Although nearly three years have elapsed since the publication of this work in Hungarian, it was decided to publish the English edition in the same form as the original, apart from some minor modifications. Since, recent research has been directed to the development of an exact theory of non-linear irreversible processes; we suggest to readers interested in similar tasks - such as the continuation of this boo- that they should study some new publications: "On the most general form of the Thermodynamic Integral Principle," Z. phys. Chem. 239 (1968) 133, and particularly: "On the Governing Principle of Dissi pative Processes," Ann. Phys. 7 (1969) 23. I have to thank my wife and Mr. W.F.HEINZ for the translation of the very concise Hungarian text. I also wish to express my gratitude to Dr. L.KARADI and Mr. Gy. VINCZE for reading the typescript with such care and to Mrs. A. R6sZLER, who typed the manuscript with great patience. I am deeply indebted to Professor ISTVAN SZABO for making this edition available so quickly and for including my work in the "En gineering Science Library." Finally, I would like to express my thanks to Springer-Verlag for the excellent edition and to the editorial staff for their readiness to meet my wishes."

Presents case studies of defense reform initiatives in more than twenty countries Written by the top experts in the field, including government officials, think tank analysts, academics, and military officers 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.