Freedom and Security: The CSCE and the End of the Cold War (1986-1989)

The Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) served as an important negotiating forum beyond the confines of the Cold War. This volume focuses on the Vienna Follow-up Meeting (1986–1989), covering prominent issues, such as military security and human rights, as well as less explored topics, including culture and the environment. The book contextualises the Meeting within the CSCE process and global political events, presenting diverse perspectives, retrospectives, and outlooks. It offers insights into the latest scholarship on this important but largely under-researched diplomatic negotiation. Many contributions utilise previously unpublished and unresearched files, along with diplomats' memoirs, interviews with contemporary witnesses, and media reports.

Contributors are: Andrea Brait, Michael Gehler, Maximilian Graf, Anna Graf-Steiner, Simon Graham, Kai Habel, Jussi M. Hanhimäki, Nina Hechenblaikner, Wanda Jarząbek, Jonas Kaiser, Miroslav Kunštát, Roland Ernst Laimer, Matthias Peter, Willi Schrenk, and Hermann Wentker.

Nina Hechenblaikner, MA, worked as a research associate at the University of Innsbruck. Her research focuses on the Cold War, diplomatic history, and human rights. Her publications include analysis of the Third CSCE Follow-up Meeting and the New Diplomatic History.

Andrea Brait, PD MMag. Dr., University for Continuing Education Krems, is the head of studies at the Center for Cultures and Technologies of Collecting. Among other topics, she has published works on Austria’s cultural diplomacy.