Brazil's recent agenda on the sea and the South Atlantic contemporary scenario

The goal of this article is to present Brazil's interests and concerns in the South Atlantic, through the analysis of the ongoing governmental plans to its adjacent sea, and the security and defense issues in the ocean region. First, it will introduce four important programs, namely the Proarquipelago, Protrindade, Leplac, and Proarea, launched by the country after the entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Then, it will discuss some of the domestic and international initiatives taken by Brazil to build a stable political and economic environment in the South Atlantic. Despite the peaceful purposes of the Brazilian agenda and policy to the sea, there are underlying reasons, such as keeping secure its oil and gas fields and consolidating its role as a major player in the ocean region, that must be considered as well. However, changes in the domestic scenario may provoke unprecedented modifications in this agenda.