Its comprehensive activity in the area of conflict prevention and crisis management, post-conflict peace-building and the promotion of democracy and human rights makes the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) an indispensable actor in the creation of peace, security and stability in Europe. Is the OSCE underestimated? Can it be a model for other regions? These are just two of the questions discussed in the seventh volume of the OSCE Yearbook. In addition to first-hand reports on the activities of the Organization in various conflict areas - including Chechnya and Kosovo - the return of Yugoslavia to the international community, the conflict in Macedonia, regional strategies for Central Asia and the Caucasus, human rights in the context of political interests, democratic control of the armed forces as well as the deployment of international police forces are further topics covered by the OSCE Yearbook 2001. This volume has been supplemented with an appendix containing documents, facts and figures on the 55 OSCE participating States as well as a topical bibliography. The book is aimed at students and researchers, as well as the general public, politicians and journalists.