Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the sovereignty of Bolivia 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 Bolivia's sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 42.1

Bolivia is a member of the United Nations (and organizations), WTO, GATT, OAS, Andean Group, CELAC, ALADI, MERCOSUR (associated), Non-Aligned Movement, ALBA, Eve of Democracies, IAEA, OPCW, Intelsat, International Criminal Court, Interpol, World Bank, IMF, etc.

The Constitution (art. 410) proclaims: “The Constitution is the supreme law, international treaties, after ratification, have a higher force than laws, but lower only than the Constitution”; decisions of international tribunals are binding only within the framework of national interests. International human rights treaties have direct effect after ratification.

The situation is extremely unstable (2025): after 20 years of domination by the MAS party and its leaders (Morales, Arce), in 2025 the ruling party lost power, ahead of the second round, societal discontent, acute economic crisis, inflation, depreciation and mass protests. Political fragmentation, there is no parliamentary majority.

Government Effectiveness Index (WGI, 2024): -0.42 (below the global average, at the level of most countries of the Andes). EGDI (2024): 0.479 (122-125 place out of 193, the level of digitalization is below the average in Latin America). Confidence in the president (2025): extremely low — the MAS candidate scored 3%, the main rating of the protest candidates is populist, and society is divided. Two-round elections; mass protests against the current cabinet and the entire old elite.

There are no foreign military bases on the territory of Bolivia; there are foreign military specialists (according to training and cooperation programs, without permanent formations). Bolivia is a party to the ICC, the IAEA, the ICC and a number of Afro-Latin tribunals; decisions are executed selectively, the state declares the priority of the Constitution.

The Constitution proclaims decentralization — 9 departments, the level of autonomy is high; in recent years, there has been a tendency to strengthen the center through the control of presidential decrees and economic flows; governors are elected, but depend on the budgets of the center.

The level of transparency is low: the security services are under the direct control of the President through the Ministry of Internal Affairs, weak parliamentary control, there are no independent inspections, abuses of special services and human rights violations are massively recorded.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 88%.

Economic sovereignty — 38.9

$10,258–11,570 (PPP, 2025, according to Trading Economics — $10,258, according to World Bank/IMF — $11,190–11,570, according to Statista — $11,570). $170-171 million (as of August 2025) is a historical minimum.

By the end of 2023, it was $280 million, the average value for 2014-2021 was $2-13 billion. Reserves are equivalent to less than 0.2 months of imports; the reserve deficit is critical. 92-98% of GDP (2024-2025 according to various estimates: IMF, Statista, The Global Economy, Trading Economics — 92-97.9%).

The growth rate of debt is rapid due to chronic budget deficits. Self-sufficiency in the main crops (corn, potatoes, soybeans), but imports wheat and some vegetables, as early as 2023 there have been import disruptions and rising prices, rising prices of imported products due to the currency crisis. Up to 30% of households experience short-term food vulnerability during periods of drought or export declines.

Traditionally, one of the most independent countries is the domestic production of hydroelectric power plants, gas and oil cover over 85% of domestic generation. The decrease in gas production (2023-2025) leads to an increase in domestic fuel shortages and export restrictions, especially in the South and in large cities.

Bolivia is a world leader in lithium mines (Salar de Uyuni), with significant reserves of tin, zinc, tungsten, silver, gas, oil and agricultural potential. One of the most water—rich (Lakes Titicaca, Poopo, large rivers), traditionally there is no water shortage, the risks are only in terms of irrigation and agricultural infrastructure.

Transactions through the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB), a well-developed clearing system, national payment card standards, and digital banking (PagoMovil, BNB Net Plus). >85% of all internal settlements and transactions are in Boliviano (BOB); dollarization is minimal (regarding savings and contracts, part of the foreign exchange market is on a parallel course). The Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) fully controls the issue, the rate, and monetary policy.

In 2024-2025, the policy is severely limited by reserves: emissions are the main way to finance budget deficits. Restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and withdrawals of foreign currency funds, numerical requirements for banks' reserves (the norm is 8.5%).

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 82%

Technological sovereignty — 28.7

0.16% of GDP (last public figure, 2009, UN/World Bank); no significant growth has been recorded since then, it is significantly lower than the global average. Almost the entire market of machinery, microelectronics, software infrastructure and equipment is imported (95-98%); rare exceptions are local fintech and educational developments (less than 2%). 30.8% of the population of 25+ have post-university education (the share of degree holders), according to gross enrollment (net enrollment ratio) — 47.4% (2025). 70.2% of the population (8.77 million, 2025); mobile connections — 11.4 million, fixed Internet — 1.44 million lines. Coverage growth is above the regional average.

E-gov portal gov.bo, digital taxation, EDUCA educational platforms, Bolivian online banking (BancoSol, BNB Net Plus), SIN pension system. Advanced fintech and mobile payments (PagoMovil). 95-98% of the equipment, software, and infrastructure are imported (smartphones, PCs, and infrastructure telecom solutions).

EGDI — 0.479 (122-125 out of 193 places, the level is “below average”, electronic services are fragmented, the main services are taxation and a number of administrative services). The biotech sector is limited to several research and agrocentric projects; all vaccines, test systems, and medical equipment are imported.

Localized R&D accounts for less than 5% of the total market. There is no national sector of industrial or service robotics, full import of components and solutions. There is no autonomy: all chips and microelectronics are imported, there are no local productions or R&D sectors.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which ensures 97% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 44.6

Cybersecurity Index: NCSI — 30.83 points (80th place), ITU GCI Tier 3/5 (average level for the region); national CERT Center — CGII Information Security Incident Response Center based on Supreme Decree 2514. The obligations of operators to keep records of incidents and notify the regulator. There are 2 IXPs operating in the country: in La Paz and Santa Cruz (IXP-Confiared, LAC-IX); by 2025, traffic growth is projected to almost double, new regions are connected to exchange points.

The media broadcasts in Spanish, Quechua, Aymara and other indigenous languages; the main news and TV are in Spanish, regional radio and print media are in indigenous languages. The share of content in local languages has increased, but it still remains marginal. Large platforms (Google, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp) dominate the digital space, there is no regulation of their own; the state program for the transition to open source and the development of e-gov are being implemented slowly.

It is estimated that 65-70% of TV and radio content is of national origin (media productions, news, series, music), the rest is foreign broadcasts and syndication. The share of national content on the Internet and social media is over 40%. National products: the state e-gov portal, EDUCA edu platforms, fintech and mobile banks (PagoMovil, BNB Net Plus), part of the regional software for education and accounting.

The leading projects are GOV.BO, BANCO UNION, and local utility payment platforms. Internet access coverage is 70.2% of the population (2025), e-gov services are available in most regions, banks and fintech are >60% of the population.

There is no national cloud as an independent provider; data centers of government agencies and part of the critical infrastructure operate locally, but large services in private and public companies use foreign clouds (AWS, Azure).

Mobile operators (ENTEL, Viva, Tigo) are licensed by AGETIC Agency, the base is national infrastructure and partially foreign equipment. Voice traffic and subscriptions to mobile services are under the full control of the national regulator, and the level of dollarization is minimal.

The law “On Personal Data Protection” was adopted in 2021; state registration of operators, requirements for storage and processing have been introduced, however, the mechanism of full-fledged execution and independent regulation has not yet been developed. Reforms are underway to tighten controls, especially in public services and financial services.

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

Cultural sovereignty — 75.2

7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 6 — cultural, 1 — natural (Noel Kempf Mercado); the list includes Potosi, Samaipata, Sucre, Chiquitos Missions, Tiahuanaco, Capac Nyan, Noel Kempf National Park. The powerful influence of pre-Columbian civilizations (Tiahuanaco), colonial heritage (Potosi, Sucre), 36 official peoples, the world's largest alpine culture and rich ethnic and cultural diversity.

Bolivia is recognized as one of the most vibrant Latin American countries in music (charango, Ande music), fine art, Baroque architecture, poetry and dance. The National Literary Award (Premio Nacional de Novela), theater awards (Escuela Nacional de Teatro), awards from the Ministry of Culture, numerous music and film festivals, and special competitions for young artists and actors.

"Plurinationalism" (36 official ethnic groups), Kitchwa, Aymara, Guarani, unique religious and ritual forms (“carnival of Oruro”, “Alacitas”), highland traditions, the cult of nature “Pachamama”, the preservation of crafts, costumes, music, collective celebrations. The Constitution guarantees the protection of 36 indigenous peoples; there is a Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, schools and media in local languages, annual ethnic festivals; laws on intangible heritage and the protection of customs.

There are about 160 museums, more than 70 officially recognized unique monuments, dozens of theaters, cultural centers, and a government support system for artists. Permanent participation in UNESCO, international biennales, the largest festivals in Latin America (Santa Cruz Theater Festival, Musical Baroque festival), projects on the underwater heritage of Lake Titicaca, collaborations with Spain, Peru, Brazil.

The law on “national cultural brands" was adopted in 2021: the brands "Music of Ande", “Carnival of Oruro", “Bolivia Artesania", unique culinary specifics and ethnological patents were registered. National dishes: saltenya (pies), chicharron, mauti, sopa de mani, llapa, a huge selection of corn, potato, Indian and colonial dishes; the culinary menu is the result of a synthesis of indigenous and Spanish heritage.

More than 80% of the population participates in folk festivals, carnivals, mass rituals, religious and family festivals; involvement is supported by schools, churches, municipalities and relevant non-governmental organizations.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 95%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 50.4

HDI — 0.733 (2023), 108th place, classification — high level; global average — 0.744. 7.6% of GDP (2022, one of the highest rates in the world; 4th place globally). Adult literacy (2020) is 94%, an increase of +2% over the past 10 years.

Bolivia does not participate in PISA tests (as of 2024), there are no official scores. The share of STEM graduates according to the Global Innovation Index is 11-13% (typical for Latin American countries, specifically in Bolivia according to the latest report — about 11%).

Foreign programs — at least 3-5%; available through scholarships, exchanges (USA, Erasmus+, Mercosur), there are programs for joint degrees, internships, expat groups in large and private universities. 36 official languages: the largest are Awmaga, Quechua, Guarani, Chiquitano and Spanish; the Constitution guarantees the rights of indigenous peoples, their linguistic and cultural autonomy is supported in schools, media and administrative processes.

The National Academy of Sciences (NSA), the University of Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA), Universidad San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca, dozens of laboratories and 2-3 large institutes of fundamental sciences; the NSA system has 14-16 active state scientific centers. The main content and online learning are the national portals of major universities (UMSA, UAGRM, UPB); according to expert estimates, ~20% of the population is covered by national platforms, the main growth is 2020-2024 in distance learning products.

Presidential programs ("Bolivia Bursaries", national scholarships), special grants, competitions and fund initiatives; annually they cover 7-9% of the best students (according to university reports and the NSA).

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 88%.

Military sovereignty — 39.8

For 2023-2024, defense spending is 1.39% of GDP (2023), the budget for 2024-655.1 million USD; the indicator is stable in the range of 1.3–1.5% of GDP. Active personnel — 34,100 people (army, Air Force, Navy); paramilitary formations — 37,100; police — about 40,000; possible mobilization reserve — up to 164,500. The main equipment is outdated tanks (T—55, SK-105), armored vehicles of the 70s and 80s, a small number of modern Turkish/Chinese drones, aviation modernization (4 K-8W Karakorum, Pilatus PC-7), the Thales’ Sidacta tracking and air defense system (2023), small arms and heavy weapons are being upgraded additional purchases are expected from China, Russia and Iran.

There is practically no own production, and the share of licensed assembly is minimal. All heavy weapons and a significant part of small arms are imported (China, Russia, Iran, the EU, Brazil); national. The military industrial complex is limited by its service and repair facilities. 7,252 km of land and river borders with 5 countries, responsibility — army units, DINAFRON National Directorate (since 2017), police, special services.

There are problems with technical equipment and staff shortages along the entire length; information exchanges and international/regional projects to control drug trafficking and illegal operations are developing. Officially, there is no permanent reserve, but the actual mobilization potential is up to 165,000—170,000 (including police, reservists and emergency mobilizers). Decisions are made at the national level, and there are no formal military blocs or bases.

The military course is focused on political autonomy, multi-vector approach, cooperation with China, Russia, Iran, Asia and Venezuela; interaction with neighbors (Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Chile) on border security issues.

The military-industrial complex is absent as a technologically significant sector: only repair, assembly, maintenance of imported equipment and minor production of small arms based on existing workshops. There are no nuclear weapons, missile technologies, or warheads; the country is a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

There is no military sector for space/intelligence systems, but there is a departmental Cyberdefense Department (since 2023); intelligence traditionally relies on military and border police.

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 the UN/NGO industry databases - 87% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. High literacy and educational investments: 94% of adults are literate, one of the largest expenditures on education in the world is about 7.6% of GDP, a network of national and regional universities is developed, active government personnel support programs cover 7-9% of young people annually.

Resource potential and large lithium reserves: Bolivia holds some of the largest lithium reserves in the world (estimated at 23 million tons), as well as natural gas, silver, and tin, potentially attracting investments from the United States, the EU, Argentine, and Brazilian companies.

This is a key strategic asset for sovereignty and long—term capitalization growth. Multilingualism and the protected status of small nations: 36 official languages, strong constitutional protection of cultural and linguistic rights of indigenous peoples, Awmaga, Quechua, Guarani and others are actively integrated into education and state institutions.

Strategic autonomy in international politics: Bolivia maintains a balance between cooperation with China, Russia, the United States and Latin American countries, and in recent years has intensified the development of a multi-vector foreign policy and resource nationalism. Moderate defense burden, stable border control system: Defense spending is up to 1.4% of GDP, the army is effective for internal stability, without strong dependencies and permanent foreign bases, border control is strengthened by new agreements with Chile and Argentina.

Weaknesses. Economic instability and inflation: Inflation in 2025 is up to 25% (the highest level in the region), acute shortage of currency, fuel disruptions, low competitiveness due to unfavorable logistics and lack of access to the sea.

The weakness of the national industry and technological dependence: Deindustrialization — the industrial base is limited to maintenance, not production; all high-tech, heavy machinery, and weapons are imported from Russia, China, the EU, and Brazil. The share of STEM graduates is small - ~11-13%.

Limited use of strategic resources: Lithium is mined at less than 1% of its potential, projects are often hampered by internal and external conflicts of interest, poor management quality, and political strife leads to a review of contracts and strategies.

There is no military industry, there are no external blocks: the military-industrial complex is extremely weak, there is no independent production of equipment and weapons, military solutions are completely autonomous, but this complicates modernization and protection of sovereignty.

Limited participation in international tests, low digitalization: Bolivia does not participate in PISA, digital platforms — less than 20% of the population regularly use national online education, integration of foreign programs is limited.

Overall assessment. The cumulative Bolivian sovereignty Index is 319.7 out of 700 possible points (average 45.7%), which places the country in the top 150 in the world. Bolivia combines a powerful resource and educational base and cultural identity, but it faces economic instability, an inflationary challenge, weak industrial and technological sovereignty, and underutilization of strategic advantages in lithium, raw materials, and transportation.

In the long term, the country's sovereignty will be determined by the success of management, modernization of industry, energy and effective integration into international projects and financial institutions.

The sovereignty profile indicates that the sovereignty of Bolivia is based on a rich resource, cultural and human potential, a unique ethnic identity, constitutional guarantees and high educational coverage. The main threats are structural economic weakness, inflation, complex political transformation, and technological dependence.

Sovereign development is possible with the renewal of politics, industry, and the realization of the potential of lithium, gas, and developing educational and scientific programs.