In his latest external publication, RSC Analyst Mikayel Zolyan authored an article (in Armenian) examining “the historically complicated relationship between nationalism and liberalism.” Published in the journal “Analyticon,” the article explores the fact that “nationalism is often linked to extreme conservatism, denial of democratic and liberal values with anti-Western and anti-modern attitudes.”
In an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) Armenian Service, RSC Director Richard Giragosian hailed the upcoming visit to Armenia by Federica Mogherini, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission. Giragosian noted that this visit is only “the latest reaffirmation of Armenia’s enhanced strategic significance” and represents an “important step in Armenia’s course of regaining and restoring a relationship with the European Union.”
The Regional Studies Center (RSC) held its latest closed monthly briefing on 24 February, with presentations by RSC Director Richard Giragosian and Senior Analyst David Shahnazaryan. This month’s briefing featured a comprehensive analysis consisting of two areas: (1) an analysis of domestic political developments, including the formation of a new pro-government coalition and the state of the opposition, and a focus on the process of electoral reform in the wake of the adoption of constitutional amendments; (2) an assessment of regional developments, including the escalating crisis between Russia and Turkey, recent developments related to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and the outlook for the expansion of Armenian-Iranian relations.
On 19 February 2016, The Regional Studies Center (RSC) convened a special “Focus Group” to discuss democratization and political change in Armenia. With two dozen participants, the Focus Group was also joined by representatives from the European Union Delegation to Armenia and the UK Embassy, serving as observers.
RSC Project Director Satenik Baghdasaryan participated in a meeting of the EU Alumni Network on 18 February convened by Ambassador Piotr Switalski, the head of the European Union Delegation to Armenia. The informal meeting brought together a small group of young professionals and civil society representatives who received scholarships or grants from the European Union.