World Politics, United States Armed Forces, Diplomacy & International Relations

Post-Cold War Defense Reforms: Lessons Learned in Europe and the United States

Name: Post-Cold War Defense Reforms: Lessons Learned in Europe and the United States
Author: Istvan Gyarmati
ISBN: 9781574885781

by Istvan Gyarmati (Editor), Theodor Winkler (Editor), Lord Robertson

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Overview

Beginning with the landslide political changes in Europe in the early 1990s, politicians and military planners started to contemplate the possible effects on military postures. Most countries, however, did not enforce plans for post-Cold War reform because they lacked political will and money, their conservative militaries resisted, and they felt no real pressure from any clear and present threat. September 11 was seen in many cases as a loud wake-up call, but nonetheless it did not elicit a clear response. Even in the United States, where calls for defense reform were the strongest, real defense reform seems to be another casualty of the terrorist attacks.

Fortunately, debates have begun about the future of military forces, the "revolution in military affairs," and the plans for NATO and European security and defense cooperation. Whether these initial discussions will lead to real strategic thinking, to threat analysis, and finally to a meaningful strategic review is uncertain. This publication serves as a timely contribution to the debate on determining which lessons have, and have not, been learned while suggesting possible courses for the way ahead.

Synopsis

Presents case studies of defense reform initiatives in more than twenty countries

About the Author, Istvan Gyarmati

Amb. Istvan Gyarmati is currently the senior vice-president for programs at the EastWest Institute in New York City. His career has spanned numerous postings in the Hungarian Foreign Ministry and Department of Defense.

Amb. Theodor Winkler is the director of the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) and a representative of the Swiss Department of Defence, Civil Protection, and Sports (DDPS) for the Geneva Centres, ISN, and the "Maison de la Paix". Previously Ambassador Winkler held a range of senior positions with the Swiss Department of Defense.