The Sociohistorical Dynamics of the Conflict Between the State of Chile and the Mapuche People in Gulumapu

This chapter addresses the sociohistorical dynamics of the conflict between the Mapuche people and the state of Chile. The statistical data on social conflict systematized by the Center for Social Conflict and Cohesion Studies (COES) shows an increase in social protest in the south of the country. This has been accompanied by a gradual expansion of sociopolitical conflict in the area. We assert that, to explain this phenomenon, a long-term perspective is necessary, addressing three questions. The first has to do with how the state of Chile generated policies and institutions that addressed (or not) indigenous peoples’ demands on social matters (land policies, social policies) and security (militarization, securitization of the conflict). The second question refers to how indigenous social organizations developed and deployed strategies through which to respond to the state in their struggle for recognition and self-determination. Finally, the third question involves the role played by the private business sector in southern Chile and the expansion of the extractivist economic model.