Humanitarian demining as a political instrument of Brazilian diplomacy

Abstract

This paper aims to highlight the importance of Humanitarian Demining (HD) for Brazil, within the global problem of landmines especially for the Brazilian strategic planning and its impact on foreign policy (PEB) and the National Defense (PND). This is a critical topic for studies of defense, since landmines affect the stabilization and development of countries. Even after decades of conflict, mines continue to victimize mostly civilians. This topic addresses various issues surrounding Brazilian participation and the importance of HD as political instrument of cooperation. Brazil has participated in demining programs developed in South America, Central America and Africa. Despite the evidence of the necessity for further discussion within the Council of the South American Defense (CDS) even with the severity of the problem in Colombia, the inclusion of the item on the agenda of the CPLP and cooperation on the ZOPACAS may also represent a new way to continue the
discussion supported by Brazil involving the countries of Africa. In addition to the political field, several issues are addressed in the military field and its consequences for national defense. In this work I will discuss the troop’s capability to conduct HD and its relationship with demining in combat environment. Moreover, the possible “dual” employment of HD materials and equipment may boost the development and use of technologies arising from technological research to further modernize the training of the Armed Forces, as well as encouraging the development of the Defense Industrial Base. Therefore, the HD is studied focusing on its political-strategic importance to Brazil and connect with the integration processes taking place on the American continent and its surroundings.