AthenaLab strengthens its team and Advisory Council in response to a more demanding scenario
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In an international context marked by increasing geopolitical tensions, reconfiguration of alliances, and increasingly complex challenges in international relations, security, and defense, the year 2026 is projected to be a particularly intense period for strategic analysis. In this dynamic environment, think tanks play an increasingly relevant role by providing reflection, evidence, and proposals that contribute to public debate and the understanding of a transforming world.
In this regard, AthenaLab continues to strengthen its institutional structure by reinforcing its Advisory Council and incorporating new professionals into its team.
The Advisory Council of AthenaLab is composed of individuals with recognized careers and public credibility who provide the Board with a long-term strategic perspective. Its role is to contribute to the definition of thematic priorities and research lines in the areas that guide the work of the think tank, as well as to facilitate links with relevant organizations and institutions for the fulfillment of its mission. Its members come from diverse disciplines and sectors of thought, and possess extensive professional and academic experience, enriching the reflection and public impact of AthenaLab.
This council currently includes Julio Leiva, Vivianne Blanlot, David Gallagher, Marisol Peña, José Rodríguez Elizondo, and Alejandro Jara (see who we are), and for 2026, the following members will join:
Sergio Muñoz Riveros, a prominent columnist and political analyst who has promoted good practices in democratic governance and institutional strengthening.
Alicia Ruiz-Tagle, who, from her personal and public experience, has fostered dialogue, reconciliation, and overcoming polarization in Chilean society.
Mario Waissbluth, an engineer and reference in public policies aimed at improving education and the training of new generations.
With these additions, the Advisory Council of AthenaLab strengthens its broad vision, experience, and capacity to contribute to public debate, reaffirming its commitment to the development of public policies that promote a freer, more prosperous, and cohesive Chile.
Additionally, since March of this year, Alejandro Amigo has joined the team. A former officer of the Chilean Army and a graduate in Military Sciences, he holds a Master’s in International Security from Georgetown University, a Master’s in Political Science from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, and is a PhD candidate in Political Science at the same institution. He currently teaches terrorism in the Master’s program in Global Studies at the University of Salamanca (Spain). He has been a lecturer at the U.S. Army War College on topics of strategic leadership and Latin American studies, as well as at the Institute of International Studies at the University of Chile and at ANEPE on issues of international security.
In the current scenario, having spaces for strategic thinking becomes especially necessary. With a strengthened Advisory Council and an expanded team, AthenaLab reaffirms its commitment to contribute to analysis and public debate just as it appears that the coming year will demand greater capacity for reflection, anticipation, and strategic dialogue.
