Hungary and NATO: Problems in Civil-Military Relations

Jeffrey Simon has done more to advance the cause of defense reform in Central Europe than anyone else. His knowledge of the issue, of the problems specific to each country, and of the personalities involved is second to none. He is respected everywhere for his rigorous and objective analysis, for his frankness and readiness to take on even the most intractable problems, and for his determination to ensure that nations, institutions, and individuals not only face up to the crucial, if painful, reform decisions, but persevere in implementing them. In this work on Hungary, the author demonstrates vividly why he has earned this reputation―this is now the authoritative book on this subject and sets the standard by which all other works will be judged. — Christopher Donnelly, special adviser for Central and Eastern European Affairs

No author is better qualified, based on his detailed research and his experience, to tell the story of the emerging post-communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe than Jeff Simon. ― Parameters

Careful and informative. Simon provides a detailed chronology of defense reforms since communism’s collapse. ― Naval War College Review

[This book] will stand as a reference point in future scholarship. [It is] carefully researched and well footnoted, citing all the right sources-in short, an excellent effort from Simon. ― Slavic Review

Inside or outside the U.S. government, Dr. Simon is the leading American specialist on European military issues, and his immense knowledge is reflected in Hungary and NATO: Problems in Civil-Military Relations. While the text is comprehensive, the reader is not lost in unnecessary details, and although it is interpretive, the reader is allowed to make up his or her mind. Above all, this study is important as NATO―seeking to redefine its role once again―may soon be relying on military contributions by the Central and East Europeans, including the Hungarians. This is essential reading for those interested in the future of NATO. — Charles Gati, Senior Research Professor of European and Eurasian Studies, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies