Central Europe, a region that once promised to be a showcase of democratic change and neighbourly cooperation, is turning into the weak and unstable backyard of Western Europe, and of Germany in particular. The initial euphoria evoked by the spectacular collapse of communism is being replaced by fears that clashes and splits over economic, ethnic or political issues may soon occur. This paper will analyse the major security concerns emerging in the region and will study possible sources of instability in Hungary, Poland and what still is, at the time of writing, the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic (CSFR). It will review the Central European search for security in the light of recent developments there, and will look for ways in which the West can reduce or avert the risk of conflict in the region.

Cover title. "Autumn 1992." Adelphi Paper 272.

Introduction--I. Sources of Instability--II. Policies of Central Europe--III. How the West should respond--Conclusions.