Defence policies in Latin America in comparative perspective

This article examines defence policies in Latin America from a comparative perspective, covering the period from the democratic transitions of the early 1980s to the present. The consolidation of democratic regimes brought about profound changes in the defence sector, replacing traditional interstate conflict hypotheses with cooperation mechanisms that contributed to the construction and preservation of a regional zone of peace. Despite this shared trajectory, important differences persist in the role and influence of the armed forces across countries. These variations are reflected in military expenditure levels, institutional capacities, and the ability of military actors to exert pressure on civilian governments. The analysis focuses on five cases—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico—selected because they illustrate both convergences and divergences in defence policy trajectories and in the relationship between defence and public security. Particular attention is devoted to the involvement of armed forces in internal security tasks, one of the most significant developments in the region. The study is grounded in the comparative public policy tradition and employs a mixed-methods approach that combines documentary analysis, interviews, surveys, and secondary quantitative data. This methodological strategy allows for a nuanced understanding of defence governance and its implications for democratic consolidation and policymaking in Latin America.