The New Structure of Brazilian Ministry of Defense: Challenges and Opportunities
Abstract
On August 25, 2010, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed several executive orders with the purpose of modifying and improving the Defense Department in Brazil by restructuring the Ministry of Defense and promoting civilian participation in national defense matters. The purpose of this Strategic Research Project is to conduct an analysis of Brazil's new Ministry of Defense structure, and to determine whether this new structure will improve Brazil's defense relationships, particularly with the United States. Five primary questions are addressed: Why does the Brazilian Government need to change its Ministry of Defense structure?; Taking into account the former structure, what exactly will change?; Are the roles of the departments improved, reduced, or simply changed?; Who is responsible for the modifications?; and What educational or military qualifications are necessary for persons to work at the new Brazilian Ministry of Defense? Before answering these questions, the paper reviews Brazil's political and military evolution from World War II until the present, and examines the civil-military relationship in Brazil and how it has been affected by the National Defense Strategy of December 2008. In conclusion, the paper sets forth recommendations to improve Brazil's defense relationship with the United States.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 04, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA560255
Entities
People
- Edson S. Rosty
Organizations
- United States Army War College