Former Chilean dictator, General Augusto Pinochet, was arrested in 1998 for "crimes of genocide and terrorism that include murder" and he is currently awaiting trial from countries seeking his extradition.

"Pinochet was very insecure and suspicious of people," said Carlos Huneeus, professor in the Kellogg Institute of Visiting Fellows and the Catholic University of Chile.

Pinochet can be given credit for modernizing the Chilean presidency, Huneeus explained. By creating a cabinet composed completely of army advisors, Pinochet reorganized the structure of the Chilean government, placing himself squarely at the top.

And though already supported of the majority of voters in 1978, Pinochet remained insecure, and eventually came to place an even greater dependence on military force.

Despite his heavy reliance on his military, Pinochet also placed many responsibilities with civilian political leaders.

"Pinochet relied more on politicians that had their own positions, and who came to their position through the procedure, instead of him wanting them to be there," said Huneeus.

With the help of these supporters, Pinochet was able to create organizations and appoint more than 120 ministers within the government.

However, "he led in a very disorganized way," said Huneeus. "Without a crisis, and with the control of the army, there was no need for his political style."

Pinochet prioritized economic growth, but repressed the civilian population. Pinochet's theory was, "change the economy, and you change the majority of preferences," said Hunneus.

And prior to problems in 1988, Pinochet was able to successfully mobilize support. But eventually, the opposition grew stronger, and internal problems rose. Because he could not break the Chilean tradition of election to power, Pinochet was forced to continue with the formality of allowing a democratic vote, and after two successful terms, Pinochet lost the election in 1988.

Critics usually concentrate on the specific weaknesses and failures of Pinochet for the ultimate fall of regime, but Huneeus believes that the lasting affects of Chile's long history of authoritarian rule should also be taken into account.

"Pinochet developed a strong and organized army, and depended on the army," said Huneeus. "With the army, he did not fear political question." When he lost the vote, and subsequently, the support of the army, Pinochet fell, said Huneeus.

Pinochet will not stand trial, however, as "The High Court in London today ordered the release of a medical report that found former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet mentally unfit to stand trial, ruling that Britain's top law enforcement official erred in blocking it," according to The New York Times.

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