U S Army War College

Security of the Brazilian Amazon Area U S Army War College

The incalculable resources of the Amazon have been coveted by many countries for a long time. There have been many international pressures on the area, including incursions by foreign powers starting as early as the seventeenth century. Although dissociated from the rest of the Brazilian territory and demographically sparse, Brazil has resisted threats against its sovereignty over Amazonia as well as other attempts at interference in Amazonian affairs by international organizations. There are now new serious challenges to be overcome as Brazil pursues settlement and development of the Amazon. The natural ecologic systems of the Amazon must be defended with agricultural techniques appropriate to the region and developed within the context of a comprehensive, responsible program that meets Brazil's needs for economic development. This, however, ought not constitute an obstacle to settlement and rational utilization of the region. To keep the whole of the Amazon Area untouched, as a sanctuary of nature, is nonsense fit only for dreamers out of touch with the realities facing Brazil in the 21st century. This book outlines Brazilian responsibilities for, and autonomy over, the Amazon area from a Brazilian perspective. It analyzes all aspects of the Amazon issue, identifies the roots and aims of different interest groups, and analyzes the possible threats that may be overshadowing the integrity of the Brazilian State. Finally, it proposes measures to address these threats, and thereby ensure Brazil's territorial integrity.