Ratliff speaks about the presidency of Salvador Allende in Chile and the influence of leftist activists thereof. He details how Allende rose to power despite the lack of popular support. Ratliff goes on to claim the administration’s actions were unconstitutional, saying illegal activity increased after 1970 and citing Supreme Court decisions. He says the constitutional issues in the current American administration are minor as compared to the constitutional issues in Chile between 1970 and 1973.

Ratliff follows this analysis commenting on the Pinochet coup. He argues anyone that claims the United States, or any other foreign entity, was responsible is guilty of underestimating both the Chilean people and the errors of the Allende government. He says there is no proof of US-backing, despite several pieces of circumstantial evidence. Ratliff refrains from commenting on the Pinochet government, saying it is untested.

The question and answer session touches on the United States’ contributions to the coup, Chilean truckers, ITT, denationalization of companies and foreign investment in Chile, speculation on the condition of Chile had the coup not happened, if Allende committed suicide or was executed, Allende as a folk hero in the Che Guevara model, the military’s reason for the coup, and the possibility of democratic government in Chile.

Ratliff was a research fellow and curator of Latin and North American Collection at the Hoover Institution.