Seaports and Sovereignty: The Interdependence Between Port Efficiency and National Power

This master’s thesis explores the relationship between port competitiveness and national competitiveness, with a particular focus on two strategic regions: Europe and the United States. The research begins by introducing the concept of competitiveness and examining how it applies within the port context, addressing key themes such as regulatory frameworks, sustainability, and operational efficiency. The primary objective is to understand how ports contribute to, and are influenced by, the broader economic performance of their respective countries. Through a comparative analysis based on case studies and secondary data, the thesis investigates how factors like governance models, pricing strategies, and environmental policies impact port performance and attractiveness. The findings aim to demonstrate that ports adopting sustainable development strategies and efficient infrastructure management play a crucial role in enhancing national competitiveness on a global scale.