ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that the Defense Law of 1993 "eliminates the duplication of functions and clearly defines areas of authority and accountability. It suggests that the Czech Parliament "has succeeded in achieving a basic level of budgetary control" and analyses the Russian situation presents a gloomy picture. The book also argues that the Romanian military has emerged as one of the most trusted institutions in post-Ceausescu Romania. It presents the same deficiencies allowed President Berisha to manipulate and downgrade the neophyte Albanian parliament. The book suggests that "[d]espite a compulsory oath of obedience to the Ukraine state, and the sometimes aggressive 'Ukrainization,' the basic loyalty of many officers and men remains dubious." Despite Moscow's opposition to North Atlantic Treaty Organization enlargement, almost all East European and Baltic states have applied for membership in the Atlantic Alliance.
