Publisher's Synopsis
Recent events in Tunisia, Egypt, & Libya demonstrated that the way in which the military responds to calls for democratic change is crucial in shaping the outcome of potential transitions. What is less understood, however, is the potential role of outside influence in such situations, specifically, how military officers & defense officials in the US & other democracies can use their relationships with military officers in transitioning countries to improve the prospects for democracy. Under the leadership of Dennis Blair, the Council for a Community of Democracies has developed a project to inform, guide, & strengthen democratic transitions. They describe how the democracies can prepare ahead of time & respond quickly & effectively in a time of crisis. This project establishes a knowledge base & set of recommendations for military officers & defense officials to support democratic movements.
