| Summary: | Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited === Today's world is characterized by rapid changes in international relations. Most of Europe is engaged in transatlantic cooperation founded upon common democratic values. For Estonia, the most significant development in the international environment is the process of Euro-Atlantic integration: the continued enlargement of the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). From the time they were formed, these structures have guaranteed peace, stable social development and economic growth for the member nations. For Estonia, membership offers a realistic and historically unique opportunity to secure its democracy and sovereignty. This thesis addresses how participation in the NATO MAP process has contributed to Estonia's national security goals, specifically the construction of a civilian consensus on defense matters and the setting of realistic goals. Moreover, the thesis shows how Estonia will reach two main goals of defense policy: - first, to develop and maintain an indigenous and credible national defense capable of defending the nation's vital interests, which requires a national security planning process that contributes to a civilian consensus on defense matters; and to create a national security planning process that sets realistic goals. - second, to develop the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) in a way that ensures their interoperability with the armed forces of NATO and EU member states and their capability to participate in Peace Support Operations.
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