Can the Helsinki accord provide us with lessons for diplomacy today?
Kai Hebel, Assistant Professor of International Relations, explains how the 1975 Helsinki Accords shaped European diplomacy and why their spirit remains urgently relevant in an era of renewed geopolitical tension in an article in the Guardian.
Hebel outlines how the Helsinki Final Act of 1975 unexpectedly transformed Cold War diplomacy by promoting human rights, peaceful border changes, and confidence-building measures. He emphasises that despite Putin’s aggressive policies and the weakening of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), this multinational body still plays a crucial role in conflict prevention and democracy promotion, especially given its unique inclusivity of Russia, Ukraine, and the US. Hebel suggests that while a new 'Helsinki effect' is unlikely anytime soon, the OSCE’s expertise remains vital for future peace negotiations in Europe.
He further notes that the challenges faced today differ in scope and intensity from those of the Cold War era, with modern conflicts often involving complex hybrid warfare and disinformation tactics. Nevertheless, the principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act continue to provide a valuable framework for dialogue and cooperation, reminding leaders that respect for human rights and international law is fundamental to lasting peace.
Read the full article on the website of The Guardian.