"... You know I was just wondering what South America would look like if nobody gave a damn about coke or communism. It always impressed me the way you boys would carve this place up...."

I would say, that Chile has historically "enjoyed" period of an economical stability. Paid its price for that, but developed enviroment comparable with the North American standards. The lack of strong leadersip is going to ensure return to the South American standards. Despite that, it is still "cement-hard" stability, while comparing to Argentina.