Poder Naval e cooperação internacional: uma comparação das estratégias de diplomacia naval dos Estados Unidos da América e do Brasil na Costa Oeste Africana no período entre os anos de 2007 e 2021

Abstract

The research object of this work is a comparative analysis of the naval diplomacy strategies adopted by the United States of America and Brazil on the West African coast between 2007, the year AFRICOM was established, and 2021, the date of Brazil's first operation in the region, GUINEX-I. The main objective is to confront the naval diplomacy practices and theories applied by each country. Specific objectives include understanding the theoretical foundations of naval diplomacy, examining the evolution of American and Brazilian naval strategies, and identifying the impacts of these strategies on regional maritime security. Geoffrey Till and Ken Booth explore the expanded capabilities of naval forces in peacetime and their diplomatic functions, while Joseph S. Nye focuses on cultural and political influence as a strategic tool. The analysis covers the evolution of US naval strategy on the West African coast and the strategic importance of the West African coast to Brazil. The research reveals that while the US integrates aspects of hard power and soft power to secure regional influence and stability, Brazil adopts an approach more focused on cooperation and promoting stability through soft power. This difference reflects the distinct strategic postures adopted by each country in the global geopolitical landscape, each aligned with their national and regional interests.