Chapter VIII: What is it and why it matters

The OSCE defines itself as a regional security arrangement under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter. What does that mean? Could it mean more? When the UN Charter was being drafted, some favoured a centralized security organization, others preferred a regionalized structure. In the end, when the Charter was finalized in 1945, the universal approach prevailed. Nonetheless, an entire chapter – Chapter VIII – was devoted to regional arrangements and the terms of their relationship with the UN in the field of peace and security.