Case 246 - The Security-Democracy Dilemma: The Case of Chile, 1960-1989

Jervis, David

One of the enduring dilemmas of American foreign policy results from its desire to promote U.S. and allied security, on the one hand, and human rights and democracy, on the other.  U.S, policy toward Chile between 1960 and 1989 neatly illustrates this dilemma, because Chilean political changes forced Washington to deal with an anti-American democracy and then a pro-American dictatorship. This case study forces students to recognize the necessity for choice in foreign policy decision-making, and helps them recognize that different policies can be implemented in pursuit of the same goal.  It could be used in undergraduate surveys of U.S. foreign policy; more specialized courses examining U.S. policy toward developing countries; or classes in Latin American politics.