Cabo Verde no tabuleiro geopolítico Atlântico : Disputa de influências e novas possibilidades para o Brasil e sua Diplomacia Naval

Abstract

Cabo Verde is an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 500 km off the West African coast. Despite its limited landmass and mineral resources, the insular country holds jurisdiction over a vast maritime area positioned at a crucial intersection of the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) linking the Americas, Europe, and Africa. This strategic location, combined with its institutional stability, has made the country increasingly attractive to external powers. This paper aims to compare the forms of engagement pursued by four extra-regional actors — China, the United States of America (USA), Portugal, and Brazil — in their bilateral relations with Cabo Verde, in order to identify ways to enhance Brazil’s strategic-political role in the South Atlantic. The research adopts a qualitative approach, based on bibliographical and documentary research, as well as a comparative case study. The analysis is guided by Joseph S. Nye’s theory, particularly the concepts of hard power, soft power, and smart power, and is further grounded in Geoffrey Till’s contributions in the field of maritime strategy. Based on this framework, the study explores how Brazil may expand the effectiveness of its naval diplomacy in the Atlantic space and consolidate regional leadership within the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS).