The School of Economics and Management of the University of Minho (EEG) is proud to announce that its PhD student in Political Science and International Relations has defended her doctoral thesis entitled "The Role of the European Union in Maritime Security: The Case of the South Atlantic."
The research work defended by Daniella da Silva Nogueira de Melo, on June 6, 2024, at the School of Economics and Management of the University of Minho, analyzes the actorness or protagonism of the European Union (EU) in the security architecture of the South Atlantic, between June 2006 and February 2022.
As the author summarizes below, the research suggests the need for continued investment in European maritime capabilities and the promotion of "maritime multilateralism" in order to sustain and expand the European Union's maritime security strategy.
"The European Union has strengthened its presence in the South Atlantic as part of its maritime security strategy. The evolution of the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) has enabled the EU to enhance its ability to act as an influential crisis management player. This study analyzes the EU's actorness in the South Atlantic security architecture between June 2006 and February 2022. Therefore, the research offers a detailed understanding of its behavior and attributes as an actor by considering the perceptions of EU institutions and the expectations of South Atlantic organizations and countries regarding its actorness.
The results indicate that the organization played various roles in the South Atlantic, such as a facilitator of cooperation and dialogue on maritime issues, an architect-agent, a promoter of maritime governance, and a provider of security. These roles not only strengthened the EU's multifaceted nature as a security actor but also highlighted its ability to promote international cooperation in strategic regions. This positioning allows the EU to shape maritime governance norms and influence the global security agenda. Furthermore, the research suggests the ongoing need for investment in European maritime capabilities and the promotion of “maritime multilateralism” to sustain and expand the EU’s role as a global leader in ocean and sea security.
This study emphasizes the relevance of analyzing the intersubjective meanings and perceptions of involved actors as a basis for understanding the EU’s behavior in adapting its foreign policy strategies, aiming to maximize its effectiveness and impact. Finally, the investigation provides a solid foundation for future studies and policies on maritime security and the EU’s international role, reinforcing the importance of a strategic and collaborative approach to ocean governance."
The doctoral thesis was supervised by Professor Laura Ferreira-Pereira, a professor in EEG's Political Science Department.
EEG congratulates Daniella Melo on her defense and wishes her every professional and personal success.
