Statement by the Delegation of the Republic of Armenia at the 1152nd Forum for Security Co-operation Security Dialogue: “Incident Management: Mitigating Risks of Unintended Escalation”

04 November, 2026

Mr. Chairperson,

At the outset, we would like to thank the UK Chairpersonship of the Forum for Security Co-operation for bringing this important topic to our attention, as well as the distinguished speakers for their valuable contributions to discussion.

The subject of today’s Security Dialogue goes to the very heart of the OSCE’s politico-military dimension and, indeed, to the very purpose for which this Organization was established.

The OSCE emerged at the height of the Cold War, against a backdrop of profound political and military divisions, deep mistrust and the ever-present risk of confrontation. It was precisely in these circumstances that the need for dialogue, transparency, predictability and effective mechanisms for managing crises became apparent.

In this regard, incident management and the mitigation of risks of unintended escalation have been intrinsic to the OSCE’s very raison d'être. While the Organization has not always been able to live up to the expectations placed upon it or fully realize the potential of its mandate, it has nevertheless developed, over the decades, a substantial body of commitments, expertise, instruments and mechanisms designed to address these challenges. This accumulated experience and institutional toolkit remain highly relevant.

At the same time, experience has demonstrated that the existence of such instruments and mechanisms does not, in itself, guarantee their effectiveness in preventing military escalations. Their practical value ultimately depends on the political will of the participating States to respect their commitments and make use of the available mechanisms in good faith.

Equally important is the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security, grounded in respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, the non-use of force or threat of force and the peaceful settlement of disputes. These fundamental principles must remain at the center of our efforts to prevent incidents and reduce the risk of escalation.

Mr. Chairperson,

Another important dimension that merits our attention is the rapid development of emerging technologies and the imperative to adapt existing instruments and mechanisms to new security realities.

Many of the instruments currently at our disposal were developed decades ago, in response to the security needs and military capabilities of that time. Since then, technological progress has fundamentally transformed the nature and conduct of military activities. Consequently, traditional parameters, such as the number of personnel involved in military exercises or the types of conventional armaments deployed, may no longer provide a sufficiently comprehensive picture of the scale, nature and potential implications of military activities.

Therefore, we should be prepared to examine how existing mechanisms can be adapted and, where necessary, complemented to ensure that they remain effective in addressing emerging challenges and mitigating the risks of unintended escalation.

Mr. Chairperson,

Above all, we should recall that the OSCE is a political organization. Political challenges require political solutions. Such solutions, including the application of military-political instruments, can only be pursued through meaningful dialogue, engagement and cooperation.

With its unique and inclusive membership, bringing together participating States with different perspectives, interests and security concerns, the OSCE remains a natural and indispensable platform for addressing crises, managing tensions and discussing common security challenges.

However, the Organization’s ability to fulfil this role is directly linked to its operational effectiveness and institutional capacity, both of which, as we all recognize, are currently seriously constrained. The restoration of the OSCE’s full operational capacity and the strengthening of its institutional effectiveness are therefore not merely organizational priorities, they are essential prerequisites for ensuring its continued relevance and ability to deliver on its mandate.

In conclusion, we remain convinced that realizing the full potential of the OSCE for incident management and mitigation requires renewed political will, a genuine commitment to dialogue and cooperation, the modernization of our common instruments in response to evolving security realities, and restoration of the Organization’s full operational effectiveness.

Thank you.

MFA RA
official website

Dual citizenship

Electronic visa

Visa applications