Indicator: 1.11 Key parliamentary powers

This indicator concerns key parliamentary powers relating to security, defence and foreign affairs. Although some of these policy areas have often traditionally been considered to be led by the executive, many parliaments have key decision-making powers, and all parliaments play an important oversight role.

As an ever-increasing number of policy areas – such as climate change, trade and internet policy – can only be addressed at a global level, parliaments are playing an increasingly prominent role in international affairs. There is therefore a need for regular interaction between parliament and the executive around the international dimensions of policymaking.

This indicator also covers parliamentary diplomacy, which has taken on new forms and significance in recent years.