THE LERNAEAN HYDRA OF TERRORISM

Yiannos Charalambides

Resume

Turkey faces difficult dilemmas about how to deal with the Kurdish problem and what solution should be given to it. ISIS and terrorism are phenomena generally inherent to the functioning of the international system, which particularly uncover its chaotic character and swinging between conflicting and convergent national interests. Terrorism and ISIS is not a myth, but a reality in which the mythic monster Lernaean Hydra is incarnated. Therefore, what needs to be found out is who the “Hercules” of the international system is.

POLITICS AND DEMOCRACY

Yuriy Bondar

Resume

The article uncovers interrelation between politics, democracy, human rights and freedoms. The peculiarities and democratic prospects of Eurasian integration are described.

INFORMAL MECHANISMS IN THE SYSTEM OF MILITARY-POLITICAL DECISION MAKING. THE EXPERIENCE OF THE USA

Hrachya Arzumanyan

Resume

A wide range of governmental and non-governmental organizations and interest groups participate in the political process of preparing and making strategic decisions on national security. Under these circumstances ensuring conditions for competition and cooperation of the interested parties becomes a complicated problem.
In the process of developing and making decisions both the officials and unofficial groups are involved, the influence of which under certain conditions might become decisive. The article reviews an example of an informal group influencing military circles for many years, as well as the process of decision making on Operation Surge in Iraq in 2006.

THE MONGOLIAN VECTOR OF THE CHINESE GEOPOLITICS: HISTORICAL, POLITICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS

David Babayan

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The Mongolian vector is a quite peculiar direction in the Chinese geopolitics. It is related to a large number of strategically important issues in both foreign and domestic policy dimensions. The main imperatives of the Chinese geopolitics in this direction are developing mutually beneficial relations with independent Mongolia, as well as preventing destabilization of Inner Mongolia region that could create a curve of instability along PRC border section stretching from Mongolia to Tibet. Effectiveness of Chinese foreign policy in terms of developing mutually beneficial cooperation in a number of regions and with many countries, especially those in Central Asia, may depend to a certain extent on Beijing’s policies toward Mongolia.

NICOLAS MADURO DESPERATELY TRIES TO STAY IN POWER

Georgi Kolarov

Resume

The article contains analysis of the economic crisis in Venezuela, after the oil prices decline and unsuccessful attempts of president Nicolas Maduro to overcome it with foreign help.

THE ROLE OF CENTERS FOR ARMENIAN STUDIES ABROAD

Vahram Hovyan

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Centers for Armenian Studies are either separate institutions or divisions of broader structures. Establishment of such centers is based on interest toward Armenian studies in foreign countries, efforts of the Armenian diaspora and Republic of Armenia aimed at preserving the Armenian identity in diaspora, developing Armenian studies abroad, and spreading Armenian culture and civilization around the world, and the existence of rich Armenian legacies in foreign countries. The role and significance of Centers for Armenian Studies abroad include preserving Armeniancy, spreading Armenian civilization, developing Armenian studies, developing scientific and cultural relations between Armenians and other peoples, preparing teachers and public figures in Diaspora, conducting applied research in political, economic and other disciplines.

SOME PROBLEMS OF FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARMENIAN DIASPORA IN FRANCE

Eduard Hakobyan, Alexander Kornilov

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The Armenian community of France holds a special place in Diaspora, as it is the third largest and most influential one after the communities in Russia and the USA. Unity of Armenians in pan-national issues, their integration in the local society, their active role played in economic and cultural life of the country ensured a serious prestige for the Armenian diaspora.
The historical experience tells that existence of an ethnic community in one or another country contributes to development of relations between the states. Historical relations between Armenian and French people date back to medieval ages. In political terms, the Armenian diaspora not only had emerged as a part of the socio-economic life in France for a lengthy historical time period, but also had become a support factor for stable and generally friendly relations between the Fifth Republic and Republic of Armenia.

THE ISRAELI EXPERIENCE OF ORGANIZING REPATRIATION

Karen Veranyan

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The article reviews the main mechanisms and activities for repatriation of Jews organized by the State of Israel and their socio-cultural, societal integration in Israel. The article also presents the programs implemented and privileges granted by the government, which facilitate smooth integration of returnees in the public life of the country.

ON THE POSITION OF TURKEY’S SOCIO-POLITICAL THOUGHT WITH RESPECT TO THE PROBLEM OF ESTABLISHING OFFICIAL RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA (1991-1998)

David Safaryan

Resume

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Turkey established diplomatic relations with all of the new states but Armenia. Turkey set a number of preconditions for normalizing relations with Armenia, whereas Armenia insisted on developing mutually beneficial bilateral trade and economic relations without any preconditions. Despite bilateral diplomatic efforts, Turkey abstained from taking any steps towards the establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of the Armenian-Turkish border, which was closed in 1993. With regard to Armenia there were and still are many phobias and concerns in the Turkish society associated with the concept of Deep State and Sevres Syndrome. In all phases of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Turkey has been supporting Azerbaijan unconditionally and by all possible means except direct military intervention. Turkey’s one-sided pro-Azerbaijani approach was apparent since the very beginning of the conflict. It is also apparent that with such biased approach Turkey cannot play any significant role in the settlement process. The Turkish researchers of the period in question later came to a conclusion that the opportunity to normalize relations with Armenia was lost altogether.