Changes in the distribution of world power suggest that insular countries such as Cabo Verde should diversify international cooperation and thus ensure long-term benefits. This premise, combined with principles of solidarity, mutual respect, transparency and responsibility has enabled the signing of various agreements between Cabo Verde and the United States of America in the areas of security and defence, development aid policy, democracy and human rights. This article critically discusses the main gains achieved in the relationship between the United States of America and Cabo Verde, an former Portuguese colony until July 1975 and, after that date, an independent state, with the purpose of providing an analytical framework to respond to the current challenges. To do this, an exploratory qualitative study was carried out based on bibliographical and documentary analysis. The article concludes that Cabo Verde and the United States of America have been following the evolution of the international community, taking into account the importance in the region where the archipelago is inserted, sharing synergies and exchanging experiences in matters of development, defence and security.