YEREVAN, Armenia — On November 12, a team representing the American University of Armenia (AUA) competed against students from the Yerevan branch of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in the latest round of the inter-university National Championship of Political Debates. The debate, which took place at the Russian Scientific and Cultural Center, centered around the topic of “The Russian Empire and the Armenian World in World War I.”
The competition consisted of four sessions, each requiring participants to examine the events in question from various perspectives. The second session was particularly dynamic, focusing on the development of the Armenian national idea in the context of the wars among the Russian, British, and Ottoman empires.
Evaluation criteria included depth of analysis, logic and structure of arguments, work with the supervisor, proficiency in Russian, creativity, teamwork, and endurance. The members of the jury commended both teams for their participation. Alexander Bordov, chairman of the Armenian-Russian Cultural Association, remarked: “It was a fair and meaningful competition. Choosing the winner was not easy.” Elena Mia, cultural attaché of the Russian Embassy in Armenia, added: “Your example shows that education and knowledge are the keys to self-confidence and success. The performance of the AUA students was particularly impressive.”
The AUA debate team won with a score of 564 points, while Plekhanov Russian University of Economics received 556. This victory secured a spot for the AUA team in the semifinal of the National Championship. AUA debate team members Mihail Mnasakanyan (MAIRD ’25), Svetlana Ryumina (MAIRD’ 25), Areg Khachatrian (MPSIA ’25), and Arsen Khachatryan (BAPG ’28), together with their mentor and supervisor, Dr. Arsen Gasparyan from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, expressed gratitude to Professor Vahram Ter-Matevosyan for his valuable consultations on historical topics during the preparation for this debate round and for generously sharing his knowledge.
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.
