Juliano da Silva Cortinhas is Professor of International Relations at the University of Brasília and a visiting scholar at the University of Virginia. He holds a PhD (University of Brasilia) and a MA (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul), both in International Relations. His research concentrates on International Security, National Defense, civil-military relations in Brazil, U.S. Defense Policy and decision-making theory, with emphasis on discussions about the Brazilian Defense structure and budget. Previous professional experiences include: Chief of Staff at the Pandiá Calógeras Institute, a think tank of the Brazilian Ministry of Defense (2013- 2016); Senior Civil Advisor for Defense Affairs to the Brazilian Presidency at the Secretariat for Strategic Affairs (2012-2013); Visiting Scholar at the University of Delaware (2011-2012); and Chair of the Department of International Relations at the University of Curitiba (2010-2011). He is involved in many teaching and research initiatives, including the coordination of the Study and Research Group on International Security (www.gepsi.unb.br) and a research project financed by CAPES on the Brazilian defense system  He has published book chapters and articles focused in Portuguese, Spanish, and English.