The European Union in the South Atlantic: Gauging Maritime Actorness in a Strategic Region

This article examines the EU’s evolving maritime security role within the framework of CFSP/CSDP, focusing on the South Atlantic between 2006 and 2023. Grounded in Role Theory, it addresses the research question: How has the EU’s evolving role in the South Atlantic strengthened its international maritime security actorness? Employing critical discourse analysis applied to 86 discursive units, this study explores perceptions from the EU’s institutions, South Atlantic organisations, and key states (Brazil, Cape Verde, Nigeria, Cameroon, and South Africa). Findings reveal that the EU consolidated its standing as a strategic maritime actor by performing different roles: facilitator of dialogue and cooperation, security architect, promoter of maritime governance, and security provider. This article contributes to CFSP/CSDP scholarship by situating the EU within an underrepresented regional context; and advances debates on international actorness by offering insights into maritime security, which highlight the South Atlantic’s significance in shaping the EU’s global presence.