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PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 0033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 - 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 - 10) 52.48.46
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website: www.acnis.January
Jan 20, 2011
ACNIS HOLDS SPECIAL BRIEFING ON LESSONS FROM ONGOING UNREST IN TUNISIA
Yerevan--The Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS) held a special briefing on January 20 entitled, `An Assessment
of the Recent Revolution in Tunisia: Are there Lessons for Armenia?,'
with a presentation by ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian focusing on
the recent unrest in Tunisia that resulted in the overthrow of that
country's long-serving president. Giragosian analyzed the events in
Tunisia with a focus on the possible lessons for Armenia in terms of
the need for political consensus, compromise and dialogue, and the
relationship between the authorities and the opposition.
After showing a video of recent demonstrations in the Tunisian
capital, Giragosian noted that `the wave of unrest was largely a
leaderless revolution that was both sudden and spontaneous.' He
traced the lack of leadership to the fact that `most of the
demonstrators were driven by a spontaneous reaction to the
accumulation of frustration, hopelessness and humiliation of years of
corruption, restrictions on political freedoms and a general arrogance
of power exhibited by the Tunisian government.'
He further noted that the recent developments in Tunisia were
especially significant for Armenia, as the situation demonstrated five
key factors: (1) the inherent weakness and vulnerability of states
hindered by little real legitimacy; (2) the sudden and explosive power
of public rage and discontent; (3) the economic and demographic roots
of such popular discontent; (4) the power of the Internet and social
media tools in terms of activism and organization; and (5) the
cumulative effects of an `arrogance of power' by the ruling political
elite. The analysis also examined the impact of economic pressure on
political stability and development.
Giragosian concluded by stressing that `although there were several
broader lessons from the Tunisian situation, what was most crucial for
Armenia was the recognition of the danger of ignoring public demands
for change and the need for deeper and durable reform.' He also
stated that `the lessons from Tunisia were even more applicable to the
case of Azerbaijan, mainly due to the dynastic nature of the
Azerbaijani government, making Baku especially vulnerable to growing
discontent and possible unrest in the face of a pronounced lack of
legitimacy and its notable disregard for democratic reforms.'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) is
a leading independent strategic research center located in Yerevan,
Armenia. As an independent, objective institution committed to
conducting professional policy research and analysis, ACNIS strives to
raise the level of public debate and seeks to broaden public
engagement in the public policy process, as well as fostering greater
and more inclusive public knowledge. Founded in 1994, ACNIS is the
institutional initiative of Raffi K. Hovannisian, Armenia's first
Minister of Foreign Affairs. Over the past fifteen years, ACNIS has
acquired a prominent reputation as a primary source of professional
independent research and analysis covering a wide range of national
and international policy issues.
For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or
27-48-18; fax (37410) 52-48-46; email [email protected] or [email protected];
or visit www.acnis.am
From: A. Papazian
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 0033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 - 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 - 10) 52.48.46
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website: www.acnis.January
Jan 20, 2011
ACNIS HOLDS SPECIAL BRIEFING ON LESSONS FROM ONGOING UNREST IN TUNISIA
Yerevan--The Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS) held a special briefing on January 20 entitled, `An Assessment
of the Recent Revolution in Tunisia: Are there Lessons for Armenia?,'
with a presentation by ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian focusing on
the recent unrest in Tunisia that resulted in the overthrow of that
country's long-serving president. Giragosian analyzed the events in
Tunisia with a focus on the possible lessons for Armenia in terms of
the need for political consensus, compromise and dialogue, and the
relationship between the authorities and the opposition.
After showing a video of recent demonstrations in the Tunisian
capital, Giragosian noted that `the wave of unrest was largely a
leaderless revolution that was both sudden and spontaneous.' He
traced the lack of leadership to the fact that `most of the
demonstrators were driven by a spontaneous reaction to the
accumulation of frustration, hopelessness and humiliation of years of
corruption, restrictions on political freedoms and a general arrogance
of power exhibited by the Tunisian government.'
He further noted that the recent developments in Tunisia were
especially significant for Armenia, as the situation demonstrated five
key factors: (1) the inherent weakness and vulnerability of states
hindered by little real legitimacy; (2) the sudden and explosive power
of public rage and discontent; (3) the economic and demographic roots
of such popular discontent; (4) the power of the Internet and social
media tools in terms of activism and organization; and (5) the
cumulative effects of an `arrogance of power' by the ruling political
elite. The analysis also examined the impact of economic pressure on
political stability and development.
Giragosian concluded by stressing that `although there were several
broader lessons from the Tunisian situation, what was most crucial for
Armenia was the recognition of the danger of ignoring public demands
for change and the need for deeper and durable reform.' He also
stated that `the lessons from Tunisia were even more applicable to the
case of Azerbaijan, mainly due to the dynastic nature of the
Azerbaijani government, making Baku especially vulnerable to growing
discontent and possible unrest in the face of a pronounced lack of
legitimacy and its notable disregard for democratic reforms.'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) is
a leading independent strategic research center located in Yerevan,
Armenia. As an independent, objective institution committed to
conducting professional policy research and analysis, ACNIS strives to
raise the level of public debate and seeks to broaden public
engagement in the public policy process, as well as fostering greater
and more inclusive public knowledge. Founded in 1994, ACNIS is the
institutional initiative of Raffi K. Hovannisian, Armenia's first
Minister of Foreign Affairs. Over the past fifteen years, ACNIS has
acquired a prominent reputation as a primary source of professional
independent research and analysis covering a wide range of national
and international policy issues.
For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or
27-48-18; fax (37410) 52-48-46; email [email protected] or [email protected];
or visit www.acnis.am
From: A. Papazian