Cesar Ross: Two decades of studying Chile and Japan

By David Azócar

Cesar Ross, who holds a PhD in International Relations, demonstrated his academic grounding in Chile and Japan studies in his recent book, Chile y Japón 1973 – 1989. In it he shows that his background is based on pragmatic understanding and not just theory. He published the work after seven years of research on the topic.

During the years of military rule in Chile (1973 -1989), Chile underwent the opening of its markets, even as it became more isolated in political terms. Cesar Ross’ book recounts how Japan never turned its back on Chile. Moreover, Japan strengthened its economic ties with Chile and often supported Chilean representatives being elected to international bodies.  It also supported Chile in a number of critical diplomatic situations which arose during military rule, such as the 1975 meeting between Banzer and Pinochet in Charaña. 

What knowledge or experience had you had with Japan before writing the book?

My experiences with Japan were manifold. My first article on Japan-Chile relations was in 1989. Later, after teaching some classes in the US, I began to realize that many scholars were interested in Chile’s dealing with the rest of the world. So I began to research Japanese-Chilean relations.

Thus, during the mid 90s, I began a systematic study of the topic. I reviewed the so-called Japanese Economic Miracle and how development affected Japan’s relations with Latin America. I started to do conferences, classes and articles, etc., on the topic. 

During the 90s, Eduardo Ortiz, former Ambassador to India and director of the Diplomatic Academy, opened the Foreign Office’s archives to me in order that I might review some files which had a normally limited access. It was then I realized I could review all materials to 1989 and get a look at an entire era of Chilean international affairs.

How did your book “Chile Y Japón 1973 – 1989” come about?

As I mentioned, my research allowed me to develop the various topics. During its writing, I received support from Roberto Andraca, Jorge Ortúzar and Pedro Reus; all from our Comité Empresarial Chile Japón, located here in Chile.   I used a host of documentary evidence which was so copious I didn’t even have to travel to Japan. 

To make a long story short, in 2000 I developed it all into a grant proposal which I then sent in to Fondecyt. I then published my book, which was the product of seven years of research. It was also my doctoral thesis, too.

What is the subject of your book?

In short, we should understand that during military rule there was a hypothesis making the rounds. It stated that Chile was in a state of political exile of sorts, despite the efforts of the regime to open markets. One major factor that people should keep in mind is that the State, along with its nationalized industry, was the major player. In fact, the private sector was not even what we might term relevant. 

What do you think the book will be remembered for?

This book is a piece in the larger Latin America-Asia puzzle. I concentrated on the Chile-Japan connection because this very relation became a bridge of sorts between the two regions. The strongest tie between our nation, Chile, and Asia is Japan. Though it’s a fact that we currently deal with an ever-increasing China and other countries of the region, the relationship of highest quality is that which we share with Japan. Herein lie our most solid bilateral relations.

Readers are led through a period of uncertainty into an era of lasting political and economic strategic alliance. The truly unique aspect of the book involves how the political alliance is shown, and how Japan worked for the military regime’s success in international spheres. But these efforts, made on behalf of the regime, cannot be explained via shared ideological values. Rather, it can be explained by a want to maintain political commitment in order to ensure the economic resources required by Japan.   Japan was trying to increase its footprint in a region of, historically, American economic hegemony. And they almost got what they came for.

What are some indicators of Chile’s “solid” relationship with Japan, as you referred to it?

For starters, the length of time it has existed. Tradition is important to the Japanese, and we are speaking about a relationship which has lasted 111 years. Secondly, both countries have had an opportunity to see just how profound a relationship they enjoy, given diverse circumstances throughout the years.

We also have the example of the Japanese colony in Chile during the Second World War. Chile treated Japanese residents with care. They were not discriminated against, even though Chile declared war against Imperial Japan due to US pressure, according to President Juan Antonio Ríos.   

Other watershed events were the Japanese support of military regime officials to international bodies and their brokering the 1975 meeting between Banzer and Pinochet in Charaña.

Lastly, this enduring relationship is evident in the constant cooperation between Chile and Japan. We can clearly see the level of commitment in all these instances, which clearly extend past expressly economic interests.