In the broader context of regional studies, the South Atlantic comes across as a singular yet still understudied case-study for the formation, evolution, and regression of defense regionalism dynamics. More so when South Atlantic countries have come to engage with increased inward-focused interactions in the form of wider defense cooperation ties. However, they have also steadfastly eschewed any kind of permanent structures and shared sovereignty over sensitive security issues. This paper therefore presents the South Atlantic as a conceptual testing area in order to ascertain the limits and prospects of existing regionalism frameworks. I trace the evolution of defense overtures throughout the last decade and question whether they contribute to advance an overall regionalization process or merely to sustain a largely hollow regional scenario. With the focal points set on both South American and Southern African shores, I examine the main initiatives and ad hoc mechanisms in place, and identify the underlined strengths and shortcomings of a transatlantic area still in flux.

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Defense regionalism,South Atlantic

• Political Science - Social Sciences