ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACTS OF NARCOTERRORISM ON DEFENSE AND PUBLIC SECURITY IN BRAZIL IN THE CURRENT GEOPOLITICAL CONTEXT

Abstract

Narcoterrorism, a phenomenon that combines drug trafficking practices with tactics of extreme violence and territorial control typical of terrorism, presents itself as one of the main hybrid threats to Brazil's sovereignty and security in the contemporary geopolitical context. Political and economic instability in South American countries, especially in border areas, favors the actions of armed groups that collaborate with or coordinate with Brazilian criminal organizations, increasing vulnerabilities in transnational trafficking routes. Globalization and the use of emerging technologies—drones, cryptography, and artificial intelligence—strengthen these illicit networks and challenge the state's response capacity. The impacts on Defense include increased pressure on the Armed Forces for border surveillance and control, demanding complex and legally sensitive operations, such as those of Guarantee of Law and Order (GLO). In Public Security, criminal factions expand their capacity for institutional corruption, urban violence, and social control, overburdening the criminal justice system. Integrated analysis reveals that the hybrid nature of narcoterrorism makes fragmented responses impossible: the line between Defense and Public Security becomes increasingly blurred. The study concludes that effective confrontation requires an Integrated National Strategy, combining technology, shared intelligence, international cooperation, financial disarticulation, and preventive social policies. Only a multidimensional, continuous, and cooperative approach can mitigate the threat and protect Brazilian territory and citizens.