Hungary - the evolution of the Hungarian People's Army, Ivan Volgyes and Zoltan Barany; Romania - between appearances and realities, Jonathan Eyal; Bulgaria - between loyalty and nationalism, Stephen Ashley; Yugoslavia - a question mark for NATO and the Warsaw Pact, Ivo Paparela; Albania - Albanian security policies - concepts, meaning and realization, Klaus Lange.

An analysis of the defence policies of the Warsaw Pact Southern Tier in the Balkans as well as the military posture of Yugoslavia and Albania. The book concentrates on capabilities rather than assumed intentions, seeking to highlight the military realities of the region.