Cooperative Security: New Horizons for International Order
Abstract
This paper presents two different approaches to the topic of Cooperative Security. Both are controversial. Richard Cohen presents a compelling and highly original model of Cooperative Security -- a term that once was applied almost exclusively to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Cohen advocates concrete steps for translating this idealistic but vague concept into reality, contending that NATO has become the world's best example of a Cooperative Security organization. He argues that NATO remains a Collective Defense system, to the extent that it focuses on external threats, but only in part. In addition, NATO has acted as a Collective Security organization -- restoring international stability first in Bosnia Herzegovina and then in Kosovo -- on behalf of the United Nations, when possible, but without United Nations approval, when necessary. Cohen explores all of these diverse functions, presenting his own, normative vision of how NATO should develop in the future, as a Cooperative Security institution, and urging closer contact between NATO, the European Union, and Russia. Cohen notes, however, that "the breadth of...Cooperative Security is probably limited" by a lack of "core values and...common geo-strategic interests." Michael Mihalka traces the history of Cooperative Security organizations, arguing that they date from the early 19th century and extending the concept to include the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Mihalka points out that many members of OSCE and ASEAN are quasi-authoritarian or transitional democracies, not consolidated liberal democracies. He warns that nondemocratic countries are limited in their ability to pursue cooperation and thus argues that the future success of Cooperative Security depends not only on spreading liberal democracy, but also on intensifying economic ties with nondemocratic countries and fostering their sense of a security community that serves the interests of all its members.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA478928
Entities
People
- Michael Mihalka
- Richard Cohen
Organizations
- George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies