In the last decades Chile's relationship with the world has been driven by matters related to its economic policy. This article argues that Chile privileges trade relations over politics and neglects deeper relationships with neighbouring countries. While the erosion of the United States' influence has provided some opportunities for participation in regional political projects; a close examination of the country's foreign policy will show that there has been a consistent hegemony of economic over neighbourly interests enacted. This situation is strengthened by the strong presence of an economic elite who is influential in shaping national foreign policy. For the most part, the election of right-wing president Sebastián Piñera, has signified continuity with the previous policies of the centre-left governments. At the same time; this stability is nuanced-in particular in regards to the relationships with neighbouring states where some deterioration is evidenced. © 2013 Association of Iberian and Latin American Studies of Australasia (AILASA).