A geopolítica da África Ocidental: o Atlântico Sul e sua relevância geopolítica, geoeconômica e geoestratégica

Abstract

Extra-regional interests in the South Atlantic area are manifested through the exploitation of natural resources, such as oil and gas, as well as through political and military influence. Major powers and multinational defense industries have shown interest in the region, driven by the strategic importance of the South Atlantic as a trade route and source of resources. In April 2023, at the ZOPACAS meeting in Cabo Verde, the Brazilian government reinforced the need to reestablish ties in favor of a multipolar international order, by strengthening ZOPACAS as a counterpoint to the expansion of NATO as a global alliance. The inclusion of ZOPACAS in the PEM 2040, published in September 2020, demonstrates the relevance of the topic for Brazil. Based on documentary analysis and specialized literature, we discuss the implications and challenges of Brazil's cooperation with other countries on South Atlantic affairs. We also highlight that engaging in such an initiative can create strategic synergies that benefit the countries of the ZOPACAS, especially Brazil, contributing to a common agenda for geopolitical rebalancing of the international order. Finally, we intend to assess the geopolitical strategies used by other countries in the Arctic region in order to draw a comparison with the strategy used by the Brazilian government in the South Atlantic region. A SWOT analysis of Brazil’s geopolitics in the South Atlantic region reveals a complex interplay of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Brazil benefits from its status as the largest nation in the South Atlantic, due to its geographic size, population, and economic importance in the region. However, conflicting global interests, the lack of prioritization of the South Atlantic, and the growing influence of Russia, the United States, and China present significant challenges, intensifying competition for resources and strategic control. Given this context, the main objective of this study will be to evaluate how Brazil has been dealing and negotiating bilaterally with each country that is part of the ZOPACAS in order to maximize available resources and implement strategies that prioritize alliances in the context of “oceanic governance”.