Interview on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security

The OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security is a hidden jewel among OSCE documents. Unparalleled in any other international organization, its ultimate goal is to regulate the role of armed forces in democratic societies. Despite the Code of Conduct’s revolutionary character, it remains little known beyond diplomatic and military circles.

Negotiated in the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) and adopted at the 1994 Budapest Summit, it deepens and codifies important principles of the Helsinki Final Act guiding relations between states, particularly concerning the non-use of force. However, the Code goes far beyond this conventional framework by adding unique norms of politico-military conduct within states. Most importantly, its sections VII and VIII detail the commitment by participating States to place their armed forces, including military, paramilitary and security forces, intelligence services and the police, under democratic civilian control.