Book excerpt: Sigmund also documents the Reagan-era policy change from support for Pinochet to pressure for the return of democracy. He concludes that U.S.-Chilean relations have contributed significantly to an overall shift in U.S. foreign policy toward supporting democracy as an end in itself, rather than as a means to an end. Although U.S. policy will continue to be characterized by the interplay between self-interest and idealism, Sigmund contends, future administrations will find it impossible to ignore humanitarian concerns.