Latin American Institutional Development

Analysis of ways in which the military forces of Peru and Brazil view the issues of national security and foreign policy. Since the mid-1960s, the military forces of both countries have radically transformed their political styles. They are similar in being politically authoritarian and in favoring the structures of a corporate-style mixed economy. The military in both countries will probably continue to reflect national tensions and, with increasing governing experience, adjust their policies in shifting alliances with civilian elements. Contrasting perceptions of internal threats, based on differing national societies, economies, and political histories, suggest that despite the common characteristic of increased military institutional capacity, the policies of military governments will continue to vary from country to country. Internationally, Peruvian and Brazilian militaries will retain and perhaps increase their interests in regional security and power relationships. For both, however, their own domestic development, not foreign affairs, will be the critical determinant of policy. (See also RM-6136.)