The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and peaceful conflict resolution: international legal and political analysis

The study was focused on examining the legal status of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and determining its role in international relations within the OSCE region. The fact that this body is not part of the OSCE’s intergovernmental system, but is an independent international entity actively involved in international affairs, gives this research a specific scientific nuance and significance. There are few scientific studies in the international doctrine dedicated to this topic, especially with an emphasis on its international legal issues. One of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s priority areas is promoting peaceful conflict resolution through parliamentary diplomacy. However, parliamentary diplomacy, unlike traditional diplomacy, possesses unique characteristics and comparatively fewer opportunities for resolving serious international problems. Nevertheless, by enhancing the connectivity of the OSCE PA with the OSCE’s intergovernmental bodies through the efforts of parliamentarians in this direction, in our opinion, it will be possible to significantly increase the OSCE PA’s role in peaceful conflict resolution. The fact that parliamentarians are members of the legislative body and consequently participate in discussions and enactment of laws predetermines their role as qualified individuals who potentially can play a more significant role in the development of international law compared to professional diplomats. Thus, the goal of this study is to explore the potential of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in peacefully resolving conflicts from the perspective of international law and international politics, and to identify negative factors that hinder the more productive activity of this parliamentary body. According to the research findings, the activities of parliamentarians within the OSCE PA can bring considerable benefits not only for the peaceful resolution of specific conflicts but also for the entire OSCE dispute settlement system through the development of carefully considered projects of international legal documents in this area.