Maritime Territorial Delimitation and Maritime Security in the Atlantic

Scientific paper nº. 7

The present paper aims to assess how a redefined Atlantic space, based on common opportunities and challenges, could reinforce the maritime security status of the region. Far from being homogeneous, the Atlantic Basin (AB) combines different historical and cultural backgrounds, diverse natural features, and distinct levels of development. While these favour numerous
economic and political opportunities, they may represent an obstacle in tackling maritime security issues. Through the present study, maritime border disputes are identified and mapped, and a further analysis about its impacts on interstate relations is developed. We conclude that, although there are obstacles fostering cooperation on maritime security, such
cooperation is becoming increasingly relevant to the North and South Atlantic in terms of management of territorial disputes, impacts of climate change, resource protection, regulation of the maritime system and prevention of international crime.