Brazil-US Military Relations in the XXI Century: current scenario and future perspectives

Abstract

This  article  aims  to  present  an  overview  of  the  major  military  relations  between  Brazil  and  the  United  States  of  America  at  the  beggining  of  the  21st    century,  focusing  on  the  interaction  between their armies; to analyze the current situation of these relationships and, based on that, visualize future perspectives. A bibliographic research was held in books, magazines and websites related  to  the  subject,  as  well  as  theoretical  backgrounds  on  international relations. It was verified that diplomatic relations, the framework for military relations, have their support base in agreements.  On  the  American  side,  the  agreements  signed  by  the  President  have  assured  validity  from  the  moment  they  are  signed; they are the so called executive agreements. Moreover, according  to  the  Brazilian  Federal  Constitution  of  1988,  the  agreements  signed  by  the  President  must  be  submitted  to  the  National  Congress  for  ratification,  making  the  process  too  long.  It  was  observed  that  the  military  relations  between  the  two  countries,  despite  frequently  not  supported  by  diplomatic  agreements, have occurred in a consistent and enduring manner, strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the  armies  of  these  countries,  whith  principles  called  military  diplomacy.