Lost Illusions? Defense Industry Conversion in Czechoslovakia, 1989-92
Author(s)
Kiss, Yudit
Abstract
Conversion of the Czechoslovakian defense industry from military to civilian applications was only partial between 1989 and 1992. Successful conversion of the national defense industry is the only way that the countries of the former Soviet Bloc can hope to achieve viable economic growth. However, conversion has been very costly to the already fragile Czechoslovak economy, and neighboring nations continue to bolster their own floundering economies through arms sales. The long-term benefits of conversion are known, but the short-term problems are greater than many East European nations are willing to risk.
