Calha Norte: Explaining Brazilian Army Presence in the Amazon

Abstract

This thesis examines the rationale behind the Brazilian Army's attempt to establish effective control of the Amazon through the Calha Norte project. The project was initiated in 1985 to satisfy geopolitical needs of Brazil. The thesis argues that the rationale for Calha Norte has expanded to include not only geopolitical goals, but also a justification for the military's budget and legitimacy. Furthermore, the expanded rationale has resulted in the Brazilian army enlarging its presence in the Amazon. Contrary to most of the literature, the thesis argues that the Calha Norte project has a favorable impact in the Amazon. The interests reviewed by the thesis include border conflicts, narco-trafficking and environmental conservation. Finally, the thesis recommends that Brazil expand the Calha Norte program, and that the United States support such an expansion.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA272771

Entities

People

  • Michael B. Ryan

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Drug Trafficking
  • Economic Analysis
  • Environment
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • Health Services
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Investments
  • Military Budgets
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Sociopolitics
  • Treaties

Readers

  • Industrial Economics
  • International Relations, focusing on Korea-Africa and North Korea-South Korea relations, and Nigeria-Latin American Relations.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.