La prensa y opinión pública chilenas frente a las negociaciones del “enfoque fresco” con Bolivia

Abstract

Between 1986 and 1987, the Chilean and Bolivian governments held talks on Bolivia's maritime aspirations. In these negotiations, which became known as the "fresh approach", Bolivia proposed that Chile cede either a corridor north of Arica or an enclave (on the Chilean coast). In exchange, Bolivia would offer non-territorial compensations, i.e., principally the use of the waters of the altiplano or Andean Plateau. In this paper we seek to identify the reasons for the failure of these negotiations, being the last in which Chile agreed to discuss a territorial transfer, in which we argue that public opinion played a key role.

Between 1986 and 1987, the Chilean and Bolivian governments held talks on Bolivia's maritime aspirations. In these negotiations, which became known as the "fresh approach", Bolivia proposed that Chile cede either a corridor north of Arica or an enclave (on the Chilean coast). In exchange, Bolivia would offer non-territorial compensations, i.e., principally the use of the waters of the altiplano or Andean Plateau. In this paper we seek to identify the reasons for the failure of these negotiations, being the last in which Chile agreed to discuss a territorial transfer, in which we argue that public opinion played a key role.