MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC It is with delight that my Government presents to the people of Brazil the National Defense White Paper, a transparency milestone in defense issues, which will allow our citizens to become acquainted with the deeds of the State in this area, as well as the Defense challenges of the country over the forthcoming decades. Civilian engagement is crucial to building a sovereign and democratic Brazil. The White Paper broadens the options of society as a whole to stay abreast of military affairs while conveying the potential and needs of our Defense to the public debate. The publication of this White Paper represents one step further in the consolidation process of civilian leadership and in making Defense matters public knowledge. It adds to the creation of the Defense Ministry and, more recently, to the establishment of the Armed Forces Joint Staff, its subordinate institution, as another significant symbol of institutional progress in the Defense field. The National Defense White Paper is one more outcome of the democratic development of Brazil. The rise of Brazil’s international status in the XXI century is already a reality. A fully developed country with increasing external presence will require a proper dissuasive military capacity. Committed to building a more peaceful and prosperous global order, Brazil cannot neglect Defense. Brazil proved, in the last decade, that growth and social inclusion should mutually reinforce each other. We must protect our abundant treasures that, in addition to industry, agriculture, minerals or pre-salt, are composed of millions of Brazilians who have the power to transform us into a great nation. For all these reasons, Defense will be increasingly present in the national agenda. The National Defense White Paper is an invitation for reflection and dialogue, its reading will show, above all, that Defense and Democracy form a virtuous cycle in the new Brazil that we are building. By enabling a comprehensive and thorough monitoring of our Defense Policy by society, this initiative contributes to the maturing of public reflection on the vital role of Defense in Brazil today and in the future. Dilma Rousseff