The military presence of the United Kingdom in the South Atlantic: challenges to the international defense and security in the region (1997-2012)

Abstract

The following research seeks to understand the British military presence in the South Atlantic, its relevance to the British government and, especially, its implications to the projects of demilitarization, denuclearization and enhancement of cooperation in the matter of defense, desired by the regional countries, headed by Brazil and Argentina. Such projects are mainly expressed through the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic (ZOPACAS), but also by the Treaty of Tlatelolco and more recently by the Council of South American Defense of the Union of South American Nations. The United Kingdom, in its position of great power, has a system to support its power projection, mainly naval, based in its overseas territories, remnants of its former empire without a significant land mass or large population, but with great geostrategic relevance to the British expeditionary capability. Therefore, after the war with Argentina in 1982, which threatened its position in the region, it will be analyzed how London has been reinforcing its military strength in the South Atlantic. Acknowledging that the British have a significant freedom of action in the region and a "special relationship" with the United States, the UK is the only major military power beyond the United States to possess a constant presence in the area. Thus, it is aimed to raise the possible consequences to the regional nations, in especial to the governments of Brazil and Argentina, of the British presence concerning the regional objectives of demilitarization and the creation of a Zone of Peace in the South Atlantic. (AU)