Strategic edge in Latin America

A series of strategic security adjustments and military initiatives taken by Brazil is expected to expedite change in the security landscape of Latin America, as well as the Western hemisphere. Signs of change are evident in the Western hemisphere's security order as the world shifts from the established order because of the global financial crisis.

Latin American countries have increased their military spending by large margins since 2003 when they experienced robust economic growth. As the largest country in the South America, Brazil, too, has made some major adjustments to its security strategy.

During French President Nicolas Sarkozy's Sept 7 visit to Brazil, France agreed to a $10-billion military technological transfer, including submarines, fighter planes and helicopter technology, to the Latin American country. Nine months before that, the two countries had signed another arms' sales agreement. As a key regional player and an emerging economy active on the international stage, Brazil's military cooperation with France and subsequent strategic security adjustments will create an inestimable impact on the Western hemisphere's security map.