Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

Abstract

AbstractThe Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was founded as a forum on inter-state cooperation during the recession of the Cold War. It concerns the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE), the creation of which was made possible by the normalization of relations between the East and West. The fundamental document of the CSCE was the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, following biannual negotiations between 35 European States along with the United States and Canada. On this basis, the CSCE gradually adopted a broad concept of security, a precursor to the later concept of human security, not only limited to the traditional aspects of civilian and military affairs, but also to cooperation on economic and environmental matters, alongside the protection of human rights. The end of the Cold War marked a new era for the CSCE. The gradual establishment of permanent institutions led, in 1994, to the decision to rename the CSCE as OSCE, replacing the term “Conference” with that of “Organization”. The permanent power of the organization is clearly reflected in its role in the modern international environment. The organization’s priorities were strengthened through the implementation of objectives and strategies related to security, democratization, stability and the protection of human rights. Through OSCE’s three expanded dimensions, the 57 participating states and partners of the organization co-operate and strengthen dialogue between themselves, preventing any conflicts and reaching settlement of disputes by peaceful means.KeywordsOrganization for Security and Co-operation in EuropeConference for Security and Co-operation in EuropeOrganizationInternational OrganizationSecurityCo-operationHuman RightsMilitarySecurity Concept