Evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment of opposition by one military dictator in Latin America.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the treatment of opposition by one military dictator in Latin America, weighing up its effectiveness. Candidates may refer to the wide range of policies used to deal with opposition such as the control of the mass media and the education system; censorship; the suspension of elections; the proscription of political parties, unions, movements and associations. Military dictators in Latin America also compiled black lists of opponents in order to persecute them, force them into exile or to segregate them from social life. Military dictators also applied torture methods to defeat their opponents and discourage any act of rebellion and, in many cases, opponents were illegally imprisoned or killed. Candidates may refer to the effectiveness of these policies considering the survival or not of political parties and civil associations. They may consider the possibility some people had to denounce internationally the treatment of opposition. Also, the return of democratic systems could be considered as a failure of dictators. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the treatment of opposition by one military dictator in Latin America, weighing up its effectiveness. This was a question that created some confusion for candidates as to who is properly considered a "military dictator". There were a number of very strong essays discussing the Pinochet regime. However, several candidates applied Castro with little attempt to justify Castro as a military dictator. A few candidates attempted to apply Peron.