This edited collection brings together experts from Europe and the United States to examine how the foundering of the autocracies of Central and Eastern Europe brought about important changes in civil-military relations. Divided into three parts, the volume focuses on international organizations (NATO, WEU, OSCE) and Central-East Europe, the problems of transition to democracy in the region, and relevant developments elsewhere in the world. The work explores the following trends: the increased transparency of defense politics; civilianization of the defense ministries; personnel changes in the upper echelons of the military; national emancipation and new security doctrines; political neutralization of the armed forces; discontinuation of the military's internal security role; and ideological pluralization, among others. An important volume for scholars and students in comparative politics, international relations, and the military and politics.

Twenty-six key officials and experts analyze the NATO decision to expand into Central-Eastern Europe. Contributors include the NATO Secretary General Solana, President Clinton, former Soviet leader Gorbachev, former Supreme Allied Commander in Europe Joulwan, several active and former foreign ministers and deputy foreign ministers, other high officials, and prominent academics from the United States and Europe. Particular attention is paid to the rationale, pros and cons, and the impact on Russia, Ukraine, the European neutrals, the new NATO members, and the remaining hopefuls.

The volume begins by presenting the offical NATO explanation of the 1997 decision to expand into Central-Eastern Europe and examines the problems the decisions might well create. Next are essays providing a critique of the decision, mainly from the standpoint of the West's future relations with Russia. Polish, Czech, and Hungarian officals then describe their countries' positions and expectations as new NATO members, after which the credentials of six candidates for the next round of NATO enlargement are analyzed. After discussing the impact of NATO enlargement on the European neutrals and the Nordic states, the volume concludes with a presentation of major arguments for and against the enlargement and the known or presumed motivations of the main actors related to NATO enlargement.