A TALE OF TWO COUNTRIES: CHILE AND ARGENTINA -- HOW DISTINCT CULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES, AND POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS IMPACTED THEIR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Chile and Argentina share a common border along the high Andes in the Southern Cone of South America.  They were both colonized by European immigrants.  However, their paths to development have been dramatically different.

Through reading and discussion of cultural, social, political and economic history of each country, we will compare and contrast their development, attempting to understand the causes of progress, political change, economic volatility, poverty, etc.  The focus will be on current issues and their historical roots.  The role of the state and attempted reforms will be evaluated.  Development will also be discussed in the broader context of Latin America, where some similar themes will be noted.

Modest pre-reading will prepare for lively class discussion.

Class is limited to 15 members.

HARRY TETHER retired from JPMorgan Chase, where he worked most of his 30 year career on Latin America.  From 1976 to 1989 he resided in Mexico, Chile and Argentina, managing corporate banking for Chase Manhattan Bank.  He returned to New York to lead the restructure and liquidation of Latin American sovereign debt.  He is a graduate of Williams College and Columbia Graduate School of Business with an M.B.A. in international finance.  Currently he works as a consultant and has a contract with the United States Treasury to advise developing countries on debt management.  During the past year he spent three weeks each in Chile and Argentina.  He and his wife recently moved to a new home in Sunapee.