Defence and regional integration: the case of the Brazilian weapons industry

this paper discusses the relationship between technological development and the weapons industry in brazil, stressing the dependence of the latter on the former. it shows how changes in the arms trade have meant that the production of small arms for export is currently prioritized. the conclusion is that maintaining projects of this nature is only feasible by taking advantage of the remaining industrial base for dual-use production, i.e., to meet both civilian and military demand. lastly, the possibility that the defence industry may work as a regional integration mechanism is raised.