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Dr. Cabayan and Dr. Sahakyan
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Dr. Naira Sahakyan and Dr. Hriar Cabayan Edited White Paper on the Socio-Political Assessment of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ilham Aliyev

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YEREVAN, Armenia — American University of Armenia (AUA) Assistant Professor Dr. Naira Sahakyan and long-time AUA supporter Dr. Hriar Cabayan edited a white paper on “A Socio-Political Assessment of Turkish and Azerbaijani Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ilham Aliyev” published by the ARPA Institute (Analysis Research and Planning for Armenia). 

The white paper consists of four articles: 

    • “The Resurgence of Cult of Personality in Turkey and the Transformation of Azerbaijani-Turkish Relations” by Dr. Ioannis N. Grigoriadis, Bilkent University
    • “‘Sultan Who Never Became a Caliph’: ‘Izvestia’ Portrays the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan” by Dr. Anahit Kartashyan, Armenian-Russian University
    • “Aliyev’s Enduring Authority: Unraveling Masculine Governmentality and Authoritarian Traditionalism in Azerbaijan” by Dr. Sevinj Samadzade, Ghent University
  • “Ascending from Paternal Legacy to Victorious Leadership: Ilham Aliyev’s Sources of Legitimacy After Decades of Rule” by Dr. Naira Sahakyan, American University of Armenia 

The articles shed light on the multifaceted dimensions of leadership, power, and perception in the contemporary geopolitical landscape. The paper invites readers to delve deeper into the complexities shaping the future of their nations and the broader region. 

“In the complex landscape of international relations and political dynamics, the interplay between leaders, their personas, and the narratives surrounding them often shapes the course of nations and regions. Therefore, the socio-political assessment of Turkish and Azerbaijani presidents and their personas become significant,” notes Dr. Sahakyan. 

“This evaluation intends to provide a comprehensive guide for politicians, scholars, and policymakers, offering insight into the dynamics and decision-making processes of their leadership and the implications for various stakeholders in the global and regional context,” mentions Dr. Cabayan. 

The white paper aims to stimulate ongoing research and discourse on this significant topic. By offering nuanced analyses of Presidents Erdoğan and Aliyev within the broader context of global politics, this work can inspire scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to dive deeper into these themes and explore new avenues of inquiry.

Dr. Sahakyan is an Assistant Professor of history at the American University of Armenia. Her research focuses on ethno-religious nationalism and political discourses in the Caucasus and Middle East. Dr. Hriar Cabayan is currently a Visiting Scientist at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. In 2007, he received the Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Award from the Office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2007 and again in 2019. 

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.