New themes — or new approaches to traditional themes — became influential in the international environment in this century. The protection of sovereignty (an issue connected with the global challenge of drugs and related crimes); the protection of biodiversity, biopiracy, cyber defense; tensions derived from the increasing lack of resources, natural disasters, international crime, terrorism; and actions by unlawful armed groups all exemplify the growing interdisciplinary nature of security CHAPTER 2 — THE 21st CENTURY STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT and defense issues. Considering this, Brazil acknowledges — in accordance with provisions in the Federal Constitution — the need for coordinated policies among different government agencies. Further challenges to the country include its ability to face so-called “future conflicts”, namely information warfare as well as small scale conflicts marked by uncertain origins and decentralized command and control structures that operate through social networks on the Internet. It is important to strengthen the country’s international relations. Sincere and open dialogue will contribute to foreign policy and to its interaction with defense policy, by building consensuses that foster ample and collective debate. The Brazilian society’s increased interest in defense issues, in the last few years, is a healthy tendency. The participation of several sectors of society in the national debate on defense enables a better assessment of such issues. An international scene marked by uncertainties has as much a direct influence on Brazilian foreign policy as on its defense policy. The phenomenon of globalization brought about the escalation of threats of different natures, like drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and maritime piracy, which tests the state’s ability. The aggravation of the international financial crisis also reveals possible damage to social, energy and environmental conditions, with evident effects on world peace and security. Brazil works for the construction of a participative and inclusive world community. The country commits itself to the promotion of “multipolar cooperation”, a term which summarizes the multipolar power structure consolidating worldwide. In this strategic environment, international action must excel in the consolidation of governance mechanisms that better represent this new international reality. Such mechanisms must ensure world peace and security for the good of mankind. The new power structure of the 21st century should not favor conflicting or excluding positions, inherited from the international orders that prevailed during the 20th century. 32 DEFENSE WHITE PAPER