War Force to Work Force

The world has witnessed a major period of disarmament since the end of the Cold War, including the significant downsizing of military forces. Demobilizations of armed forces personnel and opposition fighters and their reintegration into civilian life have taken place to varying extents – and with varying success – throughout the world, as the total number of people under arms fell from its Cold War peak of 28.8 million in 1987 to 22 million in 1998. What factors led to these cuts and how were they implemented? What were the consequences for the demobilized, the armed forces and the economy? How has downsizing affected security and development? This book, an edited volume published by the Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC), features case studies of Africa, Belgium, Cambodia, Central America, Central Eastern Europe, China, Russia, Tajikistan, the United States, the United Kingdom and Vietnam, grouped into three broad categories: western market economies, transition countries and post-war societies. Contributions from authors in a wide range of countries, detailed political analyses and a wealth of data make this study a useful handbook both for anyone interested in politics as well as for the specialist reader.