ICJ ruling will have mixed impact in Bolivia, Chile

Significance

Chile argues that the verdict represents no tangible loss. However, it is a rebuff to Chilean diplomacy, particularly following the ICJ's decision last year establishing a new maritime frontier between Peru and Chile that favoured the former.

Impacts

• The case may prove awkward to adjudicate given the difficulty of reaching any compromise solution.
• The ruling will further undermine the Chilean government's shaky approval ratings.
• In Bolivia, it may temporarily offset some of the negative signals facing President Evo Morales.