Member-only story

Portuguese Foreign Policy Under The Second Republic 1979-1992

Alex Reed

·17k Followers· Follow

Published in European Destiny Atlantic Transformations: Portuguese Foreign Policy Under The Second Republic 1979 1992

5 min read · 1 week before

33 View Claps

6 Respond

Save

Listen

The Second Portuguese Republic, established in 1979 after the end of the Estado Novo regime, marked a significant shift in Portuguese foreign policy. This period witnessed Portugal's integration into the European Union, its participation in NATO, and its re-engagement with its former African colonies. This article provides an overview of the key events and major players that shaped Portuguese foreign policy during this transformative era.

European Destiny, Atlantic Transformations: Portuguese Foreign Policy Under the Second Republic, 1979-1992

by Scott B. MacDonald

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2624 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	186 pages

Integration into the European Union

One of the most significant developments in Portuguese foreign policy during the Second Republic was its accession to the European Union (EU) in 1986. Portugal's entry into the EU had a profound impact on its economy, politics, and international relations. As a member of the EU, Portugal benefited from increased trade and investment, as well as access to EU funds and programs. It also played an active role in shaping EU policies, particularly in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, and regional development.

Participation in NATO

Another important aspect of Portuguese foreign policy during the Second Republic was its continued participation in NATO. Portugal joined NATO in 1949, and it remained a committed member throughout the Cold War. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Portugal played a key role in NATO's adaptation to the new security environment, including its enlargement to include former Warsaw Pact countries.

Re-engagement with Africa

The end of the Portuguese colonial empire in the 1970s led to a significant shift in Portugal's foreign policy towards Africa. Portugal sought to rebuild its relationships with its former colonies and to promote economic and political cooperation. This policy was particularly evident in Portugal's involvement in the African Union and its support for peace and development initiatives in the region.

Resolution in the Case of East Timor

One of the most challenging foreign policy issues facing Portugal during the Second Republic was the resolution of the East Timor conflict. East Timor was a former Portuguese colony that was annexed by Indonesia in 1975. Portugal played a key role in the international effort to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which culminated in East Timor's independence in 2002.

Major Players in Portuguese Foreign Policy

A number of key players shaped Portuguese foreign policy during the Second Republic:

* Mário Soares: Prime Minister of Portugal from 1976 to 1985 and from 1987 to 1995, Soares was a leading advocate for Portugal's integration into the EU and its re-engagement with Africa. * Francisco Pinto Balsemão: Prime Minister of Portugal from 1981 to 1983, Balsemão played a key role in Portugal's accession to the EU. * Aníbal Cavaco Silva: Prime Minister of Portugal from 1985 to 1995, Cavaco Silva continued Portugal's pro-European and pro-NATO policies. * Jorge Sampaio: President of Portugal from 1996 to 2006, Sampaio played a key role in the resolution of the East Timor conflict.

The Second Portuguese Republic was a period of significant transformation in Portuguese foreign policy. Portugal's integration into the EU, its participation in NATO, and its re-engagement with Africa were all major developments that shaped the country's international relations. The key players who led Portugal through this period played a crucial role in shaping its foreign policy and ensuring its successful integration into the international community.

* [Portuguese Foreign Policy under the Second Republic (1979-1992)](https://www.jstor.org/stable/41076749) * [Portugal and the European Union](https://eui.eu/Documents/2019/Publications/RSCAS/RSCAS2019-7.pdf) * [Portugal and NATO](https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_113583.htm) * [Portugal and Africa](https://www.ipri.pt/publication/portugal-and-africa-a-new-momentum/)

European Destiny, Atlantic Transformations: Portuguese Foreign Policy Under the Second Republic, 1979-1992

by Scott B. MacDonald

4.3 out of 5