The Region of Brazilian Strategic Surrounding

the South Atlantic identity in ZOPACAS

Abstract

The research is developed within a context identified as a window of opportunity for a new ZOPACAS improvement. Given this, it seeks to answer the question: how does the Brazil-Cape Verde relationship affect the construction of identity in ZOPACAS? Thus, it is argued that the Brazil-Cape Verde bilateral relationship contributes to the revitalization of the South Atlantic identity of ZOPACAS. To test the argument, the general objective of the research is to analyze the construction of regional identity for ZOPACAS in the Brazil-Cape Verde relationship. To this end, the following specific objectives are outlined: (i) to present the notion of region as an ideational factor in the production of foreign policy; (ii) evaluate the construction of identity within the scope of ZOPACAS; (iii) verify the relevance of the Brazil-Cape Verde relationship in the construction of a South Atlantic identity. From these objectives, the research is designed from a narrative review with exploratory characteristics. At the same time, it makes use of quantitative analysis, through Automated Content Analysis techniques using the IRAMUTEQ software in Cape Verdean official documents; and a qualitative analysis of official Brazilian Defense documents that allow the analysis of the perception of these actors around the role of ZOPACAS in the international projection of Brazil in the region.