"The Next Step in the Development of Armenian Civil Society" Seminar

PSIA Seminar

Wednesday April 12, 4:30-6:00pm, PAB 113W Room

Valentina Gevorgyan

Research Associate, American University of Armenia Turpanjian Center for Policy Analysis

The Next Step in the Development of Armenian Civil Society

The seminar presents the results of research about Armenian civil society. The units of analysis are the two civil society actors, namely formal (civil society organisations: legal entities registered in Armenia), and informal (activists, civic activist campaigns/ civic initiatives). The research derives from the premise that usually, formal and informal civil society actors establish and organise around shared ideas and commitment. By questioning whether the civil society actors have been capable to effectively partner in collaborative effort to make tangible impact, the research considers the interaction, differences and mutual perceptions of the two societal actors, aiming to define the Armenian civil society anew. Based on the primary qualitative data of expert interviews (2016), analysis of primary data collected in 2015, and drawing on existing studies, the research identifies possibilities and issues for formal and informal actors of Armenian civil society to consolidate their potential. The research provides recommendations for civil society and confirms the importance of the strength of groups concealed in unified agenda and coordination.