated and important book for those interested in the role of mega-corporations and how the U.S. can inflict serious economic anarchy on a really defenseless nation, as well as how Leftist coalitions should break away from orthodox Marxist policies.

Boorstein's book, Allende's Chile, is far and away the best source on the Allende government, 1970-73. Boorstein was there, and has the kind of detailed account only an eyewitness can provide.

His narrative of the increasing economic and political difficulties faced by the Allende government, and the drama of the struggle, is engaging, crystal clear, chronological, and illuminating of the economic and political forces at work.

He is realistic, acknowledging the weaknesses in the decision-making processes and in the government's strategy, and at the same time bringing to light the ways in which the government was undermined, and the economy sabotaged, by opposition groups and the CIA.

This is an exceptionally valuable piece of history; every library and every Latin Americanist should own it.

Considering the writer's background, I was hoping that Allende's Chile would be sort of the end-all be-all for books on Pinochet, Chile and the coup. After finishing, I'd say that it's not even close. But the story is still worth looking at.
What this book truly is, is just what it says: an inside view. There are significant passages on America's involvement, Pinochet and Chilean society at the time, but Boorstein really concentrates on political and economic conditions five to ten years prior to the coup as a subordinate of the Allende government.
Some of the economic details get excruciatingly boring, but some of the historical background and personal experiences are what make Allende's Chile worthwhile.
For a more detailed look at American involvement, I'd look to someone like Christopher Hitchens and his book on Henry Kissnger.

Edward Boorstein was a Marxist economist who worked for the Allende Government and was a member of the Communist Party USA. Boorstein analyzes the mistakes made by the Allende government that made it easier for the reactionaries in the Chilean military to overthrow his government. Boorstein also, informs us on how despite the sabotage of the economy by the U.S., obstructionism by the opposition and errors by the Popular Front government, the Popular Front should be credited with many accomplishments, such as controlling inflation, extensive land reform, increasing the share of the countries wealth in the hands o the working and middle classes, starting Chile on the path to economic independence from the United States. Even with setbacks in the economy and fierce attacks on the legitimacy of the government by the opposition parties, Popular Unity coalition greatly increased its vote in congressional elections.

The conclusion was interesting, since Boorstein speculated abut a future Socialist government gaining control of both the legislature and the Presidency through elections. This is what happened in Venezuela under Chavez where the military is much more left wing then it was in Chile under Allende.

A great book full of information. I couldn't put the damn thing down. HIGHLY recommended.

The author worked for the Allende government and the best part of the book is the 'inside' perspective he adds. The highlight is his narration of the efforts made by him and other advisers in the US to protect Chilean interests from American Multinationals lawsuits, embargos, etc..that could come as a result of Allende's aggresive programs against them .
However, most of the book goes back to the same old boring common-place of how Imperialists Americans and Pinochet's "Bad Boys" are responsible for Allende's failure. Even the horrible economic situation is blamed on them. (Because Communism worked everywhere else!!!).
Anyway, the book was written in 1975 and at that time that speech was believed. Today, we know almost half of the chileans support Pinochet until today, and that although Americans played a role, the economic chaos was Allende's fault... for his irresponsible and un-professional programs.