Articles
This section of the site contains a range of articles written by John Smith Fellows, Trustees and supporters of the Trust looking at issues of good governance, democracy and political developments in the Former Soviet Union.
The views expressed in the articles on this site represent the opinions of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Smith Memorial Trust. For more information please read our Editorial Policy
Current Articles
'Resolving Ethno-Territorial Conflicts'
by Tabib Huseynov (2006 Fellow)
Please use the above link to read an extract from Tabib Huseynov's new book.
Published in May 2008 by VDM Verlag and published on this website with kind permission from the author.
'A Debilitating Silence'
by Irina Ghaplanyan
Voicing a problem or concern is the first step towards a solution however some are not willing to take that step; especially if they are affiliated or part of what makes speaking of these problems a taboo.
The fourth in a series of articles between Fariz Ismailzade and Irina Ghaplanyan. This latest article is a response to Fariz Ismailzade's previous article (see below)
'Dialogue is Welcomed, Denial - not'
by Fariz Ismailzade, 2007 Fellow
The article by Irina Ghaplanyan, as a response to my earlier article, should be welcomed. It is an indicator that Armenian fellows would like to enter a dialogue, something that I have advocated for all my life.
A response to an article by Irina Ghaplanyan (see below)
'Groundless Anti-Armenian Propaganda Discourages any form of Debate'
by Irina Ghaplanyan
The John Smith Memorial Trust has often provided opportunities and encouraged healthy debate on various issues.
A response to an article by 2007 Fellow Fariz Ismailzade (see article below)
'Azerbaijan sees Armenia Differently after Elections'
by Fariz Ismailzade, 2007 Fellow
This essay explores the issue of democratic development in Armenia and Azerbaijan and the impact of the recent Armenian presidential elections.
First published in the Eurasia Daily Monitor (April 2008)
'The Democratic Imperative'
by Rt Hon David Miliband MP, Foreign Secretary
I have called this speech 'The Democratic Imperative' because I believe discussion about the Iraq war has clouded the debate about promoting democracy around the world.
Speech made on 12 February 2008 St. Hugh's College, Oxford
'Democratization and the Conflict of Nagorno-Karabakh'
by Tigran Mkrtchyan, 2006 Fellow
This essay explores the relationship between democratization in Armenia and Azerbaijan and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
First published in the Turkish Policy Quarterly Vol 6, No.3 (Fall 2007)
'TV at heart of Georgian Crisis'
by 2006 Fellow Eka Kvesitadze
Fate of opposition television station Imedi is subject of intense political haggling.
First published in IWPR on 29th November 2007
'Arriving at Yes'
by Trust Advisor, Rt. Hon. George Reid
Extracts from his speech made in Chisinau on 2 October 2007.
I have spent half my last 30 years in countries whose citizens have been denied a decent life because of conflict.
'Azerbaijan's Traffic Deaths: Time to Buckle Up'
by 2007 Fellow Fariz Ismailzade
Eight persons dead in a head-on car collision. Twenty-nine soldiers injured in an army vehicle crash.
First published in Eurasia Insight on 3rd August 2007.
Ukraine's future is safe thanks to the energy of youth
By Lord McCluskey
Great cities like Rome, Moscow, Paris or Edinburgh inevitably have a history of triumph and tragedy, success and failure stretching over centuries of human achievement, the achievements invariably tempered by folly and wickedness of a character that succeeding generations find bewildering.
'Post-Election Prospects for Armenian-Turkish Relations'
By Tigran Mkrtchyan
The author took part in the John Smith Memorial Trust Fellowship Programme in 2006. He is currently a lecturer in International Relations at the European Regional Academy. He was formerly Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia in 2005-2006. His article with the above title is published in:-
Foreign Policy Bulletin, July 2007, No. 5 TESEV-Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundations, Istanbul.
The views expressed in the article are those of the author. The Trust expresses no views on the content of articles written by former Fellows but is pleased to be able to encourage debate on issues of the kind discussed in this article.
Ukraine: what have been the consequences of the Orange Revolution?
A 21st Century Trust Study Tour Report: In late September 2006 the 21st Century Trust, in collaboration with the John Smith Memorial Trust, organised a study tour to Ukraine for a group of young leaders from the UK.
Underpaid and Underestimated
by Dmitry Polikanov, 2001 John Smith Fellow
Years of market reforms have led to certain shifts in Russian mentality, including the issue of traditional gender roles.
A Karabakh Azeri Perspective
By Tabib Huseynov, 2006 John Smith Fellow
Peace talks to resolve the conflict over Nagorny Karabakh have been under way for more than a decade with virtually no tangible progress.
Fellows' Essays: Moving Towards Democracy - Applying Democratic and Civil Norms in the Post-Soviet Space
In a new departure for the Trust, Dr. Bobo Lo, Head of the Russia & Eurasia Programme at Chatham House, has edited a series of essays contributed by a number of our 2005 John Smith alumni.
Local Democracy: a Week, a Year, Hundreds of Years …
by Natalia Motili, 2002 John Smith Fellow
An article on Local Democracy Week
A Measure of Confidence
by Dmitry Polikanov, 2001 John Smith Fellow
Russia’s relationship with China has greatly improved over the past few years as a result of both geopolitical ambition and clear economic necessity.
The John Smith Memorial Trust Website welcomes the submission of articles for possible inclusion on the site. We are especally keen to hear from Fellows and others with specialist knowledge of the countries involved in the Programme, or issues that relate to our work. The ideal length for an article is approxamately 1000 words. Draft articles should be sent to julie.utting@johnsmithtrust.org