Abstract

TERCEROS, Rodrigo Burgoa  and  ALURRALDE MARIEN, Amanda. Bolivia’s Maritime Rights and the Chilean Narrative: Dismantling Myths. Rev Cien Cult [online]. 2025, vol.29, n.54, pp.25-41.  Epub June 30, 2025. ISSN 2077-3323.  https://doi.org/10.35319/rcyc.2025541371.

This article critically analyzes the maritime dispute between Bolivia and Chile, dismantling three recurring myths used to delegitimize Bolivia’s claim to sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. Through a historical, documentary, and legal approach, it examines the evolution of the dispute from Bolivia’s independence in 1825 to the present. First, it demonstrates that Bolivia did have sovereign access to the sea, refuting the Chilean claim that it never had its own coastline. Second, it analyzes the 1904 Treaty, showing that it was imposed under unequal conditions and did not eliminate the possibility of a negotiated solution for sovereign access to the sea. Finally, it examines the 2018 ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), clarifying that it did not close the door to future diplomatic negotiations. Furthermore, the article underscores the need to reassess historical narratives based on evidence and highlights the role of negotiation and international law in resolving territorial disputes.

Keywords : Bolivia; Chile; maritime dispute; 1904 Treaty; International Court of Justice; international law.

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