If American policymakers want to help ensure a democratic future for Eastern Europe, then they should focus on ensuring a democratic future for Russia. If American policymakers see the condition of Eastern European militaries as an important aspect in ensuring this future, then they should view the condition of the Russian military as equally important. As US democracy assistance to Russia moves into its next phase, policymakers should increase efforts aimed at military reform, and they should incorporate lessons learned from the first phase of assistance. In line with these recommendations, a task force should consider: how the experience of democracy assistance in other sectors may be applied to military engagement to increase efficiency and avoid unintended consequences; how to adjust the organizational strategies of those involved in democracy assistance to account for specific local Russian conditions; and how to improve evaluative methods. […]
Memo #:
12
Series:
1
PDF:
PDF URL:
http://www.gwu.edu/~ieresgwu/assets/docs/ponars/pm_0012.pdf
Author [Non-member]:
Sarah E. Mendelson
