Abstract
Angola is one of the most dynamic countries in Africa, with a wealth of natural resources. However, its geographical position has entailed security problems. On the continental side, conflicts represent a potential threat for the stability of the political system. On the maritime side, technological and military difficulties make the country vulnerable to piracy and advances of major powers. The text examines how Angola has been facing this dilemma, considering its locationbetween the African heartland and the South Atlantic.
Highlights
In the 21st century, another “Scramble for Africa” took place, focusing on the exploration of strategic natural resources and off-shore oil production
The basin of the Congo River, Southern Africa and the Gulf of Guinea are the targets of the major powers
Having an annual average growth of 11.1% between 2001 and 2011, Angola is considered as one of the most expressive examples of the so-called “African renaissance” (PEREIRA, 2011, p.185). Their strong economic growth helped to drive their role as a regional dynamo being capable of investing even in their former metropolis, Portugal, currently suffering a strong economic crisis and dependent on Angolan investments
Summary
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to sail everywhere on the African coast. Since 1419, they established commercial and naval support points aiming at the control of the “India Run”. In a doctorate thesis entitled A Seção da Sociedade de Geografia de Lisboa no Brasil e o Sonho de um Novo Império Africano, Cristina Mary tells that the expeditions organized by the Society of Geography of Lisbonne showed the interest that the Portuguese had to expand their territorial domination, beyond the strip of land on the coast that until that time was characteristic of their presence in the African continent. They intended to make their Portuguese possessions in the African continent a “new Brazil”. From 1891 on, the Portuguese began the process of demarcation of Angolan borders, largely marked by hydrographic basins, having its last mark laid down in 1926 in a common agreement with the government of the Union of South Africa, respecting the border line between the province and the territory of southwestern Africa (currently Namibia), at the time of the South African Mandate (SOARES, 2014)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
