Vision

We live in an era of transformations. Populism, nationalism, protectionism and isolationist policies are on the rise once again with great strength. The big power-game among strong nations has returned. Traditional structures, such as the Nation-State, suffer from multiple pressures, including migratory flows and economic decisions that exceed a response capacity.

These trends, which are accelerated by the technological revolution are undermining the liberal world order based on norms and regulations, which after the Second World War brought unprecedented prosperity and stability. Furthermore, military forces that had been marginalized for decades due to profits from trade, recovered prominence once again.

In this new scenario, where traditional hegemonies dissipate while risks increase, it becomes crucial to update and coordinate Chile’s Foreign and Defense Policies, which up to this point have been based on these basic principles: the sovereign equality of states, non-intervention in the internal affairs of other nations, economic integration as a growth factor, and the continuous quest for mutual deterrence among neighbors.

With the country’s development and its close ties to the Paci c, as well as the absence of effective cooperation mechanisms amongst super powers, foreign affairs cannot limit themselves any longer to judicial/economic issues. It is necessary to search for new action fronts in order to interact with the rest of the world in a proactive and bene cial manner. Simultaneously, our Defense should promote and protect national interests when faced with threatening situations.

Civil society’s contribution is important. Therefore, it is crucial to build a common Foreign and Defense Affairs strategic plan, and AthenaLab’s role is to assist in this effort.