The Portuguese Strategic School at the Geopolitical Crossroads of the 21st Century: a contemporary approach

Abstract

Given its theoretical scope and an external and internal environment characterised by geopolitical crossroads that generate disruption and uncertainty, limiting its freedom of action, we argue that the Portuguese Strategic School (PSC) can make a significant contribution to the formulation and operationalisation of a national grand strategy associated with the generation, structuration and employment of a global long-term strategy for Portugal. To do so, we suggest Silva Ribeiro's 2009 and Cabral Couto's 2002 definitions of Strategy to be adopted by the PSC as the strict and comprehensive definitions of Strategy, respectively. By adopting the second, more contemporary definition, which includes organisations that do not pursue political objectives and does not consider coercion to be indispensable, Portugal would be able to formulate and operationalize a national grand strategy that uses the ‘Three Diamonds of Well-being Theory’ to ensure the active participation of the State, companies and citizens towards achieving its main goals: safeguarding national security, increasing competitiveness on an international scale and ensuring the well-being of citizens. The use of the strategic method, principles, rules and exams of Strategy preconised by the PSC would increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the modalities of action that materialise this grand strategy.