THE (DIS)ARTICULATION OF PUBLIC SECURITY WITHIN BRAZILIAN FEDERALISM: AN ANALYSIS OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSAL NO. 18/2025 IN LIGHT OF THE TRANSNATIONAL DYNAMICS OF ORGANIZED CRIME

Abstract

This research examines the extent to which the unified public security management model proposed in Constitutional Amendment Proposal (PEC) No. 18/2025 can overcome the lack of coordination among federal entities in the face of the expansion of transnational organized crime. The study is based on the hypothesis that, although the PEC represents an institutional advancement by strengthening integration among the federal government, states, and municipalities, its effectiveness depends on factors such as adequate funding, cooperative governance, and institutional strengthening. The general objective is to critically analyze the proposal for the unification and standardization of public security in light of the new dynamics of contemporary organized crime. The specific objectives are to examine the evolution of organized crime and its transnational structure, to study the proposal for unified public security management within the scope of the aforementioned PEC, and to assess the limits and potential of federal integration in combating crime. The research adopted a qualitative and exploratory approach, based on a bibliographic review and documentary analysis of legislation, normative proposals, and institutional data produced between 2017 and 2025. Therefore, the study seeks to contribute to a critical analysis of the limits and potential of federal integration in Brazilian public security. It is concluded that PEC No. 18/2025 represents an important step toward greater integration of Brazilian public security, particularly in addressing transnational organized crime.