One Conference, various security perspectives

Abstract

This thesis compares the perspectives on European security of the Netherlands and Romania, as portrayed in the negotiations leading to the formulation of the CSCE Helsinki Accords, between 1970 and 1974. This research uses a comparative historical primary source analysis in combination with a more theoretical security studies approach. In this way, this thesis forms conclusions on multiple levels. First, this thesis compares two states on each side of the Iron Curtain, whereby it follows the line of research of New Cold War History, and contributes to a empirical debate on the CSCE in the Cold War. Second, this research shows by comparing two member states of the CSCE that this conference was much more complex than previous research has emphasized and much more than a platform for pan-European dialogue. Moreover, this case study also shows that a theoretical approach, such security studies, needs to be combined with the essential features of historical cases, based on empirical research, in order to enhance the validity and relevance of the outcome.