Book Launch: “Multilateralism in Transition, Challenges and Opportunities for the OSCE”
On 19 July 2021, the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zürich in cooperation with the OSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic Institutions hosted the online book launch of “Multilateralism in Transition: Challenges and Opportunities for the OSCE” (available in German and English).
How is the OSCE dealing with the current challenges of geopolitical polarization and the crisis of multilateralism, and what are ways forward? The event weighed the pros and cons of the OSCE consensus principles, elaborated on how to make use of the principles upon which the OSCE is built while better clarifying priorities, and how to balance attempts to manage and settle conflicts. To that end, four authors presented their book chapters: David Lanz (Swisspeace) on the bigger picture and crisis of multilateralism; Fabian Grass (Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs) on the campaign leading to the election of the OSCE Secretary General in 2017; Thomas Greminger (Geneva Centre for Security Policy and former Secretary General of the OSCE) on his term in office, the reform agenda, and ways moving forward to make the OSCE more effective and allow tackling of new challenges; and Benno Zogg (CSS; OSCE Network Steering Committee member) on the OSCE in the protracted conflict around Transnistria. The contributions were moderated and contextualized by the CSS’ Simon J. Mason.
The book was critically reflected by two discussants, Cornelius Friesendorf (Centre for OSCE Research, Hamburg; OSCE Network Coordinator) and Sonja Stojanovic Gajic (Belgrade Centre for Security Policy; OSCE Network Steering Committee member). Friesendorf questioned whether there still is an underlying consensus in the OSCE on values and norms, while highlighting the tangible benefits of the OSCE and the existing room for cooperation on certain issues. Stojanovic Gajic, in her comment, emphasized the difficulty of pointing out criteria for success for the OSCE, how the organization is perceived differently within the OSCE space, as well as the potential need for a revitalization, possibly through a new Conference in 2025.
The following discussion and Q&A with the audience raised issues such as the nature of the climate crisis on which the OSCE might act; the link of climate change and security; the issue of water management and the role of the OSCE Mission in Moldova/Transnistria; the potential of a new summit; as well as the nature of “pragmatism” in the OSCE’s work.