El libre tránsito de Bolivia a través de Chile: controversias y gasto económico chileno. 2005-2011

Abstract

This article, which is based on observations contained in the minutes of the Binational Borders Committee for the period 2005-2011 and official statistics issued by the Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade, explains the current functioning of free movement under the framework of the 1904 Treaty between Chile and Bolivia, highlighting the joint work carried out by the two countries during this period. The analysis demonstrates the existence of ongoing dialogue between states, which evolves towards a gradual “maritime focus” understood as the on-going situation of conflict created during Evo Morales administration with respect to Bolivia’s maritime claim – and bilateral relations in which a discourse of discontent is present regarding the issue of free transit. Based on the contextualization of the signing and functioning of the 1904 Treaty, the study reviews the disputes, characteristics and economic cost to Chile, providing a practical analysis of port management and effective connectivity between Bolivia and the Pacific Ocean.