Defense culture is growing in Brazil, says General Tomás Paiva
The commander of the Brazilian Army, General Tomás Ribeiro Paiva, stated this Tuesday (16), that the culture of defense has advanced in Brazil and gained greater attention from different sectors of society and public authorities. The statement was made during WW Talks, promoted by CNN Brasil, which debated the future of National Defense and the country's sovereignty, in an event held in Galapagos Capital.
According to the general, transformations on the international scene have increased interest in the topic and led authorities to discuss issues linked to defense and the sector's industrial base more frequently.
"In my opinion, the defense culture is changing. What has been happening in the world has demanded this discussion. Including the President of the Republic himself [Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva], and I have to be honest, since the beginning of the government he has expressed concern about the defense industrial base and the search for solutions and alternatives. I think this is a legitimate concern", he stated.
Tomás Paiva also highlighted that the topic has received increasing attention within the Three Powers. According to him, President Lula (PT) promoted several meetings with the commanders of the Armed Forces to discuss the matter.
"He brought Force commanders together several times. I believe that, in the other Powers and in Parliament, the number of people interested in the topic is increasing. I am approached by deputies, parliamentarians and senators. We have senators who know the subject", he said.
For the Army commander, this movement demonstrates a gradual evolution of perception about the importance of national defense.
"I believe that this culture of defense is growing, is being increased and has been evolving over the years", he concluded.
About the event
The topic was discussed during WW Talks, a CNN Brasil event that also featured the participation of political scientist Silvio Cascione, director of the Eurasia group in Brazil, to discuss the challenges of National Defense and Brazilian sovereignty.
With the theme "Is Brazil able to defend itself?", the meeting addressed issues such as the situation of the Defense Industrial Base, the protection of land borders, monitoring of the Blue Amazon and financing alternatives for the modernization of the sector.
WW Talks
WW Talks is a series of monthly episodes promoted by CNN Brasil in partnership with Galapagos Capital and Eurasia Group.
The program aims to deepen the understanding of movements that shape Brazil and the world, bringing different perspectives on the factors that have guided political and economic decisions by different national and global agents.
In the second episode, in May, William Waack, Thais Herédia, Caio Junqueira and Silvio Cascione discussed Brazil's place in the new geopolitics of commodities (watch).
*Published by Jorge Fernando Rodrigues
Source: CNN