WESTERN HEMISPHERE

There are an increasing number of wide-ranging, complex challenges in the Western Hemisphere that cannot be dealt with alone. The INSS research program for the Western Hemisphere assesses the changing dimensions of this security environment and advances strategic thinking about how to pursue shared interests with partners. New political and economic actors, including transnational criminal networks, emerging geo-strategic coalitions and trends, and the rise of sub-regional action communities are neutralizing and undermining traditional U.S. security instruments and programs.  These complicated regional and global conditions require the development of differentiated approaches and strengthened institutional linkages.  The specific focus of research varies annually with the interests of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, regional combatant commands, and the Institute.  The Western Hemisphere Program also sponsors a non-partisan forum - the Colleagues for the Americas Seminar - for periodic discussions of trans-American security and defense related topics with U.S. and international practitioners and academic experts.

Colleagues for the Americas Seminar 14 September, 2009 Brazil's National Strategy of Defense Lieutenant General Sergio Etchegoyen, Brazilian Army, Special Military Advisor to Minister of Defense Jobim was the featured presenter at the recent Colleagues for the Americas Seminar.  Lt. Gen. Etchegoyen began by setting the strategy in its South American and Brazilian contexts and highlighting the linkage between the National Strategies of Development and Defense and their common theme of autonomy.  The presentation followed the structure of the defense strategy and explained how Brazil is putting its three axes into action – the modernization and transformation of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces; the organization of Brazil’s defense industry; and the revamping of the nation’s military personnel policy, which also addressed strengthening professional military education.  Five reformist goals guide implementation: Integrated relocation, creation and reorganization of military units; A new doctrine of joint operations; Creation of the joint staff; A new structure of the Ministry of Defense and a stronger coordination role; and Increased national interoperability.  General Etchegoyen was candid in his assessments of Brazil’s progress to date and the direction of its international defense relations, which emphasized the need to make good partnerships.  Learn more.....