ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an analysis of civil-military relations in post-Communist Poland to draw on existing concepts where possible, but also highlights unique aspects that appeared after the demise of Communism. It develops an analytical framework presenting concepts useful for the analysis of the internal and external dynamics of the civil-military relationship. The chapter examines the period between 1989 and 1995 to show how a series of post-Communist governments in Poland sought to expunge the military legacy of the Communist era while attempting to benefit from the popularity that the Polish armed forces have traditionally enjoyed. It considers the effects of external actors, especially the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), on civil-military dynamics within Poland. Finally, the chapter discusses the recent changes in Poland's civil-military relations and the implications for regional security along with findings about political institutions in post-Communist societies.
