ABSTRACT
One proposition distinguishing the post-cold war era from the past is that economics matters relatively more, and military power less, than before. Moreover, economic issues have become more closely and directly linked to security concerns. While these general propositions are widely accepted, specific examples and applications are rarely offered. The stability and security of the four Central and Eastern European countries—Poland, Hungary, and the Czech and Slovakian republics —depend no less on their economic condition and prospects, than on assurances against military threats. The combined effects of such increased economic growth and foreign investment in the Visegrad-Four countries would significantly enhance political and social stability and internal security. The European Community decided in June 1993 that the Visegrad-Four could become full members of the Community at an unspecified future time, when they have "met the conditions for membership." For Central Europe, the security and economic paths should be pursued in parallel because they complement one another.
