PSIA Seminar: Sources of Armenian Foreign Policy Decision-making in Light of 2015 Constitutional Amendments

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YEREVAN, Armenia— On April 26, the Political Science and International Affairs program (PSIA) of the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted Dr. Hovhannes Nikoghosyan, who delivered a seminar discussing the Constitutional amendments of 2015 adopted in nation-wide referendum on to transform the country from semi-presidential into a parliamentary republic by April 2018. The changes have already triggered an array of alternatives particularly in foreign and security policy decision-making.

The study contributes further to understanding how the organisational process affects choices in decision-making. The study is followed by a set of recommendations on what changes are most advisable in transition from semi-presidential system to full-fledged parliamentary system in the case of Armenia. Moreover, the presented paper concludes that a more robust culture of deliberations between various government agencies – often with conflicting views and interests – will emerge in the National Security Council.

Dr. Hovhannes Nikoghosyan specializes in human rights and international security, having keen interest and research experience in human rights and armed conflicts, United Nations, state sovereignty and intervention, just war theory, international criminal responsibility for erga omnes crimes, as well as Responsibility to Protect. He is a graduate of the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, with MA in International Relations and PhD in Political Science (2011). Before joining AUA in January 2015, he worked as a Visiting Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (Washington DC), Magdalena Yesil Visiting Scholar at Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University (Durham, NC) and has completed an advanced certificate program at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University (Medford, MA).

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia and affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality, graduate and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic values.