ABSTRACT
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) combines a broad membership with a comprehensive approach to security, and an emphasis on co-operative implementation of its political norms and activities with a large degree of institutional flexibility. The OSCE should deal with conflict prevention through peace-building in post-conflict situations, such as in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Issues concerning human rights, democracy and the rule of law are often critical components. Violations of human rights often lead to tensions, to societal conflicts and distrust, including at the international level. Economic factors matter, too can play an important role. At present, quite a number of European states are engaged in a process of transforming their economic order from command economies to free-market economies. International arms control and the continued use and improvement of the regimes of military transparency remain essential. Effective conflict prevention requires that all the aspects be taken into account, involving various time frames.
