MODERN STRATEGIES FOR ENSURING DEFENSE CAPABILITIES OF СENTRAL AND ЕASTERN ЕUROPEAN COUNTRIES IN LIGHT OF INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS

Abstract

The article examines modern strategies for ensuring the defense capabilities of Central and Eastern European countries in the context of fulfilling international obligations. It is found that the integration of international standards of NATO and the EU contributes to increasing the defense capabilities of the region, but is accompanied by a number of problems, including limited resources, technological backwardness and conflicts between collective obligations and national interests. The aim of the work is to identify key problems in adapting international obligations to national needs and develop recommendations for optimizing defense strategies taking into account modern threats. The study uses comparative analysis methods to identify the effectiveness of existing approaches in different countries of the region, analytically summarize the experience of NATO member states and partner countries, such as Ukraine, as well as modeling potential ways to improve defense policy. As a result, it was found that the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are achieving significant success in modernizing their armed forces, strengthening cyber defense and developing regional cooperation. At the same time, problems related to insufficient coordination of efforts between the states of the region, limited funding and technological barriers were identified. Ukraine’s experience in deterring aggression became a catalyst for reforms in the security sector and a source of innovations that can be adapted by other countries. It is concluded that the resilience of defense systems requires the integration of technologies, increased regional cooperation and support for the defense industry. Further research focuses on the impact of international assistance, the role of artificial intelligence in military strategies and innovative approaches to cybersecurity.