Golfo da Guiné - pirataria e novas ameaças: o emprego do poder naval no Atlântico Sul

Abstract

The South Atlantic represents a space of vital importance to Brazil's strategic, economic, and security interests. However, the stability of this region is increasingly challenged by new maritime threats, especially piracy and illicit acts in the Gulf of Guinea, which directly impact the national strategic environment. This work aims to analyze the employment of Brazilian Naval Power as the main instrument of the State to mitigate these threats, protect sovereignty over the Blue Amazon, and consolidate the country's leadership in the region. Based on qualitative research, with an analysis of official documents such as the National Defense Policy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Navy's Strategic Plan, as well as specialized literature, the research demonstrates that Brazil adopts a cooperative strategic model, materialized in Naval Diplomacy actions and the strengthening of mechanisms like the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS). It is concluded that, although the strategy is coherent and the operational capability is internationally recognized, its sustainability is threatened by a structural paradox between geopolitical ambition and chronic budgetary limitations. Overcoming this challenge and the effective consolidation of Brazil as a maritime power, therefore, depend on the construction of an integrated State Maritime Policy and the promotion of a maritime mindset throughout society.