Overview

This book analyses how and to what extent ex-communist states have adjusted their defence strategies since joining the EU and NATO, and how differences and similarities between their strategies can be explained. Between 1999 and 2013, four phases of enlargement took place when the European Union (EU) and NATO allowed 11 new former communist states to enter both organisations. These states share some common attributes and experiences related to strategic culture and common experiences during the Cold War era that can potentially explain similarities in behaviour and preferences among them. However, the strategic adjustments among these states are far from uniform. In an effort to explain these differences, the book introduces three intervening variables: (1) differences in relative power and position in the international system, (2) national geographical characteristics; and (3) historical experiences related to formative periods of state-building processes as well as wars and armed conflicts. Empirically, the book strives to present and analyse the defence strategies of each of the new allies by conducting a structured focused comparison of official strategic documents from the twenty-first century for each of the 11 cases. Theoretically and methodologically, it introduces an analytical framework enabling us to explain both similarities and differences in the formulation of the strategies of the 11 states, and to shed light on their external and internal efforts to promote their strategic interest by operationalising the dependent variable - defence strategy. The analytical framework combines elements of structural realism with classical realism, and constructivist research on unit-level characteristics related to relative power and perceptions of strategic exposure. This book will be of much interest to students of strategic studies, European Union policy, NATO and International Relations in general.

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9781032286952

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Reviews

'Edstrom and Westberg present a seminal and meticulously researched study of the deteriorating European security environment, a disturbing reality underscored by the tragic Russian aggression in Ukraine. Leveraging rigorous analysis of strategically significant variables, including geographical factors, historical experiences, common trials, power dynamics, and military priorities in 11 European nations liberated from Soviet domination, the authors convincingly urge defense planners and leaders of Central Europe, NATO, and the European Union to adopt innovative strategies, military practices, and new defense capabilities to shore up national and collective security.' Steven Lambakis, Editor-in-Chief, Comparative Strategy and Senior Defense Analyst at the National Institute for Public Policy, Fairfax, VA, USA 'This path-breaking research monograph is essential reading for all those concerned with the changing dynamics of European security, defence cooperation and military strategy. Edstr�m and Westberg have written the first comprehensive comparative study of the military strategies of eleven new NATO members from Central and Eastern Europe. Their analysis is grounded on a sophisticated research design and is logically structured, clearly written, and rich in empirical detail. The authors draw on their extensive knowledge of the relevant scholarly literature to provide a theoretically nuanced analysis of the critical factors shaping military strategy in NATO's new European allies. Essential reading in these times of crises and insecurity.' Adrian Hyde-Price, Professor of Political Science, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

'Edstrom and Westberg present a seminal and meticulously researched study of the deteriorating European security environment, a disturbing reality underscored by the tragic Russian aggression in Ukraine. Leveraging rigorous analysis of strategically significant variables, including geographical factors, historical experiences, common trials, power dynamics, and military priorities in 11 European nations liberated from Soviet domination, the authors convincingly urge defense planners and leaders of Central Europe, NATO, and the European Union to adopt innovative strategies, military practices, and new defense capabilities to shore up national and collective security.' Steven Lambakis, Editor-in-Chief, Comparative Strategy and Senior Defense Analyst at the National Institute for Public Policy, Fairfax, VA, USA 'This path-breaking research monograph is essential reading for all those concerned with the changing dynamics of European security, defence cooperation and military strategy. Edström and Westberg have written the first comprehensive comparative study of the military strategies of eleven new NATO members from Central and Eastern Europe. Their analysis is grounded on a sophisticated research design and is logically structured, clearly written, and rich in empirical detail. The authors draw on their extensive knowledge of the relevant scholarly literature to provide a theoretically nuanced analysis of the critical factors shaping military strategy in NATO’s new European allies. Essential reading in these times of crises and insecurity.' Adrian Hyde-Price, Professor of Political Science, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Author Information

Håkan Edström is an associate professor in Political Science and a senior lecturer in War Studies at the Swedish Defence University, Stockholm. Jacob Westberg is an associate professor in War Studies and a senior lecturer in Security policy and Strategy at the Swedish Defence University, Stockholm.

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