Paradiplomacy in Chile

This chapter addresses the evolution of Chilean paradiplomacy with its three neighbors: Perú, Bolivia, and Argentina. Historical events stemming from unclear border boundaries, wars in the Northern Strip, and border issues with Argentina have strengthened the state's central power, a common vision dominated by perceptions of border security. This has restricted paradiplomatic practices, limited by the number of actors involved and the topics on their agendas. In summary, Chilean paradiplomatic practice develops under three conditions: a history of conflicts and neighborhood issues; the absence of diplomatic relations between Chile and Bolivia; and the existence of two forms of paradiplomacy: that of subnational actors or local governments, and that of social actors who are part of civil society. The methodology consists of a monographic and descriptive systematization of bibliographic content, field research, and interviews.