Is the New Europe a Good Substitute for the Old One?

In: International studies review, Band 8, Heft 1, S. 178-191

Abstract

Political developments in three contemporary Central & Eastern European states -- the Czech Republic, Hungary, & Poland -- are analyzed to ascertain whether an enlarged North Atlantic Treaty Organization is actually beneficial for the international alliance. Several characteristics of the aforementioned countries that have produced questionable benefits for the Organizations are identified, eg, the Central & Eastern European states are receiving few external pressures to modernize their military forces. The damaging effects of these nations inadequate military contributions to both their own national security & to the Organizations ability to respond to crises & maintain political cohesiveness are then considered. It is subsequently asserted that the Organizations addition of Central & Eastern European countries was an effective short-term approach to consolidating regional loyalty but will produce long-term consequences due to those nations military incompetence. The implications of the Organizations possible dissolution for Central & Eastern European members are also pondered. Tables. J. W. Parker