Lyzhenkov Alexey L.

Transnational challenges, such as terrorism, organized crime, illegal trafficking of drugs and human beings traffic remain among the most significant threats to international peace, security and stability. The crime hinders sustainable economic and social development in the area from Vancouver to Vladivostok, as well as opportunities of 1,2 billion people living in the region to exercise their human rights, including the right to life, liberty and security of person. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), having undertaken to combat transnational threats, has developed mechanisms to counter these threats. The author tries to answer to what extent these mechanisms are effective. The annual documents of the organization emphasize the priority of combating terrorism to member States. The OSCE conferences allow to give an expert assessment of the situation, to develop the main directions of joint activities, and to ensure the dialogue among all stakeholders, thereby strengthening confidence in the region. Cooperation among specialists also develops in some specific areas of combating transnational challenges and threats. The author emphasizes that the OSCE has done a lot to ensure safety, however, the practice shows that this is not enough. One of the main principles for countering terrorism and other threats according to the author is the cooperation of all interested states and organizations. The author suggests a number of steps which, in his opinion, can increase the interaction efficiency of the countries-participants of the OSCE in reducing the terrorist threat and providing basic rights and human freedoms, especially the right to life.