Winding Trajectory: The Emergence of a Public Dimension in the Formulation of Defence Policy in Brazil?

ABSTRACT

Through an empirical monitoring effort, this article analyses how Brazilian state’s institutional mechanisms and recent movements in society affect the trajectory of establishing a more plural public dimension regarding defence policy formulation-process in Brazil. The conceptualisation of defence policy as a sui generis public policy entails the relevance of investigating the asymmetrical political dynamics inherent to decision making. Based on an analysis of the scientific literature, official reports, laws and interviews, this article argues that progress has been made in building a public dimension for defence, although the lack of institutionalisation and the low quality of the dialogue leads to fragile and non-linear trajectory.

defence policy; public policy; civil-military relations; democracy; security