MPA and MAIRD Host Discussion on Finland’s Membership in NATO

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On February 14, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy (MAIRD) and Master of Public Affairs (MPA) programs hosted a discussion titled “Finland’s Membership in NATO and a New Security Paradigm.” The event featured Professor Henrik Meinander from the University of Helsinki, as well as MPA Program Chair and Assistant Professor Dr. Uros Prokic and MAIRD Program Chair and Associate Professor Dr. Asbed Kotchikian. 

Professor Meinander visited Armenia for a short period of time with the aim of presenting his book “History of Finland,” which was translated into Armenian by NewMag publishing house. The book has been translated into 16 languages.

During his visit to AUA, Professor Meinander discussed the journey of Finland before joining NATO; its close relations with the Organization since the 1990s; its relations with Russia, with which the country has the longest border; and Finald’s official membership in NATO. Among others, the event was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to the Republic of Armenia (residence in Helsinki), H.E. Ms. Kirtsi Narinen; the Honorary Consul of Finland in Yerevan, Mr. Timothy David Straight; and other diplomats from Finland. 

Professor Meinander’s talk was followed by a Q&A discussion, during which AUA students and faculty had the opportunity to expand on various points and seek further elaboration on several topics covered by the Professor. Questions posed by the attendees included the response of Finnish society when NATO member Turkey reacted against that membership, thoughts on the growing number of NATO members, and whether Finald’s decision on NATO membership was a precaution, prediction, or overreaction. The audience also discussed the progress of Nordic cooperations, Finland as a small state, and the maneuvering of small states in international organizations. 

The Master of Public Affairs program gives students the analytical, policy, administrative, and leadership skills needed to make an impact on Armenian society and beyond. Public organizations need grounded leaders who recognize that policy challenges are fluid, interconnected, and global. Hence, MPA students are taught how to ask and answer relevant political questions, how to design policy solutions to public problems, and how to administer those solutions with skilled leadership and management appropriate to public, private, and nonprofit organizations. The program provides a substantive focus on development policy, strategy, and leadership – all essential to advancing the prosperity and stability of Armenia.

The Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy (MAIRD) is a year and a half degree program designed to prepare students with the necessary knowledge and tools required for careers in global service within governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations. Using an interdisciplinary approach to critically assess and examine changing dimensions of international governance and diplomacy, this degree equips students with the relevant conceptual frameworks, robust methodologies and innovative problem-solving skills to address the most pressing challenges of regional and global politics.

Media Coverage:

[Newmag] Ֆինն պատմաբան Հենրիկ Մեյնանդերն այցելել է Հայաստանի ամերիկյան համալսարան (լուսանկարներ)