The history of the Tacna-Arica Dispute presents varied problems to the student of international relations. From the period of Spanish American independence to the present there have developed new aspects of international law and practice according to the light brought upon it by several generations of experience, The circumstances of Per’s throwing her influence with Bolivia in the War of the Pacific in order to preserve the “balance of power” illustrate the traditional type of alliance entered into by nations fearing the growing strength of neighboring countries; the appeal to patriotic impulse and sentiment in carrying on a war whose outcome in doubtful for the weaker nations; delaying settlement through plebiscitary action; the vicissitudes of politics; and intolerance fed by national pride and lack of scientific study of the problem serve as landmarks in explaining the features of international disputes under the “old diplomacy”. The purpose of this paper is to furnish an historical background of the Tacna-Arica Dispute, to trace the arguments used by each nation in their attempts at adjustment, and to see whether the so-called “new” international diplomacy has had any effect upon this particular problem.

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1935 V31