Study Of The European Organization For Security And Cooperation In The Development Process

The OSCE process, starting with CSCE, witnesses, takes part in and also contributes to the development of contemporary international relations and that in Europe in particular. Focusing on its recent development after the Cold War, the thesis outlines the OSCE history in the past 30 years in a plain and narrative style. It is intended to serve as a useful reference for a better knowledge of OSCE and further policy study.Chapter 1 briefly explores CSCE process during the Cold War period with emphasis on the contents of Helsinki Final Act and the development of three 'generations' of CSBMs.Chapter 2 details the overall transformation of CSCE during 1990-1994. CSCE's efforts to adapt itself to the new circumstances are largely successful during the early days of seismic change of international system. In addition to its traditional role in the areas of arms control, disarmament and CSBM, CSCE gradually develops its new function in preventive diplomacy, crisis prevention and management. The change of name from CSCE to OSCE since 1995 is widely read as a nominal development.Chapter 3 studies the unbalanced development of various aspects of OSCE's function during 1995-1999. OSCE's position in the European security structure is steadily sidelined, which results in OSCE playing nothing more than a supplementary or supporting role in the European security affairs. Meanwhile, OSCE increasingly shows its comparative advantage in field activities while its internal constraints starts to develop.Chapter 4 analyzes the bumpy and difficult development of OSCE since the year 2000. OSCE does not respond well to the changing political constellation in Europe and new security challenges and risks since 911. Internal interest divergence widened, reform is discussed and debated. OSCE is bogged down in a double adaptation crisis, one of a basically political nature.Chapter 5 evaluates the major achievements and theoretical implications and significance of OSCE process. In a foreseeable future, it is unlikely that OSCE could easily step out of political impasse and the difficult situation in general sense. Its future is full of uncertainty.