This thesis consist of of five chapters. In the first chapter the thesis examines the concept of neutrality, the historical development of the institute of permanent neutrality, the main differences between temporary and permanent neutrality, and the mode of establishment of permanent neutrality in the international field. In the second chapter of the paper the rights and duties of neutral states are analyzed with special emphasis on the existence of a distinction between those rights and duties that apply to both permanently neutral and temporarily neutral states and those that apply exclusively to permanently neutral states. The focus of the third chapter consists in dealing with the issue of membership in international organizations, especially the analysis of issues regarding the membership of permanently neutral states in organizations with established systems of collective security. This chapter provides an overview of the various reactions and positions taken by certain permanently neutral states when deciding to join certain international organizations, and gives an overview of their current position within the international community. The fourth chapter primarily deals with Switzerland, Austria and Malta as examples of permanently neutral states. This chapter analyzes the historical context of acquiring the status of permanent neutrality, its development, specifics, and the rights and obligations that bind these three states. Finally, the last fifth chapter reviews the role of permanently neutral states in preserving peace and stability in the international community due to complicated relations between subjects of international law.