Transitions Simulation

Overview:

Carletonia is a middle-income South American country that has been under military rule since the late 1970s. Facing severe economic problems including inflation, poverty, and unemployment, certain cleavages have become evident within the military government. Outside observers claim that Carletonia is ripe for liberalization of the dictatorship, but certain issues hang over the country=s prospective reformers.

First, Carletonia has seen the specter of urban violence in recent years, including labor strikes and student protests that have been put down violently by the country=s bloodthirsty National Guard. Second, the military president has been criticized by elements of the armed forces for his inability to make good on the dictatorship=s original claim to develop Carletonia=s economy. Finally, the civilian-led political parties have pressed recently for a negotiated transition to democracy.

Carletonia=s authoritarian regime is at a crossroads. Crucial choices are required of all actors involved.

Actors:

The Military Government

The President (Military)

The Minister of Defense (Military)

The Minister of the Economy (Civilian)

The Minister of Internal Security (Paramilitary)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Civilian)

The Armed Forces

Admiral of the Navy

General of the Army

Chief of the National Guard

Opposition Parties

The Social Democrats (in-country)

The Workers Party (in-country)

The Communist Party (in exile)

Nonparty Opposition

The Student Movement

The Socialist Labor Unions

The Communist Labor Unions (illegal)

Urban Social Movement