Abstract

This study examines the strategies employed by Chilean political parties and interest groups to politicize the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). To achieve this goal, political entrepreneurs and anti-trade lobbies opposed the CPTPP are using a distinct strategy to shape the debate. The idea of trade politicization helps understand how these key actors expanded the scope of topics, mobilizing political action from various groups such as environmentalists, unions, indigenous activists, and advocates for gender equality. Furthermore, this strategy involves shifting the discourse away from the traditional dichotomy of free trade versus protectionism and redirecting the debate toward ideological and cultural dimensions such as legitimacy and sovereignty.