The impact of civilian control on contemporary defense planning systems challenges for South East Europe

Defense planning has always been one of the most sensitive issues in promoting civilian control of the armed forces. Ensuring democratic control of defense policy is a challenging task, and Southeastern Europe's (SEE) experience to date has inevitably been mixed. At this phase of the reform process, some countries from the region do not possess the necessary civilian knowledge to replace the dominance of the armed forces in the defense planning process. This thesis provides a comparative analysis of efforts to establish civilian democratic control over defense planning in three SEE countries. Its purpose is to contribute to a better understanding of the importance and the role of civilians, especially elected leaders in defense planning, and search for models of defense planning systems that are most appropriate for countries with very limited defense capabilities. This thesis argues that the use of a defense planning system with the necessary civilian control may result in the establishment of a modern, effective military. Focus is mainly on the experience of three countries: Romania, Bulgaria and Republic of Moldova. It looks at achievements and major challenges these countries still face to establish greater professional civil-military cooperation and effective civilian control over defense planning.http://archive.org/details/theimpactofcivil109455769Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

School of International Graduate Studies Student Testimonial : Moldovan ARMY 1st Lt. Diana Molodilo [video]

Moldovan ARMY 1st Lt. Diana Molodilo shares her experience as a student at NP