Securitization and Democracy in Eurasia: Transformation and Development in the OSCE Region

This open-access book explores securitization and democratic development in the OSCE Region, featuring case studies and proactive engagement in institution-building and security threats. It highlights the informal approach to peace, security, and securitization as a norm entrepreneur and assesses the political implications of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. The book appeals to students and scholars of international relations, security studies, and the human rights-politics nexus.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 411 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This open-access book presents cutting-edge research on securitization and democratic development in the OSCE Region. Gathering contributions by practitioners and researchers from various disciplines, it presents case studies and highlights recent activities of proactive engagement in democratic institution-building and responding to security threats from the Balkans to Central Asia. The volume is divided into three parts, the first of which focuses on security-related matters, armed conflicts, minorities, and women's safety, as well as the roles that civil society, foreign governments, social media, and external donors play in this area. These contributions illustrate how the OSCE's informal approach to peace, security, and securitization as norm entrepreneur is closely linked to the level of democracy among its member states. The second part presents a special section on the political implications of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), assessing the impact of this infrastructural program on the levels of democracy and/or autocracy in Eurasia. The third part consists of short chapters outlining future research and debates. The book will appeal to students and scholars of international relations, security studies, and the human rights-politics nexus.

This is the 2022 instalment in a series of books released by the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. The OSCE works to promote Minority Protection, Security, Democratic Development and Human Rights, guided by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), and to enhance securitization and development policies in Eurasia, Europe, Central Asia and North America. Since being founded in 1993, the OSCE and its agencies and departments have attracted a wealth of academic research in various fields and disciplines, ranging from political science and economics to sociology and history.

The OSCE's mission is to promote stability, security, and cooperation in the OSCE Region through political dialogue, economic development, and human rights. The organization is made up of 57 member states, including all European Union members except for Russia, and is headquartered in Vienna, Austria. The OSCE's activities include monitoring elections, promoting human rights, combating terrorism and organized crime, and providing humanitarian assistance.

One of the key areas of focus for the OSCE is minority protection. The organization recognizes that minorities are often marginalized and vulnerable to discrimination and violence, and works to promote their rights and interests. The OSCE has developed a number of standards and guidelines to protect minorities, including the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The OSCE also plays a significant role in promoting security and stability in the region. The organization has established a number of peacekeeping missions, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. These missions aim to promote peace and security, protect human rights, and assist in the reconstruction of war-torn countries.

In addition to its peacekeeping activities, the OSCE also works to promote democratic development and human rights in the region. The organization has developed a number of programs and initiatives to support these goals, including the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, which offers training and education programs to promote democratic values and institutions.

The OSCE's work in the region is important for promoting stability, security, and cooperation in a complex and interconnected world. The organization's commitment to minority protection, security, democratic development, and human rights is a testament to its dedication to promoting a more peaceful and prosperous future for the OSCE Region and beyond.

Weight: 658g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031166617
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023