Freedom, Independence, Security: Ideology and Reassessment

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YEREVAN, Armenia – On September 19, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Political Science and International Affairs (PSIA) program hosted a public lecture by Armen Grigoryan (PSIA ‘11), Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Armenia. The topic of the lecture was “Freedom, Independence, Security: Ideology and Reassessment.”

The opening remarks were delivered by AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, who underlined the observance of Armenian Independence Day and its significance in history, also noting that it coincides with the founding of the University on September 21, 1991. Then Dr. Vahram Ter-Matevosyan, PSIA Program Chair, introduced and invited the speaker to the podium.

Following his own congratulatory remarks, the speaker drew parallels between state independence and individual independence delving into the meanings of freedom, independence, and security. These, he emphasized, are fundamental values to which every individual, society and state aspire. Grigoryan continued that at the core of a modern legal state, freedom is manifested through democracy, which is the  expression of free will and an evidence of independence. Here, what is meant by the term includes the independence of the citizens of a state and their involvement in the political decision-making processes. The rights and liberties afforded by freedom are embedded in the constitution of a state and delineate the legitimacy of state power and the scheme of relations in the outside world. These are the two sides of the same coin that serve as foundations of state stability and, at the same time, define its security.

The lecture concluded with questions and answers during which the audience got the chance to elaborate on the concepts of freedom, independence and security covered by the speaker.

The AUA PSIA program equips students with advanced analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and communication skills through the study of political science and international affairs, emphasizing local and global perspectives and practical applications of theory. The program aims to provide world-class research and teaching, through which graduates can best contribute to the development of the nation.