NGO'S IN POST COLD WAR EUROPE

In: Peace review: the international quarterly of world peace, Band 7, Heft 3-4, S. 439-442

Abstract

EUROPE'S POLITICAL EMANCIPATION FROM THE PARALYSIS OF THE COLD WAR CAN BE TRACED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE), FORMERLY THE CONFERENCE ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE (CSCE). THE OSCE HAS EMERGED AS AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE, WITH ROOTS IN THE BLOC-TO-BLOC DIVIDED EUROPE OF THE COLD WAR. THE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENTS OF EASTERN EUROPE HAVE RECEIVED POLITICAL INSPIRATION AND LEGITIMACY FROM THE OSCE. NOW THE OSCE IS TRYING TO STRENGTHEN ITS TIES WITH NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGO'S) BECAUSE THE OSCE RECOGNIZES THE CENTRAL ROLE NGO'S PLAY IN A VITAL DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY.