PEACE OR WAR: CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
On June 28, 2019 the Caucasus Institute hosted a workshop at the National Assembly of Nagorno-Karabakh on societal engagement in decision-making over the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
CI expert Nina Iskandaryan moderated the first part of the workshop. Ms. Iskandaryan conducted a brainstorming activity, engaging the participants in examining the level of freedoms and democracy in their society, drawing conclusions regarding their role in the peacebuilding activities, as well as in determining political and social life of their country.
CI research fellow Gor Petrosyan touched upon the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, highlighting the fact that the keys to the conflict resolution do not lay in Paris, Moscow or elsewhere. The axis of the conflict is Yerevan-Stepanakert-Baku, where the societies are more radical than the elites. Inasmuch as they influence the political leadership, a shift in societal perceptions is necessary. The speaker generated a debate-discussion concerning the role of a citizen in this particular context. Alexander Iskandaryan, Director of the Caucasus Institute made some final remarks and answered to the questions of the participants regarding citizen participation, upcoming elections in Karabakh etc.
The workshop is part of a project on Building Capacity for Societal Engagement in Nagorno-Karabakh implemented by the Caucasus Institute in partnership with Armavir Development Centre, Civil Society Institute and INTRA Mental Health Centre with support from the UK Government’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.
