| Summary: | SFRH/BPD/75764/2011 UID/CPO/04627/2013 565280-EPP-1-2015-1-USEPPJMO-NETWORK In the last two centuries, several key moments have defined the Atlantic Basin’s history that help us understand its present. This chapter endeavours to present a comprehensive overview of this evolution, pointing out key events that set up the historical links that still play a role in the Atlantic. In the first section, following a chronological approach, it shows how the American and the French Revolutions were milestones in the balance of power in this area. Since then, a division between Europe, the Americas and Africa has evolved beyond the common historical, cultural and linguistic ground that composes the Atlantic. The second section attempts to show how human flows, economic exchanges and energy resources in the Atlantic remain the chief common drivers shaping the division of the Atlantic, contributing, paradoxically, to an interdependent evolution of the basin even during periods of political separation. Finally, the third section focuses on the 20th century, which is marked by several attempts at rapprochement between the various sides of the Atlantic. Following the rise of the United States as hegemonic power, this process led to a greater closeness between both sides of the North Atlantic, yet failed to yield results due to the gradual emergence of new powers in the South Atlantic. The Atlantic is still a heterogeneous and divided region, mostly due to geopolitical and ideological factors. However, its multilateral tradition and the development of different regional integration schemes might help to foster cooperation between the various shores. publishersversion published
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