Studies in Contemporary Maritime Policy & Strategy
1 primary work
Book 1
The oceans lying east and west of South America form an area in which extra-regional powers are present both actively and passively, with their movements and interests having international significance. But the countries of South America themselves have their own interests in the area, which are neither widely known outside the area nor generally understood. The author analyzes the future local, regional and international implications of two issues that have strong maritime components on the shores of this region. The first of these is the Bolivian effort to obtain an outlet to the Pacific Ocean, and the second is the long-lasting dispute over the South Atlantic islands (including the Malvinas/Falklands Islands) and their projection to Antartica, as seen by Argentina and Brazil. These two cases illustrate the changing pattern of behaviour exhibited by the South American countries in their attitudes towards the international community. The sea is a source of conflict - ancient territorial disputes continue - but also a link which fosters co-operation between countries that are historical competitors.
The international tendancy to evaluate South America only in terms of its problems with debt, drugs and democracy has led to an underestimation of the strategic importance of the area, while the South American countries themselves perhaps overvalue what may be one of their few bargaining chips. It is hoped that this book will contribute to international understanding.
The international tendancy to evaluate South America only in terms of its problems with debt, drugs and democracy has led to an underestimation of the strategic importance of the area, while the South American countries themselves perhaps overvalue what may be one of their few bargaining chips. It is hoped that this book will contribute to international understanding.