Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Pages: 569-588

Journal: European Security

Volume number: 30

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 0966-2839

eISSN: 1746-1545

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/09662839.2021.1900121

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group

Abstract: 
Even though the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has performed mediation efforts in Eurasian secessionist conflicts, its role has been neglected by mainstream international relations (IR) and conflict mediation literature. To fill in this gap, this article examines OSCE mediation strategies in two major secessionist conflicts: the Nagorno-Karabakh (NK) conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Drawing on Zartman's conceptual framework, this study posits that OSCE mediation strategies were constrained given its weak organisational capacity, lack of legal empowerment and adverse geopolitical environment. Due to these structural limitations, the OSCE can be said to have been more effective in containing conflict than contributing to conflict resolution. This article aims to contribute to conflict mediation research by highlighting the importance of context for understanding the role of international organisations (IOs) as mediators.

Harvard Citation style: Guliyev, F. and Gawrich, A. (2021) OSCE mediation strategies in Eastern Ukraine and Nagorno-Karabakh: a comparative analysis, European Security, 30(4), pp. 569-588. https://doi.org/10.1080/09662839.2021.1900121

APA Citation style: Guliyev, F., & Gawrich, A. (2021). OSCE mediation strategies in Eastern Ukraine and Nagorno-Karabakh: a comparative analysis. European Security. 30(4), 569-588. https://doi.org/10.1080/09662839.2021.1900121