ABSTRACT
The evolution of Brazilian regional relations and domestic politics in recent years exhibits a dialectical quality. With the aim of elucidating these relationships, this chapter examines the background of Brazil's transformation, both in the international system and the domestic regime, and the outlines of Brazils emerging grand strategy. The Brazilian domestic environment has been transformed by both the establishment of full democracy and the stabilization of the economy. The chapter also examines the establishment of a new paradigm of relations between the armed forces and political authority as reflected in the internal process of decision making and the ideological climate. It explores the implications of these changes for regional relations in both the economic and security arenas. The chapter provides an overview of how and to what extent Brazil's current civil-military configuration has prompted a redefinition of the military's role in key policy areas.
