Bosnia and Collective Security UN, EC, NATO, CSCE, WEU--Which Task for Whom
Abstract
The resurgence of regional instability is an apparent manifestation of the post Cold-War era. Regional instability manifests itself in a wide range of behaviors: from small border disputes to ethnic conflict and in some cases wars of independence. The war in Bosnia-Herzegovina is a gruesome example of how devastating post-Cold War regional instability can become. Because of this rapid rise in regional instability, a mechanism is needed which helps prevent and resolve these crises. Our global and regional security organizations possess such mechanisms, but are they capable of responding adequately to such instability? The Bosnian situation may provide some insight. This paper examines the ability of the UN and the European regional security organizations--European Community (EC), Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and Western European Union (WEU)--to deal with the conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Specifically, the paper reviews pertinent aspects of the region's history. It analyzes the national security interests of the major western states capable of influencing the conflict (Britain, France, Germany, and the United States) and their preferred multilateral approach in Bosnia and the surrounding European region. It examines the roles of the EC, CSCE, UN, NATO, and WEU, and the effectiveness of each in dealing with Bosnia. Finally, the paper addresses the strengths and weaknesses of the EC, UN, CSCE, NATO, and WEU as revealed in Bosnia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA276829
Entities
People
- Raymond E. Johns
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy