| The discrepancy between contemporary, active neutrality and its traditional, legal basis gives rise to the neutrality dilemma. In confronting this, Finland and Sweden have participated with commitment and initiative in the Conferences on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). Through a dual role strategy, they offer international service, and enhance their national security, and identity as active neutrals. As both negotiators and intermediaries their dual role is paradoxical; yet they have successfully engaged East and West beyond the bloc divisions. This research focuses on their contributions to the inception of the CSCE (especially 1969-1973), to negotiating the Final Act, and to the Belgrade and Madrid Follow-up conferences.; A theoretical framework elucidates the sources and implications of Finland and Sweden's dual role strategy, treated as the primary dependent variable. Each neutral brings to the dual role strategy self-defined, national role conceptions: Finland emphasizing intermediary activities, and Sweden the substantive demands of a negotiator. However, situational factors are instrumental in the CSCE in the consolidation of these role dimensions as a role set practiced by the neutral and non-aligned countries as a grouping, and by Finland and Sweden individually.; In short, precedent, expectations, the structure of the multilateral setting, international tensions, and the neutrals' abiding commitment lead them to assume the role of "coordinators" in the CSCE. However, demands on their intermediary role compete with the neutrals' negotiating stands on disarmament. Constraints and pressures present difficult trade-offs. Yet, overall, there is convergence between Finland and Sweden's neutrality models and a customarization of active neutrality in the CSCE.; The research draws on interviews with CSCE officials, and primary documents. The analysis captures the normative developments and key historical junctures of the CSCE. The conclusions point to the challenges of active neutrality in a post cold war system where the CSCE is likely to be institutionalized. |
