Local parliamentarians in a global world: Parliamentary diplomacy of Icelandic parliamentarians

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the role of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the international system, and the ability of MPs to use their experience in interparliamentary cooperation to influence decision- and policy making of their national governments. The results presented in this article are based on thematic analysis of the first case in a larger comparative study: the Icelandic Parliament, or the Althingi. The research lays the foundation for a scholarly discussion on interparliamentary cooperation, an under researched topic, and an increased understanding of Althingis' international affairs. A qualitative study was conducted, in which sitting and former members of the Althingi and civil servants were interviewed. Grounded theory and thematic analysis were used to highlight main themes. Regarding the role of MPs in the international system, the main themes were sharing knowledge and experience, supervising government actions, and protecting national interests. Regarding the ability of MPs to use their international experience at home, main themes were the integration of interparliamentary cooperation into national parliamentary processes, public opinion on MP participation in international affairs, the executive branchs' view towards MP involvement in foreign affairs, and media interest. An overwhelming majority of interviewees concluded that Althingi’s international affairs were not sufficiently integrated into its parliamentary processes, the attitude of the executive branch was negative, public opinion very negative and the media indifferent. Regarding Althingi’s potential for action, a recurring theme was the establishment of an overarching international committee, and increased cooperation with the executive, and between parliamentary committees.