 |
GetTextbooks.co.uk
Compare Prices & Save up to 90% |
|
|
|
| Login | Sign up | My Wish List |
 | | From Confrontation to Cooperation: The Takeover of the National People's (East German) Army by the Bundeswehr (Praeger Studies in Diplomacy and Strategic Thought) by Frederick Zilian ISBN-10: 9780275965464 ISBN-10: 0-275-96546-5 ISBN-13: 9780275965464 ISBN-13: 978-0-275-96546-4 Hardcover 1999-09-30 Praeger Publishers Find Lowest Price |
Editorials | ||
Product Description At midnight on October 2, 1990, the West German armed forces took over the approximately 90,000 men comprising the National People's (East German) Army (NVA) and assumed control of its substantial arsenal. This study is an analysis of that unification from its beginning in July 1990 to the end of summer of 1993 when all applications for future service of former NVA officers and non-commissioned officers had been processed. Using numerous un-published sources and interviews, the author addresses the following areas: the organization used by the Bundeswehr and the political control exerted in the Takeover, the key decisions reached and the explanation of these decisions, the relationship of the Takeover to the new Army Structure 5 being implemented at the time, and the effect of the Takeover on the Bundeswehr's operational readiness, especially its ability to perform its "new tasks" identified in the spring 1991. The first scholarly study of the Takeover, this study focuses on 11 key decisions, made not only for military reasons, but also for political, economic, social, and psychological purposes. Overall, the Takeover was a success in light of the numerous goals it achieved while avoiding the outbreak of violence. The Bundeswehr achieved this success mainly because it relied on liberal democratic principles, including those comprising the unique German concept of Innere Fuhrung (civic education and moral leadership). This book also provides an overall evaluation of the Takeover and contributes to theory-building on army amalgamations. | ||
Reviews | ||
Disgraceful This plebian comptemptuous tifling monstrosity book pushes the imperialist capitalist agenda to no end. It is a by-the-numbers course in democratic brainwashing. | ||
Required Reading for Contact Teams (and the S. Korean Army) This book was orignially a doctoral dissertation that investigates the processes the Bundeswehr developed to assimilate the National VolksArmee (NVA) when Germany was reunited in 1990. That the plan was an outstanding success is attributed to Auftragstaktik (Mission Oriented Orders) and the idea that equals work with equals. There is a wealth of detail on the mindset of the NVA and what education needed to be in place to assist their transition to a western democracy and market economy, plus one of the best definitions of Auftragstaktik I've ever seen in military literature. Also, the rationale behind disposing of an immense amount of NVA equipment is illustrated. Interestingly, the author makes the point that the former NVA absorbed into the Bundeswehr have probably made that organization more mentally prepared for out-of-area operations than it would otherwise be. Anyone working with the new NATO or PfP countries, and especially those on a Joint Contact Team will benefit from the insights the author gleans from the Bundeswehr participants in the "Take Over". I would highly recommend that members of the S. Korean military read this book, as they may well be dealing with these issues in the coming decade. The work would, however, benefit from an update-it's been 10 years since reunification: has the Take Over worked well, or are there "two Bundeswehrs"? Given the Bundeswehr's draw-down is the influence of the former NVA correspondingly greater? Or, were former NVA targeted for separation/retirement under the current reduction? These questions would make an already superb resource even more relevant to the socio-political events in Germany and Europe. Highly recommended for military analysts and students of international relations. | ||
Intellectual Aerobics (minus the beautiful instructor) This is an excellent book. While the subject matter may not whet the every intellectual appetite, if you're interested in European politics (specifically German affairs), the Cold War, and military history, this book is a must read. There's no Clancy-esque story line, however the principled academic path followed by the author thoroughly explores all aspects of German military integration. The copious number of interviews only add credibility to Zilian's conclusions. Interestingly, as today's business environment is dominated by mergers and acquisitions, the book's wisdom can be appreciated by an aspiring CEO. | ||