OSCE National Minority Rights in the United States: The Limits of Conflict Prevention
56 Pages Posted: 31 Jan 2012
Date Written: January 27, 1998
Abstract
This article explores the role and structure of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in the late 1990's during a period when it was undergoing a dramatic expansion of its mandate in response to the end of the Cold War. In particular the article describes the OSCE's creation of the concept of national minority rights. It presents an analysis of whether the rights and obligations of OSCE members, as stated in the various statements issued by OSCE members, states have become customary international law. Finally, it explores the question of whether US courts would recognize the existence of the OSCE's national minority rights in the United States.
Keywords: OSCE, CSCE, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Helsinki Final Act, opinio juris, customary international law, gentleman's agreement, Cold War, national minority rights
JEL Classification: K33
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation