In eleven years of uninterrupted work at the National Academy of Political and Strategic Studies of Chile (ANEPE) this April, which I entered as a woman and civilian by public competition in 2011, I shared with five directors, in the classic biannual press established by the institutions of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defense.
The final result of each management was always insufficient for the level of work and institutional potential. It took them half a year to get to know the institution and they had just one year to materialize their contributions, when they should already be preparing their departure.
All our directors were undoubtedly a contribution and are remembered with great affection.
In an effort to improve management and project the National Academy of Political and Strategic Studies of Chile, the State opted for a change: to use the public tender as a tool to select a director who transcended the two years of management and generated continuity in the processes.
This time, by public tender, Mr. Robles did, as a good pilot, take off the ANEPE, in the middle of the pandemic. An absolute, historical and decisive merit for the institution.
A dream for years, the doctoral program materialized, the institutional accreditation as well. The number of students more than doubled. The work environment improved substantially and then an arbitrary decision comes and ruins it. Because yes, because they have not named anyone and by hand, the law and the Comptroller’s Office will not put up with them. I think I have been prudent and waited several days to express my deep disappointment.
The result: government officials will have to appear before Congress. A free mess in the midst of a difficult national historical moment. No reason, no argument.
Already with the disengagement of the two deputy directors we have had a bad time. Two great people, generous and good people. Two gentlemen.
Ongoing, and ahead of the CNA peer visit for our Magister in Security, Defense and International Relations, Robles’ resignation is a torpedo to the Program’s waterline.
I do not ask for explanations in a change of government. I only reflect on what I observe and it is simple:
ANEPE belongs to all Chileans. Civilians and military, men and women who have love for the country and seek to take care of its interest without political colors. This institution fulfills a role that no university, and whatever they have tried, can fulfill. In ANEPE there are civilians and military. It is not a regiment, nor a garrison of any branch of the Armed Forces. It is a strengthening center for thinking on Security and Defense in a global and regional context that today requires a lot of reflection. There is dialogue, there is real contribution to the country, it is a House for all. It is a strategic house of thought, study and academic training.
The 75 years can be a bridge of dialogue between the world that is gone and the one that arrives. Allow it.
The content expressed in this opinion column is the sole responsibility of its author, and does not necessarily reflect the editorial line or position of El Mostrador.
