Politicians, experts and democracy. Civil-military relations in Central and Eastern Europe: the case of Bulgaria

Abstract:

Central and Eastern European countries have made significant progress in their efforts to democratize postcommunist civil-military relations. Appointing civilian ministers of defense, improving institutional arrangements and asserting legislative oversight over the armed forces have been key priorities. Problems still abound and levels of reform vary in the region even after NATO's second enlargement since 1989. Challenges remain concerning competent democratic civilian management, and effective defense reform planning and implementation. This article argues that the lack of an integrated Ministry of Defense, the low level of civilian interest in defense matters, the reform-deterrent attitude of political and military elite, and ambiguous institutional lines of authority are factors that still hamper civil-military relations in Bulgaria. The author asserts that the domestic political environment and international factors together facilitate democratic civilian control over the armed forces.