Revista Jurídica Portucalense

The 21st century has brought profound transformations and emerging challenges to the global order. The rise of "egopolitics" – an era of leadership shaped by personalism and self-interest – is redefining international relations. In this new paradigm, leaders prioritise individual power and influence over collective diplomacy, undermining multilateral institutions and reshaping traditional alliances. Simultaneously, a growing number of international conflicts have transitioned into "ceasefires without peace" – frozen conflicts where temporary solutions replace lasting peace agreements, leaving regions in a state of perpetual instability.

Additionally, the global economy is witnessing the rise of protectionism, with intensified trade wars and economic nationalism challenging the principles of free trade and global cooperation. The crisis of international institutions further exacerbates global uncertainty, as multilateral organisations (e.g., the UN, WTO, and EU) face growing criticism, institutional deadlock, and declining effectiveness. Meanwhile, a new era of militarisation is unfolding, characterised by increased military spending, the modernisation of arsenals, and renewed nuclear threats – all exacerbated by the weakening of arms control agreements.

In light of these developments, the thematic issue "Geopolitics and International Security in the 21st Century" aims to bring together scholarly contributions that explore these contemporary trends.