Cover Osteuropa 6-7/2024

In Osteuropa 6-7/2024

In Difficult Waters
The OSCE in times of war

Thomas Vogel


Deutsche Fassung

Abstract

The core idea of the OSCE, to achieve security in Europe through confidence-building and cooperation between all states, has been shaken. Russia is waging war against Ukraine and sees itself in conflict with the "collective West". The OSCE and its contractual foundations are weakened, trust has been lost, and work processes have been disrupted. So far, however, no participating state has questioned the organisation’s existence. The OSCE has unique forums and instruments with which it can continue to work. It must prepare for the day when it can once again play a role in European security policy and conflict mediation.

(Osteuropa 6-7/2024, pp. 173–185)