The OSCE's Role in a Changing World: New Steps for the Future

... insisted on adherence to common humanitarian norms. Relations in the economic and ecological fields were not so conflictual and were included to balance the two dimensions on which opinions diverged significantly. When the Helsinki Accords were signed, the CSCE’s three “baskets,” or main spheres, were agreed upon: politico-military, economic-ecological and humanitarian dimensions [2] . This comprehensive understanding went far beyond traditional notions of international security. Thus already at the time of its establishment, the OSCE was able to step into the future. It was its first breakthrough achievement. The achievement of a balance between the two systems and the desire to maintain it was one of ...