DEFENSE AND THE MILITARY INSTRUMENT “Sovereignty only exists when there is strong Defense, that is, when there are properly equipped and trained Armed Forces, which are prepared to act jointly in any scenario, especially in today’s increasingly diffused threats.” The military instrument that accounts for Brazil’s defense is made up by the Armed Forces, which in turn is comprised of the Navy of Brazil, the Brazilian Army and the Brazilian Air Force. These institutions need to have the capacity to assure the territorial integrity of the country and the defense of national interests, the Brazilian people, assets and resources, as well as to guarantee the country’s sovereignty. All three institutions are integral parts of the Ministry of Defense (MD), which guides, supervises and coordinates all actions of the Armed Forces. The territory is the nation’s land base, delimited by frontiers, waters and airspace under Brazilian jurisdiction. Brazil has continental dimensions. To ensure its defense, the Armed Forces are structured in accordance with the Federal Constitution and statutes. The National Defense Policy (PND)20 and the National Defense Strategy (END) are legal frameworks that guide the organization and modernization of the Brazilian military instrument, as well as its training and employment, in a manner that is compatible with Brazil’s political and strategic stature. These documents define the strategic dissuasive position adopted by the country. Said position relies on an active diplomatic policy which aims for peace and development, the preservation of friendship and cooperation with neighboring countries, and with the international community. It is based on mutual confidence and respect among nations. In accordance with legal guidelines, the Brazilian Armed Forces are structured on the basis of capabilities and not in accordance with identified enemies. Regarding the international arena, the preventive aspect of National Defense depends on the importance allocated to diplomatic action as the first instrument for the resolution of conflicts and on a strategic position based upon the existence of recognizable military capability which is able to generate a dissuasive effect. To amplify the country’s influence 20 The current National Defense Policy (PDN) was approved by Decree No 5,484 of June 30, 2005 and updated in 2012. DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 55 CHAPTER 3 — DEFENSE AND THE MILITARY INSTRUMENT Presidency of the Republic, Secretariat of Strategic Affairs — Brazil Plan 2022 Brasilia, December 2010