OSCE Secretariat
Conflict prevention and resolution
The OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security is closely tied to the concept of early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation, also named the “conflict cycle.” The Organization’s main methods to address this cycle include its network of field operations and the Conflict Prevention Centre. Created in 1990 to help reduce the risk of conflict, the Centre now provides policy advice, support, and analysis to the Secretary General, Chairmanship, participating States, and field operations. It acts as an OSCE-wide early warning focal point, facilitates negotiation, mediation, and other conflict prevention and resolution efforts, and supports regional co-operation initiatives. It also assists the Forum for Security Co-operation, an autonomous OSCE decision-making body dealing with military security; and supports the Organization’s programme and project management work.