Resumen

MENDES, Joana Calado. A new international role for Portugal? The Portuguese participation in the UNSC. Relações Internacionais [online]. 2015, n.47, pp.85-100. ISSN 1645-9199.

The increase number of institutions in the international system is due to a general recognition of its ability to solve the most pressing issues in International Relations. In this sense, the participation in the Security Council proves to be a unique opportunity for smaller states, traditionally without significance on multilateral issues, to develop international practices and to defend and promote their national interests. This article uses the institutional theory to help understand how the participation in United Nations works as a condition and as an instrument of Portuguese foreign policy, allowing the assignment of a new international role for Portugal as helpful fixer, and its evolution to a middle power in the international system.

Palabras clave : Portugal; Security Council; United Nations; helpful fixer.

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