From transformation to adaptation: analysing the Spanish military change (2004–2020). Issue 1 (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Colom-Piella, Guillem
• Is Part Of: Defence studies. Volume 21:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 47
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Transformation -- adaptation -- defence planning -- defence policy -- Spain; Military policy -- Periodicals; International relations -- Periodicals; National security -- Periodicals; Defensive (Military science) -- Periodicals; 355.0305
• DOI: 10.1080/14702436.2020.1851604
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-2436

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In 2019, the Spanish Defence Staff launched an "adaptation" process to adjust the structure of the force and its catalogue of military capabilities up to the year 2035. It replaced the "transformation" that had guided the country's defence planning from 2004 to 2018 to develop the future armed forces model envisaged in the 2003 Strategic Defence Review. This article begins by analysing the transformation process and its main effects on the evolution of the Spanish military and the reasons behind the drive to adapt. It then goes on to explain its main components and objectives, and concludes by scrutinising the main factors that may condition its development.