LAUNCHES | AthenaLab contributes with high-level international publications

With book chapters on maritime security in South America and the Indo-Pacific from a Latin American perspective, AthenaLab provides insights from Chile on these important topics.

As of August 1, two new books are available that include chapters written by AthenaLab researchers. These publications, edited by Nomos (Germany) and Routledge (United Kingdom), demonstrate the growing international impact of our think tank and its commitment to high-level research.

The first book, titled “Maritime Strategy and Security Challenges in South America”, edited by Henrik Schilling and Anne Runhaar, features the chapter “Maritime Infrastructure: Challenges and International Influence in South America”, written by Rear Admiral (R) Ignacio Mardones Costa, head of development and strategy at AthenaLab.

This work, organized by the maritime studies center at the University of Kiel, aims to correct the bias of Western research, which has primarily focused on the North Atlantic and Europe. The book highlights the importance of addressing the maritime challenges in South America, whose effects transcend regional borders.

On the other hand, Executive Director Juan Pablo Toro contributed the chapter “Latin America: The Forgotten Coast of the Indo-Pacific?” for the book “International Law and Security in Indo-Pacific: Strategic Design for the Region”, edited by Joanna Siekiera and published by Routledge.

This work adopts an interdisciplinary approach to analyze international law and conflicts in the Indo-Pacific. It addresses crucial topics such as maritime security, climate change, and international relations. To achieve a comprehensive view, a specific contribution from Latin America was requested, underscoring its relevance in the global discussion.

Santiago, July 30, 2025