In addition, researchers are encouraged to address questions from .Īpplications (in English) should consist of one MS Word or PDF document. – The role of media and education in developing national ideologies – Psychological, conceptual consequences of the post-war trauma in Armenia, Karabakh, and Azerbaijan – Dealing with climate change in a fractured region – Prospects of diplomacy and peacebuilding: Negotiation, compromise, region and neighborhood – Impact of demographic trends in the region – NATO-Turkey’s membership, Georgia’s aspirations, and consequences for the region – Impact of Iran-Israel tensions on the region, post-war – Armenia between Russian and Turkish global and regional interests – Extent and impact of Turkey’s integration in Azerbaijan’s institutions, especially the military and the media – Internal political dynamics, governance, and decision-making processes in the context of Azerbaijan’s consolidated authoritarianism – Azerbaijan’s soft power and economic power in Georgia and Russia – Karabakh’s place in the Russia-US agenda, and the Russia-Turkey agenda – Russia-Azerbaijan relations, tensions, and cooperation – Russian objectives in Karabakh, and the impact on Karabakh of changing political, economic, social scenarios inside Russia – Prospects and questions regarding formal Russian integration of Karabakh – Russian foreign policy with de facto states
– The economic involvement of the Armenian diaspora in state-building – The role of legacy diaspora lobbying organizations in light of new realities – Understanding Armenia’s diplomatic agenda – Post-war uncertainties: Issues of independence, autonomy, sovereignty for Armenia and Karabakh – Assessment of Armenia’s regional diplomatic strategy: Georgia and Iran – Understanding post-war security and policy: Options for Armenia and Karabakh Karabakh’s view of its own short and long-term security: Armenia’s role, Russia’s role – View from Karabakh and Armenia: Political and Military Security – Assessment of Armenia’s financial support to Karabakh – Displacement and humanitarian crisis during and after the war – Legitimacy and viability of governmental institutions in de facto states Proposals to pursue other topics are also welcome.Įconomic, Political, Social Development in Karabakh Priority will be given to proposals on the following topics. Grantees conducting research in the region may be able to apply for a residency at the USC Tacori Center in Armenia. Grants will cover new and ongoing research such as dissertation research or postdoctoral research, and will be awarded in amounts of $2,000 to $6,000. The Institute invites scholars (PhD candidate and above) to apply for research grants that will address any aspect of the themes above or topics below. The USC Institute of Armenian Studies grants will support original academic and policy research on the key issues that impact the future of the political entity that is Karabakh and its people, as well as the future of Armenia.
In the long-term, Armenia and Armenians will continue to find themselves affected by changes to the regional geopolitical environment: a victorious but still fiercely aggressive Azerbaijan, a Georgia that strives for neutrality but remains deeply entwined with, and economically dependent on Azerbaijan and Turkey, and Iran and Turkey each embroiled in massive domestic challenges.
The 2020 Karabakh (Artsakh) War created new challenges and exacerbated unanswered questions about the future of regional relations and the status of Karabakh/Artsakh.įollowing the Russia-brokered ceasefire of November 2020 that ended the second Karabakh War, and despite the presence of Russian peacekeepers on the ground, continuing military clashes on Karabakh’s borders and on Armenia’s borders, together with mass displacement and economic and physical insecurity, remain the dominant drivers of future scenarios.Īs Armenians and Azerbaijanis reinforce their positions along newly-created frontlines, explosions of violence have become commonplace.