Since the mid-1980s politicians and academicians have been debating the transformations in the Brazilian state. This discussion, however, frequently does not take into account a basic attribution of the state: national security. The role of promoting and guaranteeing national security is a monopoly of the nation-state since its origin in the 17th century. Despite their relevance, national security issues have a secondary role in the Brazilian political agenda. This article discusses, based on a documental research, the performance of the Brazilian state in the elaboration of a national security policy, considering the historical context of this country. Since the end of the military regime the absence of a national security policy has been evident, due either to inefficient political actors or to an undefined role of the Armed Forces.
public policies; national security; national defense