Why did Colombia and Chile experience bouts of social unrest and street violence recently? What are the roots of this discontent and what can be done about it? Might a new social contract in those countries provide a way out?

Two former presidents, Juan Manuel Santos from Colombia and Ricardo Lagos from Chile, discuss the issues with LSE Director Minouche Shafik and economist Mauricio Cárdenas.

Meet our speakers and chair

Mauricio Cárdenas (@MauricioCard) is a Visiting Professor at Columbia University SIPA and a Visiting Senior Research Scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA, where he leads research focused on energy and climate policy in Latin America.

Ricardo Lagos is the former President of Chile, who held the office from 2000 to 2006. An economist and lawyer by qualification, he worked as an economist for the United Nations from 1976–1984. In the 1990s, Lagos served in Chile under President Aylwin and his successor, President Eduardo Frei, as both Education Minister and Minister of Public Works.

Juan Manuel Santos (@JuanManSantos) is the former President of the Republic of Colombia, serving two terms, from 2010 to 2018. In 2016 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He is a member of The Elders and a Honorary Graduate of LSE. President Santos studied for a Master of Science in the Department of Economics at LSE in 1975.

Minouche Shafik is Director of the London School of Economics and Political Science. Prior to this, she was Deputy Governor of the Bank of England. She is an alumna of LSE.

Andrés Velasco (@AndresVelasco) is Professor of Public Policy and Dean of the School of Public Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

More about this event

The School of Public Policy (@LSEPublicPolicy) equips you with the skills and ideas to transform people and societies. It is an international community where ideas and practice meet. Their approach creates professionals with the ability to analyse, understand and resolve the challenges of contemporary governance.

The Latin America and Caribbean Centre (@LSE_LACC) is the focal point for LSE’s research and public engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean, the Centre builds upon the School’s long and important relationship with the region.

Twitter Hashtag for this event: #LSEPublicPolicy

Podcast & Video

A podcast of this event is available to download from Social Unrest in Colombia and Chile: causes and cures.

A video of this event is available to watch at Social Unrest in Colombia and Chile: causes and cures.

Podcasts and videos of many LSE events can be found at the LSE Public Lectures and Events: podcasts and videos channel.