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Description

This Strategic Forum looks at the ongoing effort to reshape post-Cold War militaries in the region into effective contributors to Euro-Atlantic security. The paper highlights how early optimism about integration with Western institutions gave way to more difficult, long-term challenges, including limited resources, incomplete reform plans, and institutional friction. It also explores key issues such as downsizing forces, restructuring defense institutions, and strengthening civilian control of the military. The transition to professional forces and the integration of defense ministries also present political and social challenges that complicate reform efforts. This paper also emphasizes that while progress has been made, sustained commitment, realistic planning, and external support are critical to completing the transformation and ensuring these forces can operate effectively within NATO frameworks.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Region(s)

Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Europe

Topic(s)

Military Strategy, Defense Policy, Transatlantic Security

Publication Date

6-2000

Publication

Strategic Forum

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Keywords

Central and Eastern Europe military reform, post-Cold War military transformation, NATO integration CEE, Euro-Atlantic security, defense reform Eastern Europe, civil-military relations reform, military downsizing restructuring, professionalization of armed forces, defense institution building, resource constraints military reform, interoperability NATO forces, security sector reform Europe, CEE defense policy, military modernization Eastern Europe

Transforming the Armed Forces of Central and East Europe

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