MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF DEFENSE Complimentary Law 97 of 1999, amended by Complimentary Law 136 of 2010, establishes, in its 9th Article, third paragraph, the obligation of the Executive Branch to submit to Congress, in the first half of the regular legislative session of 2012, the first version of the National Defense White Paper. The National Defense White Paper adds to the National Defense Strategy and to the National Defense Policy as an enlightening document about defense related activities in Brazil. The expectation is that the White Paper will encourage the debate about defense topics within Congress, the federal bureaucracy, academia and the Brazilian society at large. It will also serve as a mechanism of accountability to society about the compatibility between the existing Defense structure and the goals set by the Government. The Armed Forces have the capacity to project military power beyond our borders. Such possibility, in itself, may generate insecurity in neighboring nations. The wide disclosure of the National Defense White Paper, and the clear way its chapters seek to express the defense objectives of the Brazilian state, represent mutual trust-building measures. By sharing national perceptions and interests concerning the defense field, Brazil seeks to ensure understanding of the motivations and aims of the military instrument. History records several cases of conflict resulting from miscommunication and misconceptions of others’ intentions. Hence, it is important that states adopt initiatives such as this to communicate their intentions effectively, provide transparency to defense policies and mitigate the risk of unwanted conflicts. The National Defense White Paper has been produced with the purpose of strengthening cooperation with South American countries. On this regard, it can be an instrument to foster the establishment of a peaceful and secure community in the region of South America, enabling the choice for peaceful solutions and the consequent elimination of war. Beyond this effort, we seek to demonstrate to countries outside the region that our defense has, essentially, a dissuasive spirit and it is structured to prevent threats against Brazil. We have striven to substantiate the view that defense is not delegable and we must be prepared to fight against any aggression.