Poland and NATO: A Study in Civil-Military Relations

by Jeffrey Simon

Book Overview

Ever since the revolutions of 1989-1990, most Central and Eastern European states have been striving to move closer to NATO's "criteria" for membership. A critical element of Partnership for Peace (PFP) in January 1994 and its Study on NATO Enlargement in September 1995 was democratic control of the military--considered an essential pre-condition for NATO membership. Based upon years of "inside" experience, Jeffrey Simon's book is a comprehensive and original study of civil-military relations in Poland that provides a conceptual framework drawn upon the lessons of post-communist transition in the entire Central and East European region. Poland and NATO: A Study in Civil-Military Relations is the author's third book to examine the difficult challenges facing Eastern European counties on the fast track to joining Euro-Atlantic institutions.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0742529932
• ISBN13: 9780742529939
• Release Date: December 2003
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

About This Book

Jeffrey Simon examines the changing civil-military relationship in Poland as that country strives to gain full admission as a member of NATO. This work provides a conceptual framework drawn from the lessons of post-communist transition in Central and Eastern Europe. "Transforming the Polish military, with its proud history and record of heavy involvement with political upheavals, into an instrument of a democratic state and strong NATO ally was a daunting task. This book explains and clearly documents the dimensions of the transformation -- all of its twists and turns, temporary failures and major steps forward." "Another well-documented and profound analysis by Jeffrey Simon." Poland's experience of "turning armed forces into a constructive and reliable part of a truly democratic system may be both encouraging and instructive." "...a rich and balanced account of Poland's defense reform after 1989." Trade paperback, 194 pp, index, figures and tables, and 27 pp of Bibliographic Information (End Notes.) TABLE OF CONTENTS The 1989 Revolution and Democratic Control of the Military Five Years of Political Instability Parliamentary Elections: 1993 Presidential Election: 1995 Parliamentary Elections: 1997 Parliamentary Elections: 2001 Civil-Military Relations: Prospects