Considerações sobre a política nacional de defesa: o papel da Marinha do Brasil na soberania da Amazônia Azul

Abstract

The global geopolitics of the 21st century is undergoing structural transformations, reconfiguring the axes of power and the dynamics of conflict. With the end of the Cold War, the geopolitical model shifted from a focus on territories to a system based on technology, human capital, and civilizational rivalries. This change imposes new challenges to the security and sovereignty of States. In this scenario, the National Defense Policy (PND) assumes a crucial role for Brazil, establishing the guidelines for the protection of its vital interests in a complex international environment. This academic work proposes to analyze the role of the Brazilian Navy (MB) in the defense of the national territory and sovereignty, examining the PND from a perspective that contrasts theory and empirical evidence. The historical, legal, and political aspects that shape the Force's actions will be considered. The MB is seen as an essential pillar of National Defense, given the vast maritime expanse in which it operates: the "Blue Amazon." This area, with almost 4.5 million square kilometers, is an immense source of wealth and opportunities for the country, requiring protection against external threats and the fulfillment of subsidiary duties such as maritime security, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance. The relevance of this study lies in the need to readjust defense policies in the face of rapid global changes. The current geopolitical scenario, marked by hybrid conflicts, technological innovations, and new challenges such as terrorism, transnational crimes, cyber-attacks, and biopiracy, demands a continuous critical analysis of the country's defense capabilities. The vulnerability of energy facilities, the pressure from naval powers on maritime traffic, piracy in the South Atlantic, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing are concrete threats that directly affect the Blue Amazon and national interests. Therefore, understanding the opportunities for improving the PND, with a focus on the Navy, is crucial for Brazil's future. This work seeks to answer the central question: How can the National Defense Policy be enhanced, with regard to the defense of the national territory and the guarantee of Brazilian sovereignty in the 21st century, considering the contemporary challenges identified for the Blue Amazon?