CIAO DATE: 08/05

The Parliamentary Dimension of Defence Procurement. Requirements, Production, Cooperation and Acquisition

Abstract

This occasional paper of the Geneva Center for Democratic Control of Armed Forces attempts to consider defence procurement in its modern political - military setting. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall most European countries no longer regard the defence of their territory and independence as the overriding priority it had during the Cold War. The role of military forces has changed considerably. Collective defence focused on reliable capabilities of 'forces in being' and effective mobilisation and, in the case of NATO, on integrated planning and command structures. Today, the protection of national territory has a new dimension in the face of terrorist attacks, and in the case of the US, by the programme for missile defence. Everywhere the link between external and internal security has become closer.

The cooperative use of armed forces remains an important tool of foreign and security policy and a factor of influence and prestige. Most operations being outside their country, the military profession has become a dangerous one. In many cases the military are performing a function abroad, which at home is the domain of the police: they deter by presence, are able and willing to act, and when necessary take the necessary action. Western militaries are not only performing these new tasks, they are also used as means of building relations with other states and assisting them in reforming their armed forces. The International Institute of Strategic Studies has devoted an Adelphi Paper to 'Reshaping Defence Diplomacy', which outlines the new spectrum of activities, ranging from advice to exchanges of personnel, training teams and the provision of military equipment.

Full Text (PDF, 96 pages, 565 KB)