Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a regional security-oriented intergovernmental organization comprising member states in Europe, North America, and Asia. Its mandate includes issues such as arms control, the promotion of human rights, freedom of the press, and free and fair elections. It employs around 3,460 people, mostly in its field operations but also in its secretariat in Vienna, Austria, and its institutions.[3] It has observer status at the United Nations.[4]
"OSCE" redirects here. For the examination model, see Objective structured clinical examination. Not to be confused with OECD.
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
July 1973
30 July – 1 August 1975
21 November 1990
1 January 1995
50,119,801 km2 (19,351,363 sq mi)
25/km2 (64.7/sq mi)
2022 estimate
US$53.1 trillion[2]
US$40,900
The OSCE had its origins in 1975: its predecessors came together during the era of the Cold War to form a forum for discussion between the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc.[5] Most of its 57 participating countries are in Europe, but with some members in Asia or in North America. The participating countries comprise much of the land-area of the Northern Hemisphere.
The OSCE is concerned with early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation.
Relations with the United Nations[edit]
The OSCE considers itself a regional organization in the sense of Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter[96] and is an observer in the United Nations General Assembly.[97] The Chairman-in-Office gives routine briefings to the United Nations Security Council.[98]
The three dimensions[edit]
Politico-military dimension (first dimension)[edit]
The OSCE takes a comprehensive approach to the politico-military dimension of security, which includes a number of commitments by participating States and mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution. The organization also seeks to enhance military security by promoting greater openness, transparency and co-operation.
