| Summary/Abstract |
This article analyzes, as based on NATO enlargement strategy and its very nature underpinning democratization and social and political transformation, Montenegro’s bid for NATO membership from 2006 to 2015 by discussing two issues: on the one hand, democratic stabilization and civilian control of the armed forces, and on the other, military reform that has happened in this respect so far. The article confirms that NATO enlargement policy has profoundly impacted the process of democratic stabilization of Montenegro, which as a state has become more democratically mature and institutionally stable, in essence a consolidated democracy. The article also claims that Montenegro has demonstrated visible and significant progress in its military reform, not only by creating a good basis for improving the existing defense capabilities and capacities, but far more importantly by continuing its reform of the defense system, investing in military modernization, and achieving an appropriate level of interoperability in accordance with the NATO standards. As a result, the Montenegrin Army is readily deployable in NATO-led operations and missions.
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