This book places special emphasis on the CSCE's esoteric and confidential multilateral negotiations for some twenty years, from its initiation in 197275 until its heyday in 1988-91 and up to the present.

The human dimension of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) implies an alternative vision of security and co-operation in Europe, based on respect for human rights, democracy, the rule of law, minority rights and human contacts. Until recently the human dimension has been the main claim to perpetuity of the CSCE. It has been through the years the main point of controversy among its participating states, and has played an important role in the revolutionary events of 1989 which transformed Europe.