Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the sovereignty of Peru 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 the sovereignty of Peru.

Political sovereignty — 49.6

Peru actively participates in international unions: it is a member of the United Nations, the OAS, the WTO, the Pacific Alliance, MERCOSUR (associate member), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), as well as a number of specialized organizations, which implies delegating part of sovereignty to jointly solve economic, political and humanitarian problems.

National legislation is sometimes limited by international organizations — for example, decisions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) have an impact on judicial practice, but in 2024, Peru approved a new law allowing national courts to ignore IACtHR interpretations and precedents in other countries if they do not relate directly to Peru, which strengthens national legal sovereignty.

Domestic political stability remains low: the country is faced with a series of impeachments and political crises, frequent presidential changes, and distrust of parliament and state institutions. Protests and strikes are regular, and the rating of national leaders is at a low level.

The Government Effectiveness Index (WGI) for Peru in 2023 is -0.27 (on a scale from -2.5 to +2.5), reflecting medium — low managerial competencies compared to the region.

The UN e—Government Index (EGDI) in 2022 is 0.6959 (higher than the average in Latin America), Peru ranks 61st in the world, but the country is still catching up with the leaders (for example, Chile).

Support and trust in the national leader are low: according to the data from 2024-2025, the level of trust in the president and the executive branch does not exceed 15-20%, the greatest dissatisfaction is caused by the inability to solve corruption and social problems.

There are no foreign military bases on the territory of Peru, the country does not allow the permanent deployment of troops from other states in accordance with its legislation and Constitution. Relations with transnational courts are contradictory: The country fulfills the mandates of the IACtHR and maintains nominal participation in a number of international jurisdictions, but new judicial practice and legislation allow for selective compliance and an emphasis on the priority of national law.

Power is based on the principle of formal centralization, but in practice there is a system of regional governments with limited autonomy and opportunities to influence energy policy, finance and management (devolution of power is moderate, but the role of local authorities in social policy is increasing).

Transparency and control of special services: the state is implementing national control mechanisms (parliamentary commissions, courts, ombudsman and state supervision), but the level of transparency and openness is still low, and scandals related to wiretapping, corruption and abuse of powers by special services periodically arise.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, coverage is 93%.

Economic sovereignty — 46.2

Delegation of sovereignty: Peru actively participates in the United Nations, the OAS, the WTO, APEC, the Pacific Alliance, MERCOSUR (associate member) and dozens of other international organizations, which implies the delegation of some powers in the economy, politics, human rights and security.

Limitation of national legislation: National laws are sometimes limited by international organizations, especially on human rights issues — for example, Peru is obliged to comply with the decisions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR), but in 2024 the country approved a law allowing national courts to ignore the decisions of the IACtHR in cases of countries other than Peru, which strengthens the rule of national law rights.

Internal political stability: Stability is low, there is a frequent change of presidents, conflicts between branches of government, parliamentary crises, regular protests, and a high level of discontent with institutions.

Government Effectiveness (WGI): In 2023, Peru received -0.27 on the World Governance Indicators Public Administration Efficiency Index, which means medium-low managerial competencies relative to the countries of the region.

Electronic Government (EGDI): The EGDI index in 2022 is 0.6959, ranked 61st in the world; e-government is gradually developing, while yielding to the leaders of the region. Support/trust: Support for the president and the government is low, according to polls from 2024-2025 — no more than 15-20% trust the head of state.

Foreign military bases: There are no foreign bases on the territory of Peru, the deployment of foreign troops is prohibited by the Constitution. Participation/distancing from transnational courts: Peru nominally fulfills the mandate of the IACtHR and other international courts, but the new law allows for selective compliance and emphasizes the supremacy of the national rights.

Centralization/decentralization: Formally, power is centralized, but a system of regional governments with limited autonomy has been developed; the role of regions is gradually growing, especially in social policy and financial management.

Transparency and control of the security services: Government agencies are implementing parliamentary commissions, ombudsman mechanisms and monitoring, but the level of transparency of the security services remains low, and scandals of abuse and covert operations periodically occur.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 91%

Technological sovereignty — 37.4

Per capita GDP (PPP) in Peru at the end of 2024 is $15,662, according to the World Bank and TradingEconomics; this is 88% of the global average. The sovereign gold and foreign exchange reserves for December 2024 are $79.25 billion, including about $2.92 billion in gold reserves (2.9 thousand tons of gold).

The national debt (% of GDP) is 32.7% by the end of 2024, which is considered a low level by Latin American standards.

Food security is ensured by a strong agricultural sector: the country produces a sufficient number of basic products (corn, potatoes, rice, fish, avocados), but access problems remain for the poorest regions, especially in rural and mountainous areas.

Energy independence is high — the country covers about 55% of energy consumption due to hydroelectric power plants, about 38% due to domestic oil and gas production; there are few oil and gas imports, the basis of the energy system is its own capacity.

The explored resources include copper (2nd place in the world), gold (7th place), silver (2nd place), zinc, tin, gas, oil, lithium, significant fish stocks (one of the world's largest fishing zones). Freshwater reserves are large: the share of available freshwater per capita in the country (mainly in the Amazon basin and the Andes) is among the leaders in Latin America (several thousand cubic kilometers).

National payment processing: the system operates on the basis of a central bank (Banco Central de Reserva del Perú), uses a national payment network, Visa/MasterCard card processing, local payment systems (Plin, Yape, etc.), all major national settlements are carried out within the country.

The share of the national currency in calculations: The Peruvian sol prevails in all domestic calculations, foreign currency (USD, EUR) is used only in international and export-import calculations. Its own issuing center and credit policy — the central bank (Banco Central de Reserva del Perú) manages the issue of salt, interest rate regulation, inflation, monetary policy and lending issues, completely independently of external financial institutions.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 93% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 52.3

Cybersecurity (CERT/ITU): Peru has a national CERT (Pe-CERT), the country participates in major ITU regional cyber studies (for example, CyberDrill-2024 in Lima), implements its own cyber strategy and national laws; steady progress is noted for 2024, but resources and personnel are limited, the ITU index is in the "average" zone around the world.

IXP/Network development: There are at least 10 active Internet exchange points (IXPs) in Peru, the largest Peru IXP in Lima, new nodes are open in the regions; the infrastructure is regularly updated, the 400G standard is supported, and the total bandwidth exceeds 2 Tbit/s.

Media in the national language: The main language of the media is Spanish; programs in Native American languages (the largest are Ketchua, Aymara, as well as dozens of Amazonian languages) are presented on TV, radio and in state publications — for example: daily news on the state channel TV Peru in Quechua, Aymara and Ashaninka. Resilience to BigTech: The level of resilience is average, the media market and advertising technologies are controlled by major international platforms (Google, Meta), but there are government initiatives to develop local platforms and content, and legal protection of the national media market.

The share of own media content: On TV and radio, local content prevails (up to 55-70% of broadcasting), the main news and public programs are created domestically, but the digital segment (streaming, social networks) is dominated by foreign content.

Own IT products/software: The market is represented by small firms, there are developments for banks, communications, public services, healthcare; exports and the IT industry are moderately developed, the largest platforms are public public services and solutions for the financial sector.

Digital service coverage: The Internet is available to 74.7% of the population, household penetration is 92%, all key public services are available online; a high level of digitalization of basic social services. National cloud systems: Cloud data centers of large telecom and financial companies operate, government infrastructure has been implemented for storing medical data, documents, and complaints, but a significant part of the storage is built on foreign platforms (Amazon, Azure, Google Cloud).

The sovereignty of mobile communications: The main operators are national companies, licenses are issued by the state, standards are national, but the equipment is imported, and part of the network infrastructure belongs to foreign corporations.

Legal regime of personal data: The country has Law No. 29733 on personal data protection, which requires explicit consent, contains provisions on the security of storage and processing, the Personal Data Protection Agency has oversight powers; the basic requirements comply with EU and ITU standards.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 93%.

Cultural sovereignty — 79.8

Peru officially has 13 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the city of Cusco, the center of Lima, the Nazca Lines, the Manu and Huascaran National Parks, the ancient city of Chan Chan, etc.

Peru's contribution to world culture is enormous: Inca culture, ancient Andean civilizations, unique folk music, architecture, ceramics, textiles, Peruvian cuisine as a global phenomenon (the Gastronomic capital of America), the tradition of holidays and syncretic culture combining Native American and Spanish roots.

National awards — the National Cultural Award (Premio Nacional de Cultura), numerous regional and industry awards for literature, fine arts, folk art and contribution to the development of intangible heritage; the famous competition "Premio Nacional Amautas de la Artesanía Peruana".

Traditions and identity are formed at the junction of Incan, Native American, Spanish and African traditions, hundreds of festivals, ancient rituals, customs, traditional crafts, ancestral worship and rituals of Pachamama (Mother Earth) are preserved in the country. State support for small nations is implemented through a system of recognized languages (about 48), separate education and health programs for the indigenous population, the presence of the Ministry of Culture and special personnel for inclusivity.

The number of cultural sites (monuments, museums, historical monuments, archaeological parks) exceeds 1,200, according to the Ministry of Culture — several thousand recognized archaeological and colonial monuments throughout the country. Peru initiates international cultural projects through UNESCO, the United Nations, bilateral cultural exchanges with Spain, France, Japan and Latin American countries, permanent representation in global exhibitions and biennales, major festivals of cuisine, music, cinema and crafts.

The recognition and protection of cultural brands is provided by the national register of intangible heritage, the international protection of Peruvian cuisine, ceramics, textiles, brands “Peru” and “Peruvian cuisine” are embedded in patent and copyright systems. Peruvian cuisine is recognized as one of the most diverse in the world.

The country combines dishes from the Andes, Amazon, coast, fusion with Spanish, African, Chinese and Japanese traditions; flagship dishes are ceviche, cui, aix de gallina, cabrita, millennia-old recipes for corn and potato dishes, chicherias, fruit and grain products. Cultural engagement is extremely high — between 50% and 70% of the population participate in festivals, carnivals, processions, craft festivals and concerts every year; culture is a key element of identity and civic life in Peru.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 90%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 58.1

The Human Development Index (HDI) in Peru for 2023-2024 is 0.794, which is a high level, according to the global ranking, the country ranks about 70-73, and in the metropolitan region the HDI exceeds 0.820.

Government spending on education: in 2023, total spending on education amounted to 70.2 billion Peruvian soles (about 4% of GDP), the budget has increased over the past 5 years, but remains below the OECD average. Adult literacy: according to data from 2022-2024 — 94%, according to some estimates up to 99% among young people, the average for adults is 94% (World Bank, PAHO).

International Test results (PISA): In the latest PISA test (2022), Peru showed results below the average among OECD countries, but above the average in Latin America; the greatest problems were identified in mathematics and reading, the best dynamics in natural sciences.

The share of STEM graduates: at the university level, about 21% of students study in STEM fields (science, technology, mathematics, engineering), which is higher than the average for Latin American regions.

The share of foreign educational programs: more than 7% of students study in international distance learning programs, and more than 15 large universities have paid double degree programs with the EU, USA, Spain, and Japan.

Languages and cultures of small nations: 48 languages are officially recognized, some schools in the Amazonian and mountainous regions teach in their native languages; the Ministry of Culture is developing a program for the preservation of cultures and languages of small nations.

Number of state research centers (fundamental sciences): There are at least 12 centers of fundamental research at state universities (physics, mathematics, biology, medicine); the main focus is on applied projects.

The share of the national Educational platforms: national digital platforms for schools and universities account for 37% of the market, the rest is provided by foreign solutions and offline learning.

The volume of state talent/personnel support programs: Beca 18 operates, competitive grants from the University of San Marcos, programs for young scientists, exchange programs with the EU, USA and Japan, 8-10 thousand people are covered annually.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 89%.

Military sovereignty — 44.7

Defense spending (% of GDP): In 2023, Peru's defense budget was 1.1% of GDP, one of the lowest in South America; in 2024, the budget was increased to $2.37 billion. The size of the armed forces: Peru has 81,000 troops in the regular forces, 188,000 in the reserve and 77,000 in paramilitaries; a total of 346,000 as of 2024.

Modern weapons: Peru is actively modernizing weapons — it buys modern air defense systems, MLRS, armored vehicles and aircraft (the latest models from Russia, South Korea, the USA, China and Israel), regularly updates its fleet of radars and communications equipment. However, a significant part of the equipment was produced until the 2010s.

The share of own weapons: Historically, a significant part is imports, but in 2024 the start of co-financing and localization of repair, assembly and production of individual weapons — small arms, cartridges, rocket launchers, military vehicles, as well as joint projects with South Korea and Israel.

Border control: the army, police and special services ensure control of land and sea borders, but difficulties remain in wooded and mountainous areas due to drug trafficking and illegal migration; control is enhanced by new technologies (radars, drones). Military reserve: The official reserve is 188,000, the conscription system is in effect, regular training and retraining are carried out; reserve forces play an important role in crisis situations.

Autonomy of military decisions: The country does not belong to military blocs, adheres to independence in strategic decisions, but concludes temporary defense agreements with the United States, South Korea, and Israel; consideration of national security interests prevails.

National military industry: Peru develops its own production at the state-owned SIMA factory (ships, cartridges), participates in cooperation with foreign companies: repair, assembly, partial production of some weapons and equipment. The share of local production is growing, but it depends on the import of components.

There are no nuclear weapons, the country participates in the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and has no nuclear programs, warheads, or weapons. Military space, national intelligence system: Peru operates the Perusat-1 satellite for surveillance and military intelligence, uses commercial and international platforms, has electronic and technical intelligence services, but there is no full cycle of military space technologies.

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 – 90% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Economic stability and resources: Low government debt (32.7% of GDP), large gold and foreign exchange reserves ($79 billion), relatively high GDP per capita (about $15,600, PPP), a developed agricultural sector and a rich resource base — significant deposits of copper, silver, gold, oil, gas, unique freshwater reserves water.

Cultural and educational diversity: 13 UNESCO sites, a powerful contribution to world archaeology and cooking (Inca culture, modern Peruvian cuisine, 48 officially recognized languages), cultures and languages of small nations are actively supported, the involvement of the population in cultural life is extremely high.

Modern digital infrastructure: High Internet penetration (74.7% for individuals, up to 92% for households), a well-developed IXP network, large online public services, effective national e-government services, and an average level of cybersecurity with a functioning CERT.

The development of military and civilian scientific technologies: The country has its own military industry (SIMA shipyards, production of cartridges, cooperation with South Korea and Israel), there is a space surveillance satellite; a large military reserve and independence of decisions are provided with non-aligned status.

Demographic and educational potential: 71% higher education coverage, 94-99% literacy, a large volume of national educational and human resources programs (non-governmental and state-funded), a high proportion of STEM graduates among Latin Americans.

Weaknesses. Political instability: Frequent presidential changes, regular parliamentary crises, low trust in government (up to 20%), and the political climate is perceived as one of the most unstable in the region.

Technological and industrial dependence: R&D is only 0.16% of GDP, import dependence in high-tech and software remains, own production of chips, microelectronics and technological autonomy are absent.

Uneven development of territories: Despite good aggregated indicators, there remains a significant gap between cities and remote areas in terms of access to education, healthcare, the Internet and high-quality public services.

Problems with security and borders: Peru is facing challenges at the borders due to drug trafficking and illegal migration; outdated weapons, dependence on imported components, modern control technologies are only being introduced.

Low spending on science and innovation: The share of funding for science and R&D is below the regional and global levels, there are few research centers, and the export of innovations is limited. The limited national media market and BigTech dependence: The share of the domestic digital media stream does not exceed the share of TV and radio, the digital sphere is dominated by international platforms and content.

Overall assessment. The cumulative index of Peru's sovereignty is 368.1 out of 700 points (average — 52.6%), which places the country in the top 150 in the world top. Peru is a country with impressive sovereign, resource and cultural potential, modern digital services and independent defense decision-making.

However, its vulnerability lies in high technological and political dependence, underfunding of science, import overload in strategic areas, and internal socio-political turbulence. The key growth vectors lie in increasing innovation and technological autonomy, the digital ecosystem, and the development of fundamental sciences.

The sovereignty profile indicates that Peru has a solid resource, cultural, economic, and defense foundation of sovereignty, but its long-term competitiveness and real independence are limited by internal instability, an impulsive change of power, technological dependence, and underfunded science.

Increased competitiveness is possible through investments in innovative sectors, increased transparency of governance, and further development of the digital ecosystem.