Showing the Way: Contributions from NATO’s Newest Members

Abstract

IntroductionTrying to identify the symbolic turning points with respect to Poland's focused contribution to NATO's Defense Education Enhancement Program (DEEP) is a complex task.1 To begin, it is necessary to mention the Twelfth Annual Conference of the PfP Consortium of Defense Academies and Security Studies Institutes. Poland was pleased to host this meeting in Warsaw, in June 2010, and to welcome a broad group of representatives from defense academies, security studies institutes, foreign affairs and defense ministries, as well as from other institutions dealing with security matters.For many representatives from Poland, and especially the National Defense University in Warsaw, this conference provided a chance to confirm the importance of building networks of educators, policy makers, and practitioners in order to develop an effective defense system. During the conference's many debates and discussions, it was underlined that the PfP Consortium - as the key network that connects defense practitioners in Europe and Central Asia - directly contributes to building a better understanding of security problems and, in consequence, to ensuring the security of the societies in its member states. The meeting also gave the participants the opportunity to understand and share their similar perception of security. And the conclusion was that this joint perception can only be achieved and guaranteed through an based on a shared foundation. And it was clear that, in the Polish case, Warsaw was definitely the best place for such discussion to take place, and that NDU Warsaw was the best institution to be directly involved.Why Should Poland Lead the Way?Poland has successfully managed the transition to democratic governance since the end of the Cold War, having enjoyed over twenty years of post- Warsaw Pact democracy. The main results of cooperation that Poland has achieved with its external partners are its membership in the key European and Euro-Atlantic institutions, including NATO and the European Union. For these reasons, Poland may provide a good example to follow for other countries that are at the beginning or middle stages of their process of democratic transformation.There is no doubt that military is an essential element of modern armed forces. Educated and skilled soldiers constitute the core of the military. Well-trained personnel are the most important instrument, first of all, for peace. That is why, at present, the notion of education and should be perceived in a very broad context, especially from the perspective of the changing nature of the security environment. This environment has shifted rapidly from the beginning of the 1990s, and even more dramatically over the course of the last ten years. We are facing brand new challenges of such number and variety that it is not possible to identify or name all of them. Our picture of the overall security environment is blurred and foggy. Yet, on the other hand, in order to successfully cope with this realm it is crucially important to maximize the efficacy of the and training process. Education is required to train leaders and to develop new skills, and it is only trained leaders that will be able to navigate a changing security landscape.Therefore, Poland highly values and appreciates all the efforts aimed at stimulating the process of defense reform in its Partner nations. These tools assist Partner states, especially in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, in introducing improved standards in defense education.2 Consequently, the PfP Consortium and NATO activities contribute to meet the basic goals of the Partnership for Peace: ensuring and developing interoperability of thinking.Why Should NDU Warsaw Lead the Way?Poland's National Defense University is an unusual institution of higher education. Despite the fact that it is the highest university in the Polish Armed Forces, more and more civilians are applying to study there. …