"Studies ascent of professional economists to high positions in government during last five administrations in Chile. Initially, economists were in control of economic policymaking, but gradually have increased their influence by occupying top positions throughout the State bureaucracy. Also looks at economists' role during and after Chile's transition to democratic rule. Research is based on more than 100 interviews with high-ranking government officials. The interviewees are listed in the appendix"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 57.