This political biography analyzes the political influence of, and methods used by, P.W.A. Cort van der Linden (1846-1935), Dutch Prime-Minister from 1913 to 1918. While he was a Professor of... Show moreThis political biography analyzes the political influence of, and methods used by, P.W.A. Cort van der Linden (1846-1935), Dutch Prime-Minister from 1913 to 1918. While he was a Professor of Economics he developed a view of liberalism based on German idealism which also included a progressive use of Social Darwinism. This view was what he called “the theory of a higher sense of justice.” The application of this theory is evident in his legislation to protect children (1901) as well as in the constitutional revision of 1917. According to Van der Linden’s views, it was ‘a political necessity’ to introduce general male suffrage. He also made the future introduction of female suffrage possible, and, in spite of criticism from Kuyper, the leader of the Calvinistic antirevolutionary party, he made possible the equal treatment of private, denominational, and state schools. The non-partisan attitude of the Prime-Minister was also important for the maintenance of neutrality in the Netherlands during the First World War. Van der Linden stayed in close contact with Germany while Foreign Secretary Loudon spoke to the French. In addition to all these efforts, the Prime-Minister had to settle disputes within his cabinet, with commander-in-chief Snijders and with Queen Wilhelmina. Show less
Since the early 1960s, Chilean history has been characterised by the implementation of widely different political projects. Despite the ideological differences between them, these projects have... Show moreSince the early 1960s, Chilean history has been characterised by the implementation of widely different political projects. Despite the ideological differences between them, these projects have shared a strong orientation towards modernity and odernisation. All of them have been focused on making Chile a ‘modern country’ in a relatively short period of time, based on different interpretations of what modernity is. These projects have been labelled the ‘Revolution in Liberty’ (1964-1970), he ‘Chilean Road to Socialism’ (1970-1973), he ‘Silent Revolution’ (1973-1990), and more recently ‘Growth with Equity’ (1990-2006). This study shows that these projects share key characteristics in their conception and implementation. They have all been based on modernising doctrines and economic development theories, and have focused on the state, technocracy, and state planning as the main motors for modernisation. As a result of their competition and interaction, these projects have left lasting legacies, which have crystallised into particularly stable patterns of modernity. Show less
