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The author describes the models of the professionalization of the armed forces in today's world. The paper highlights three basic topics: (1) similarities & dissimilarities among the patterns of professionalization, ie, a possible emergence of a uniform, broad European model & its potential similarity with the existing Western models; (2) the ways in which various factors shape the patterns of professionalization in Central & Eastern Europe & the determination of their relative importance & role; & (3) the influence of Western politics on the professionalization of armed forces. 14 References. Adapted from the source document.

The text analyzes the ambivalent role of the army in the recent Egyptian revolution and the ensuing process of democratic transition. On the one hand, the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak's regime was a result of the activity of the army, which supported the protesters since the onset of the revolution. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, the military body which has taken over power in Egypt, promises to ensure a peaceful transfer of power within a free and democratic system. On the other hand, some acts of the military authorities in the transitional period suggest that, in the next period of time, precisely the army could become the main blocking factor of the process of democratization. The authors deem that the main goal of the army is not to hold on to power, but to build such a political system in which it would enjoy a privileged position, free from civilian control. In the authors' judgement, if a halt to the process of democratization is to be prevented, the USA must make use of its influence and persuade the military leaders, who are preoccupied with their own reputation among the public, to carry through the initiated reforms. Adapted from the source document.

In many countries the violations of human rights & the deterioration of democracy are a direct consequence of the inability of the civilian government to control their military & security forces. The military are a part of society & as such should be monitored regularly & efficiently by the civilian, political authorities. The civilian control of the military in the US was enacted by the Constitution of 1789. The initiative "Partnership for Peace" has the central role in the transformation of the armed forces in the transitional countries, & the civilian control of the army is the prerequisite for bolstering democracy. Analysis of the political & defense system of the Republic of Croatia definitely indicates that in Croatia, even at this stage, there is efficient control of the armed forces. 14 References. Adapted from the source document.