The Evolution of Cooperative Security: Canada and the Human Dimension of the CSCE, 1973-1994
Cathal J. Nolan
April 1, 1997
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This working paper traces the evolution of the following concerns with the CSCE/OSCE process: (1) the influence of liberal ideas about the fundamental supports of security in foreign policy decisions, in particular the role of moral norms and a presumed correlation of internal repression with external aggression; (2) the influence of public opinion on human rights policy in an area of primary security concern; and (3) the expanding role of transnational values and agreements within the OSCE region. The study thus illuminates policy background concerning appropriate responses to security problems born of democratization in Eastern Europe and the main successor states to the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia. This is important as it is already clear that in several of these countries, along with new political and cultural openness and freedom, ethnic violence and economic ‘scapegoating’ of minorities is on the rise. The historic mix of ethnic influences on Western policy toward the region, rising levels of minority and other persecution throughout Eurasia, and the consequent refugee flows this presents for the OSCE area, suggest that the importance of “Human Dimension” issues as an underpinning to cooperative security will only increase in coming years.
