The authors found evidence that an integrated arrangement of civilian-military relations, by providing a more inclusive chain of command, is more effective in strategic plans. Accordingly, the study identified the geopolitical challenges of each nation, specific institutional characteristics (such as system of government and patterns of civilian-military relations), the organization of the defense industry (its competitive advantages, scale, geographical concentration and political influence), and contexts of economic crisis and fiscal retraction, which have been recurrent since the start of the global crisis in 2008. The authors also conducted an in-depth examination of civilian-military relations and defense policy, showing the benefits of greater involvement by civilians in the development of defense policy. Looking at transformations the world went through in the defense area over the space of four years, the authors obtained a critical mass of studies to promote discussion of defense themes from a comparative perspective. The study shows that Brazil’s defense policy has been strengthened by greater involvement of civilians, and an Army School partnership has permitted exchange programs involving domestic and international education institutions and research centers, allowing the continuation of this research on strategic subjects related to the national interest.