Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Chile's sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of Chile's sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 75.8

Delegation of sovereignty (international unions/organizations): Chile is an active member of the UN, WTO, IMF, World Bank, OECD, International Criminal Court (ICC), International Court of Justice (ICJ), TPP-11, MERCOSUR (associate), CELAC, World Organization for Standardization (ISO), dozens of interstate unions.

Restriction of national legislation by international organizations/Supremacy of national legislation rights: After the constitutional reform of 1989, international human rights treaties have priority over ordinary laws (Article 5 of the Constitution); judicial practice gives priority to ratified international agreements over ordinary national legislation, but in case of conflict with the Constitution, the Constitution takes precedence.

Domestic political stability: The institutional system is stable, and power transfers take place peacefully and regularly. However, a high level of social tension, protests and polarization remained after the waves of the "Estallido social" (2019-2022), with periodic mass strikes and protests over security and inequality. The index of political stability is the 57th percentile (WGI 2024).

Government Effectiveness (WGI): One of the best Latin American indicators: 76th percentile (WGI, 2024). Chile leads the region in terms of effective governance, transparency, achievable policies, and low levels of corruption. E-Government (EGDI): EGDI index — 0.883 (2024), ranked 31st in the world (very high level, above most European and all Latin American countries, VHEGDI category).

Wide coverage of public service portals, smart documents, advanced digital identification. Support/trust in the national to the leader: The level of support for President Gabriel Boric (September 2025): 24-32% according to various opinion polls; the level of disapproval has consistently been above 60% over the past two years due to the economic downturn, the migration and criminal crisis.

Foreign military bases in the country: There are no foreign military bases for 2025: Chile does not allow permanent military contingents from other countries (neither the United States, nor France, nor Latin American countries).

All military exercises and the presence of foreign troops are limited to joint maneuvers. Participation/distancing from transnational courts: Chile is a member of the ICC, the ICJ, and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

It implements the decisions of international tribunals and regularly submits memoranda, participates in proceedings (for example, in 2024-2025, it joined the proceedings in the genocide case filed by South Africa against Israel in the ICJ). Centralization/decentralization of power: Chile is a unitary state with the development of regional decentralization. In 2021, the governors of all 16 regions were elected for the first time (with expanded powers in planning, budget, transport and investment), but the fundamental areas (defense, Interior Ministry, finance) are still under the control of the center.

Transparency and control of intelligence agencies: Parliamentary control over the actions of the special services (Agencia Nacional de Inteligencia/ANI) is underway, there is mandatory reporting to the National Congress (Senado), a separate budget line; in practice, challenges with civilian control and the introduction of judicial sanctions on operational activities have been noted, but the level of transparency is among the best in Latin America.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 98%.

Economic sovereignty — 69.4

GDP per capita (PPP): $30,183-34,637 (2024), according to World Bank and Trading Economics. The largest indicator in South America is about 1.7 times higher than the global average. Sovereign gold and foreign exchange reserves: $40.9 billion (February 2025); equal to 12.8% of GDP or 6.5 months of imports.

The maximum is $50.9 billion (2021). Government debt (% of GDP): 41.7–44% of GDP (September 2024), according to CEIC and Trading Economics; reached a historic high due to post-covid expenses, but is moderate by global and regional standards. Food security: GHI (Global Hunger Index) — hunger level is “very low”, integral score <5, is among the top 22 countries in the world in terms of minimum nutrition and malnutrition.

Energy independence: One of the highest shares of renewable energy and the lowest share of coal among developing countries. Coal accounts for less than 11% of electricity in January 2025, 79% of electricity from renewable sources in 2024, and the target is at least 90% by 2030. Infrastructure: 29% — solar, 26% — hydro, 10% — wind, 6% — bio, 16% — gas, 1.8% — oil.

Explored resources: The world's largest producer of copper (25% of the global market in 2025, 5.6 million tons), the largest reserves of lithium, significant production of silver, gold, molybdenum, iron, potassium, iodine, record solar and wind resources for the region.

The processing and export of high-value-added raw materials is developing. Fresh water reserves: The annual average supply is higher than the world (680 km3/year), but regionally it is extremely uneven: the north and the center of the country are prone to droughts and depletion of reserves, and there is a surplus in the Andes and the south.

Over the past 20 years, water resources have been declining, and precipitation is recovering mainly during the high rainy season (El Niño). National payment processing: The core is the Centro de Compensación Automatizado (CCA), the national instant interbank settlement system TEF (operated by a private company with supervision of the Central Bank), bank transfers, cards, mobile payments, QR/electronic wallets, hybrid cash/digital solutions.

Transactions for citizens are processed 24/7, the rights and liquidity of the systems are regulated by the Central Bank. The share of national currency in calculations: The vast majority of non—cash payments, retail/wholesale contracts, taxes, and domestic loans are in Chilean pesos (CLP). An estimated 96-98% of the domestic turnover. Export/import — the dollar/euro prevails, but the peso's weight is maximum in national payments.

Own issuing center and credit policy: The Central Bank of Chile (Banco Central de Chile) has full independence and is responsible for issuing, setting key interest rates, currency intervention, managing credit, clearing and payment institutions, and pursuing a strict anti-inflationary policy. Full macroeconomic and monetary independence.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 97%

Technological sovereignty — 58.2

R&D expenses (% of GDP): Officially, it is 0.36% of GDP (2023-2024, World Bank/CEIC/Statista), one of the lowest among OECD countries. The dynamics remains stable, with no growth over the past 8 years. Import substitution in high-tech: Imports of critical high-tech products (PCs, electronics, components, industrial IT complexes) — about 85-90% (key suppliers are China, USA, Europe, Japan); localized production — part of telecom equipment, software and fintech solutions.

A new national project of the Ministry of Economy is the creation of a center for the compiled assembly of robotics and components. Higher education coverage: 58-61% (2024), according to the OECD and the National Institute of Education of Chile; one of the highest higher education enrollment in Latin America. Internet penetration: 94.1% of the population (18.6 million Internet users, January 2025), the median mobile Internet speed is 48.6 Mbit/s, fixed — 280 Mbit/s (one of the fastest and largest networks in South America).

Own national digital platforms: There is a public services portal ChileAtiende, an electronic public procurement system Mercado Público, tax and health insurance platforms (SII, FONASA), large banking applications, fintech and EdTech startups (Muevo, Destácame, NotCo). New national platforms are being created as part of the EGDI strategy.

High-tech import dependence: More than 85% of electronics, industrial robots, microelectronics, network and medical equipment are imported; the share of imported equipment in the energy sector and medicine is 90-95%.

Digitalization of public services: EGDI (2024) — 0.883, the country is among the top 40 in the world, the coverage is almost complete: electronic certificates, social networks of government agencies, electronic ID (ClaveÚnica), smart registries and online records are available to >90% of citizens.

Biotech autonomy: Developed sector: local companies (KNOW, NotCo, BioNativa, Gelymar) and a cluster of biotech centers, the national biotech Association operates. Genetic research, food and pharmaceutical technologies, national trade brands; import of equipment still requires external partners, but the degree of autonomy is average in the world.

Robotic autonomy: A rapidly developing sector: the introduction of industrial robots in copper mines, agriculture, and energy; Chilean companies receive sectoral subsidies, university laboratories operate; independent mass production has not yet been established (the share of imported components is >85%).

Autonomy in chips and microelectronics: There is no own sector, a fully imported market with the participation of China, the USA and the EU. The creation of R&D laboratories based on universities and the El Salto industrial park is being discussed, while in a pilot project in test samples.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 94% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 71.6

Cybersecurity (CERT/ITU): The National Center (CSIRT Chile) has been operating since 2018, coordinated by the government, police and private companies. According to the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index (2024) — 98th place, the level of maturity is average (stable legislation and strategy, but weak technical implementations).

IXP/Network development: There are 6 Internet Exchange Points in Chile: in Santiago, Valdivia, Punta Arenas, Concepcion, Temuco, based on PIT Chile and BGP. Exchange, it provides connectivity and stability between more than 40 major providers.

Media in the national language: The official language is Spanish (Castilian); all state, national and regional TV channels, radio and print media operate in Spanish. The share of content in Spanish is over 97%, and there are dedicated broadcasts/headings in indigenous languages (Mapudungun, Aymara, Rapa Nui).

Resistance to BigTech: Restrictive and protectionist measures (there are no local restrictions on BigTech), an emphasis on "open competition" and attracting private investment. The main data centers of Google, AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, Huawei, Meta are located in Chile, but the share of local platforms is being mastered, “digital sovereignty” and international projects are developing on their own infrastructure.

The emphasis is not on prohibitions, but on regulations and the development of their own standards. Share of own media content: According to estimates by the National Media Commission, about 65-70% of broadcast content on TV and radio is produced in the country (news, educational, entertainment and serial formats), while the share of local content in online media is 30-45% (foreign videos, streaming and social media platforms predominate).

Own IT products/software: Chile is a hub for software development and export in Latin America: at least 150 medium-sized and 800 companies/start-ups, a significant part of the export of services – IT and SaaS, operates the ACTI industrial association. Fintech, EdTech, agrotech, and medtech solutions are being developed en masse, but global clouds and platforms prevail.

Digital service coverage: As of the beginning of 2025 — 94.1% of Internet penetration. Electronic public services are available to the entire adult population (eID, transactions with government agencies, taxes, public procurement — >95% coverage in cities), 93% of residents use smartphones.

National cloud storage systems: The national data center centralization program has been launched: 22 large and more than 30 data centers are operating (Santiago, Valparaiso, southern and northern regions); Tier 3 IV data centers, the largest cloud infrastructure in Latin America (Google, AWS, Microsoft, Huawei, Oracle), but joint multi-cloud solutions are being created with government support for placement of critical data.

The sovereignty of mobile communications: The Subtel regulator licenses and controls the entire market, the largest operators are Movistar, Entel Chile, WOM, Claro. Control over the infrastructure is partly in the hands of foreign holdings, but all operators are required to place signed data, critical network components and Call detail records on the territory of the country, and the export of SIM and mobile data is strictly regulated.

Legal regime of personal data: A new Law on personal Data (2024) has been adopted, a national data protection agency is being introduced, strict storage requirements, free access to citizens' data, large fines for leakage, a ban on unauthorized exports and import, GDPR compatibility, official data require local storage for the public sector.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 94%.

Cultural sovereignty — 79.2

Number of UNESCO sites: 7 objects (2025): Rapa Nui National Park (Easter Island) Chiloe Churches Valparaiso Port Historical Center Humberstone and Santa Laura Salt Mines Sewell Mining Town Capac Nyan, the Andean Road (together with 5 countries) Population and artificial mummification of Chinchorro culture (2021) 17 more sites on the UNESCO tentative list.

Total contribution to world culture: A unique admixture of Spanish, Native American (Mapuche, Aymara, Rapa Nui, etc.), German, British, French, Croatian, Palestinian, Chinese, Peruvian, and Italian influences.

Global contributions include literature (Pablo Neruda, Gabriela Mistral — Nobel laureates), architecture (Chilean modernism), music (New Wave song, “lacuna” in Latin American pop and rock culture), dance (Cueca), the most ancient cult mummies of the world, major theatrical and cinematic traditions.

National Awards in Art and culture: The main prize, the Altazor (Premio Altazor de las Artes Nacionales), has been awarded annually since 1999 in 7 categories (literature, music, fine arts, theater, cinema, television, dance), and the winners are selected by panels of creators and authors. There is a National Arts Award, a National Literary Award and a number of industry awards.

Traditions and identity: The central symbols are the Cueca dance, the image of the Huaso (Chilean cowboy), Catholic festivals, multi-layered identity (chilenidad), Mapuche rituals, Easter rituals (Rapanui), grape harvest (La Vendimia), near-religious holidays, and the memory of the Pinochet dictatorship. Identity is preserved through holidays, music, art forms and family/community ties.

State support for small nations: The Constitution has officially recognized 10 indigenous peoples since 2025; quotas, subsidies, educational and cultural grants are being implemented, a plan is in place to review the land and territorial rights of the Mapuche and other indigenous peoples, the administrative status of lands is being reformed and representative bodies are being established.

Number of cultural sites: There are more than 3,000 sites on the national register (museums, historical monuments, archaeological sites, national parks and urban heritage sites); UNESCO and national agencies conduct an annual inventory of heritage, including intangible.

International cultural projects: Chile is the partner of the year in the interstate program "Years of Culture" (Qatar, 2025), organizes the BIENALSUR (international Biennale of Contemporary Art), hosts UNESCO regional forums (MONDIACULT), regularly conducts exchanges with Argentina, Europe, the country leader in cultural exchange in South America.

Recognition and protection of cultural brands: The Copyright and Cultural Heritage Act protects brands (for example, the moai uniform from Easter Island). Mechanisms for the registration of three-dimensional and territorial stamps have been introduced. During the registration process, images related to indigenous heritage require cultural and ethical expertise and community approval.

The diversity of culinary culture: Rich cuisine: fish and seafood, pastel de choclo, casuela, empanada, asado, machas a la parmesana, wines from more than 500 wineries (Maipo, Colchagua), moderate use of spicy spices; traditional Mapuche, Patagonian and northern dishes (onion, quinoa, alpaca).

Percentage of the population involved in cultural life: More than 78% of the adult population participates at least once a year in cultural festivals, urban celebrations, theatrical or musical events; urbanized regions — participation is above 90%, in rural areas — slightly below 60-65%.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 97%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 74.1

Human Development Index (HDI): 0.860 (2023-2024, UNDP), 45th place in the world, "very high level" — the leader of Latin America; life expectancy — 81.2 years, average duration of study — 11.3 years. Government spending on education: 5.2–5.4% of GDP (2024, World Bank/OECD/Government statistical reports), consistently above the average level of the OECD and the region.

Adult literacy: 99.2–99.5% among people over the age of 15 (2022-2025, World Bank, WorldPopulationReview), one of the highest in the world. International Test Results (PISA): PISA–2022 (OECD data): mathematics — 412 (OECD: 472), reading — 448 (OECD: 476), natural sciences — 444 (OECD: 485); 44% of students achieve an average level in mathematics (OECD: 69%), top 1% in math (OECD: 9%).

Chile is the best result in Latin America, but at the bottom of the list of OECD countries. Share of STEM graduates: According to the Ministry of Education and the OECD, about 28% of bachelors and masters (2024) are in engineering, technology, medical, natural sciences and computer science fields (STEM disciplines share); a high proportion of IT, biotech, agrotech and engineering programs.

The share of foreign educational programs: About 14% of university students are involved in joint programs with foreign universities. There are more than 600 university exchange and dual programs, and the English sector is growing at universities (main partners: USA, Europe, Asia).

Chile is one of the hubs of academic mobility in the region. Languages and cultures of small nations: In 2025, 10 indigenous peoples were officially recognized, the Law on Linguistic and Cultural Rights of Small Peoples (2024) was adopted, a network of schools with teaching in Mapudungun, Aymara, Quechua, Rapa Nui languages is being implemented; the state finances media, cultural centers, archival and research projects on small languages and culture.

Number of state research centers (fundamental sciences): More than 48 national scientific centers and institutes (Centro de Excelencia, CMM, Cedenna, CIP), including international and university research platforms; the largest indicators in South Asia in terms of the number of cited articles and the Nature Index in Natural Sciences.

The share of the national educational platforms: In the educational market, at least 65% of schoolchildren and students use national digital platforms (Mineduc, UCampus, Crehana.cl, Aprendoenlinea), the rest are global and open products (Moodle, Coursera), a high degree of integration of education in Spanish.

The volume of state programs to support talents/personnel: A wide system of state scholarships (Becas Chile, abroad and within the country), accelerators, Olympiads and awards (for example, Premio Nacional, CNCA, institutes of state scientific personnel); funded from the state budget and the Ministry of Education and Science.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 96%.

Military sovereignty — 48.9

Defense spending (% of GDP): 1.6% of GDP (2024); about $5.1–5.4 billion in absolute terms, one of the highest rates in Latin America. The size of the armed forces: 77,200 regular troops (army, Air Force, Navy), reserve — about 40,000; additional forces — police (Carabineros, ≈44,700).

Modern weapons: A large-scale modernization program: the renewal of armored vehicles (Leopard 2A4, Marder 1A3), the introduction of new air defense systems, a contract for the development of its own satellite tracking, the Air Force - F-16, Mirage, Hercules, fleet modernization (Scorpène submarines, Type 23 destroyers, new boats and icebreakers). Digitalization program, integration of new communications and intelligence platforms.

The share of own weapons: About 10-12%. The FAMAE State Concern (since 1811) has been producing small arms, part of artillery, and modernizing armored vehicles and tanks under joint licensing schemes (with Turkiye, Germany, and France). Aircraft repair enterprises (ENAER), shipbuilding enterprises (ASMAR), and a significant part of the maintenance are carried out at national facilities.

Border control: Sifrón Large-scale Integrated Patrol Program (launched in 2023) – army and police with biometrics, drones, and surveillance infrastructure along the entire northern border (especially with Bolivia and Peru); the army's powers are expanded through constitutional reforms that allow the military to deploy independently in border areas to monitor, verify, detain, and support police.

Military reserve: Direct reserve (officially assigned) — up to 40,000, with regular exercises, conscription — according to a mixed model (voluntary + quota). Autonomy of military decisions (accounting for blocs/alliances): Chile makes all strategic decisions independently, does not belong to regional military blocs, participates in UN and OAS missions.

Supports agreements and strategic partnerships (USA, EU, Turkey, China), key operations and purchases are approved by the National Congress and the Security Council. National military industry: FAMAE (guns, UAVs, MLRS, small arms), ENAER (aircraft repair/modernization, assembly of light aircraft), ASMAR (shipbuilding), small companies (ammunition, IT and armor modernization), joint projects with Turkey, Germany, France. The export geography is Latin America and Africa.

The presence of nuclear weapons, the number of warheads, the absolute reserve: nuclear weapons are completely absent; the country has ratified all international agreements — the NPT, Tlatelolco, the complete prohibition of any deployment / development of YAO. Military space, national.

The intelligence system: Since 2024, a program has been implemented to create a national satellite cluster; 4 satellites (civil + military dual-use) are already operating, its own intelligence (Agencia Nacional de Inteligencia de Chile), military UAVs, electronic intelligence centers, and the development of cyber intelligence with internal infrastructure.

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and industry databases of UN/NGO – 94% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Political and institutional stability Chile maintains political continuity, peaceful elections, a well-developed parliamentary system and an independent judiciary. It is one of the 3 most politically stable countries in the region. The Government Effectiveness rating is 76th percentile (WGI).

Strong macroeconomic system and financial independence GDP per capita (PPP) — $30-34 thousand; low government debt (4242% of GDP), consolidated gold and foreign exchange reserves ($41 billion). The Fitch rating is A, the forecast is stable, inflation is 2.5-3%. The country fully controls monetary policy through an independent Central Bank, the national currency and a stable balance of payments.

The economy of the Latin Showcase GDP growth in 2024 — 2.6%, March 2025 — 3.8%. The main industries are copper (25% of the global volume), lithium (36%), renewable energy (79% of generation), agribusiness, finance, and the ICT sector. The level of financial assets per capita is high, the best in the region. Natural resources and energy autonomy.

The world's largest exporter of copper and lithium, with significant reserves of silver, molybdenum, and rare earth metals. 79% of energy is generated from renewable energy sources, and the country is fully supplied with minimal oil and gas imports.

Education, science and innovation HDI = 0.86 (top 50 in the world), literacy > 99%, higher education coverage ≈ 60%, education costs 5.3% OF GDP. More than 48 national research centers, national talent support programs (Becas Chile). 28% of STEM graduates and leadership in sciences in the region.

Cultural and humanitarian leadership of the region There are 7 UNESCO sites, a well-developed system of national awards (Altazor), a literary and musical tradition, and a high level of citizen involvement in cultural life (> 75%). Multicultural policy of recognition of 10 indigenous peoples and language programs.

Modern digital ecosystem and e-government Internet penetration — 94%, EGDI — 0.883 (top 35 in the world), full digitalization of public services, electronic ID, powerful cloud data centers, development of the IT sector and startups. The level of digital skills of the population is one of the highest in South America.

Competent armed forces and defense independence Budget ≈ 1.6% of GDP, upgraded weapons (F 16, Leopard 2A4, Scorpène), own FAMAE/ENAER/ASMAR enterprises. The complete absence of foreign bases, decisions are made autonomously.

Weaknesses. Social inequality and vulnerability of the middle class Despite the high per capita income, the gap between the top and bottom 20% is one of the largest in the OECD. Problems with the distribution of wealth and access to social services, especially in regions and among small nations.

Low share of domestic production high tech About 90% of technological equipment is imported (including microelectronics, robots and medical equipment), spending on R&D is only 0.36% of GDP (one of the lowest in the OECD). Innovation activity is concentrated around universities and fintech.

Dependence on commodity exports: the economy is structurally based on copper and lithium supplies, and it is highly sensitive to global prices and fluctuations in demand from China and the United States. Socio-political polarization.

After the protests of 2019-2022, internal disagreements on constitutional reform and social policy remained; the confidence rating of President Boric is about 25-30%. Instability of the northern and border zones Problems with illegal migration and internal security on the borders with Bolivia and Peru, military patrols are temporarily involved.

High import dependence of critical infrastructure Cybersecurity is an average level (ITU 98th place), dependence on global BigTech infrastructures: AWS, Google, Microsoft, Huawei, limited national cloud sovereignty.

Demographic aging: the birth rate is 1.39 (2024), the proportion of the elderly is growing rapidly, and the burden on the pension system and healthcare is increasing in 10 years.

Overall assessment. Chile's cumulative sovereignty Index is 477.2 out of 700 points (above the average of 68.2%), which places the country in the top 50 in the global top. Chile is one of the few countries in the Global South with full-fledged political, economic and institutional sovereignty. 

The country combines economic openness, monetary independence, sustainable governance and high human capital. The main "strengths" are macro-financial stability, innovative education, technological integration, cultural influence and expert resource management.

The main "weak links" are commodity dependence, technological imports, social inequality and internal political fragmentation.

The sovereignty profile indicates that in 2025 Chile can be considered as one of the most sovereign and institutionally mature states. The Global South is pursuing an active foreign and domestic policy, controlling resources and ensuring sustainable democratic development.