OSCE Special Monitoring in Ukraine

Abstract

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Eastern Ukraine (Donbas) offers an interesting case study of what international organizations do during a war. The current conflict is tricky and multilayered. The SMM is the only international observing mission deployed permanently in this war zone, but thus far has received little academic scrutiny. Daily reports are published online so that anyone can be part of the observation process and a witness to what is going on in Donbas. But does the mission contribute to a “revival” of the OSCE? Is it an adequate, accurate, and objective monitoring tool? Is it helping to improve the situation in the field and to make life easier for the population? Finally, should theSMMto Ukraine be modified, replaced by another type of mission, or assisted in some way? In answering these questions, the chapter also considers the future of such missions in the context of the current crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.