Firing Line Season 12 Episode 18 Looking Back on Allende

Looking Back on Allende is the 18th episode of the 12th season of Firing Line, hosted by William F. Buckley Jr. The episode takes a closer look at the political career of Salvador Allende, the former President of Chile.

The episode starts with Buckley discussing the history of Allende's presidency, which began in 1970 and lasted until 1973 when he was overthrown in a military coup. Buckley describes Allende as a socialist who was democratically elected and implemented policies aimed at nationalizing industries and redistributing wealth to the poor.

Buckley's guest for the episode is Charles Maechling, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense who served in the Nixon administration during Allende's presidency. Maechling provides insight into the U.S. government's perspective on Allende's presidency, including concerns about his close relationship with Cuba and the Soviet Union.

The discussion between Buckley and Maechling is lively and thought-provoking. They debate the effectiveness of Allende's policies, his relationship with the U.S., and the reasons behind his eventual downfall. Maechling argues that Allende's policies were a failure and that his government was on the verge of collapse when he was overthrown. Buckley challenges this assertion, arguing that Allende's policies were still in their early stages and had not yet had a chance to succeed or fail.

Throughout the episode, Buckley and Maechling provide a nuanced analysis of Allende's presidency, taking into account the political, social, and economic factors that influenced his policies and ultimately led to his downfall. They also discuss the role of the U.S. government in the coup that ousted Allende and the legacy of his presidency in Chile and Latin America more broadly.

Looking Back on Allende is a fascinating episode that provides a glimpse into a tumultuous period of Chilean and U.S. history. Buckley's wit and intellectual rigor are on full display, and Maechling's insights into the Nixon administration's perspective are illuminating. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the politics of Latin America and the role of the U.S. in the region.