And from the same moment, NATO began to offer assistance to these countries in their reform efforts. The logic is, of course, very clear. First and foremost, a democratically controlled military is an essential element of any democracy, and we believe in democracy. Furthermore, as history has shown, a military that is fully part of a true democracy is less likely to be radicalized, less likely to be detached from the people, and less likely to be used for aggressive purposes. Strong motivations indeed to enhance democratic control, for all concerned.
Reform has advantages for the military as well.
Indeed, far from tying its hands, democratic control of defence is useful for the military. Just like any organization, the military benefits from external scrutiny and oversight, because oversight helps prevent waste, and outside suggestions can spark innovation and improvements. A transparent military is more efficient and more effective, over the long term, than one which operates in social seclusion and above the law. And it is in the interest of all of us that Partner countries have effective, professional and legitimate armed forces to contribute to meeting the security challenges we all face in the post-Cold War world. It is for all of these reasons that NATO has worked so closely with its Partners to assist them in enhancing democratic control.