This book details the responsibilities and activities of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Chapters range from conflict prevention and crisis management via the promotion of democracy and human rights to arms control – with each chapter including analysis and reports on political and diplomatic practice.

As the international political climate grows increasingly volatile, peacekeeping operations have become a mainstay in troubled regions. The alternative to military occupation is either to train indigenous police forces or to hire security corporations. Policy makers are worried that these forces are not capable of maintaining peace. In addition, moral and legal issues are factors for policy makers that are debating the extent to which peacekeeping forces should be allowed to infiltrate societies in turmoil. Other issues of concern that this book examines are the United States relationship with the U.N. and the World Bank as all three pursue their different responsibilities in peacekeeping.

First published in 2003. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.