The Atlantic between space in recomposition and fragmented governance – Towards a new architecture of the Atlantic?

Imen CHAANBI

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Executive summary: Long perceived as a transit space, the Atlantic Ocean has become a central theatre of major geostrategic issues. It links 32 countries on four continents and focuses on economic, security, technological and cross-environmental interests. The control of sea routes, naval bases and submarine cables reinforces rivalry among major powers, including the United States, China and Russia. The Atlantic is also rich in natural resources: offshore hydrocarbons, rare metals, fisheries resources – ticks, generating increased competition. In addition to these challenges, there are trans national security challenges: piracy, illegal fishing, illegal trafficking. In response, the “Atlantic Partnership” launched in 2023 aims to establish a renewed multilateral governance including the countries of the South. This framework aims to reconcile security, sovereignty and sustainable development while avoiding a North-South imbalance. It has repercussions up to Indo-Pacific, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Three paths are emerging: a fragmented Atlantic, an axis dominated by the EU and the US, or cooperative and inclusive governance. The Atlantic is thus in a strategic recomposition: between competition and cooperation, it could become a shared, balanced and sustainable space.

Keywords: Atlantic, Atlantic Partnership, Economy, Security, Technology, Environment – shipping, naval bases, submarine cables, geostrategic rivalries, United States, China, Russia, offshore hydrocarbons, rare metals, fisheries resources.

Abstract: Long perceived as a transit area, the Atlantic Ocean has become a central arena for major geostrategic issues. It connects 32 countries on four continents and focuses on intersecting economic, security, technological, and environmental interests. Control of shipping routes, naval bases, and submarine cables reinforces rivalry between major powers, notably the United States, China, and Russia. The Atlantic is also rich in natural resources: offshore hydrocarbons, rare metals, and fisheries, generating increased competition. Adding to these issues are transnational security challenges: piracy, illegal fishing, and illicit trafficking. In response, the “Atlantic Partnership,” launched in 2023, aims to establish a renewed multilateral governance framework that includes countries of the Global South. This framework aims to reconcile security, sovereignty, and sustainable development while avoiding a North-South imbalance. It has repercussions as far away as the Indo-Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Three trajectories are emerging: a fragmented Atlantic, an axis dominated by the EU and the United States, or cooperative and inclusive governance. The Atlantic is thus undergoing strategic reshaping: between competition and cooperation, it could become a shared, balanced, and sustainable space.

Keywords: Atlantic, Atlantic Partnership, Economy, Security, Technology, Environment, Maritime Routes, Naval Bases, Undersea Cables, Geostrategic Rivalries, United States, China, Russia, Offshore Hydrocarbons, Rare Metals, Fisheries Resources.