The controversial Chilean leader General Augusto Pinochet was one of the most polarizing figures in twentieth-century Latin America. During his 25 years as commander-in-chief of the armed forces (17 of those as president of Chile), he ruled the nation with force. Chileans view Pinochet as either a patriotic national hero or a brutal dictator, but his role in the disappearance of his political opponents led to an international extradition battle that lasted 17 months.

Augusto Pinochet Ugarte was born in Valparaiso, Chile on November 26, 1915. His father was a customs official, and his ambitious mother encouraged him to embark on a career in the military. His wife, the daughter of an influential politician, was equally ambitious for him. Pinochet proved capable and intelligent, and he rose rapidly in the Chilean army. Early on he became a foe of Communism in Chile, but other than that he seemed not to have any political...