Jurg Hostettler

Civil Defense in Central Europe and Its Effects on Political and Military Leadership Jurg Hostettler

Publisher Marketing: The study describes the Civil Defense status in Central Europe and compares it with an 'ideal' Civil Defense model. All nations in Central Europe have organized a warning and alarm system; disaster relief and rescue organizations are operational in all countries. The protection of the population in terms of shelters and/or evacuation programs is, with the exception of Switzerland, weak or not existing. The effects of modern warfare, to include chemical and nuclear weapons on the civil population are discussed. The study shows that an unprotected and poorly informed population is extremely vulnerable; by staying at home some protection can be provided by the 'Central- Europe-type' buildings and by a prewar information program. Considering the vulnerability of the population, the dynamics and the lethality of the modern battlefield, and the 'city hugging' tactics of the threat forces this study shows that the Civil Defense gap in Central Europe has a direct and profound influence on the political and military leadership. Major results include a reduced credible deterrent, limited options available to political leaders in pre-war crisis, restrictions and limited options available to military leaders fighting the battle. The restrictions may be of such a serious degree that military and political missions can no longer be accomplished successfully.