The Limits and Possibilities of Democratic Developmentalism: building Developmental Alliances in Brazil and Chile - Submitted for Revision


This paper delves into the complexities of democratic developmentalism in Brazil and Chile, highlighting the formation and influence of developmental alliances on economic diversification strategies in these commodity-dependent democracies. Through a case-study methodology informed by 50 interviews with key stakeholders including policymakers, trade unionists, business owners, and other relevant actors, the paper offers a comparative analysis of how governments navigate the challenges posed by entrenched incumbent sectors. The research finds that Brazil's extensive developmental alliances facilitated some policy achievements, whereas even Chile's modest efforts were hindered by strong resistance from dominant economic sectors and the absence of a robust developmental coalition. These insights underscore the significance of political dynamics and sectoral policies in shaping developmental outcomes. The paper contributes to a growing literature on democratic development practices by demonstrating the importance of developmental alliances in shaping the developmental objectives of governments.