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. These essays represent the views of a diverse group of young leaders from different countries and backgrounds, each focussing on the challenges of applying Western democratic models in post-Soviet countries. Their essays give a unique insight into the hopes and expectations of the next generation of leaders in these new republics – an articulate and energetic group.
The views expressed in these essays and in Dr. Lo’s introduction represent the opinions of each author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Smith Memorial Trust or of other alumni. But we hope they will provide a thought-provoking perspective on the challenges of democratic development.
* Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) is a London-based organisation founded in 1920 to provide cutting-edge analysis of international issues. It is regarded as a world-leading source of expertise on key international issues.
Moving towards Democracy: Applying Democratic and Civil Norms in the Post-Soviet Space, Introduction by Dr. Bobo Lo
Notions of democracy, the rule of law and civil society have acquired an almost totemic status in today’s world. Seduced by their allure, political leaders of all persuasions are keen to portray themselves as the incarnation of humanistic ideals. Read More
Fellows' Essays
Evolution and Resistance: Democracy in Azerbaijan, by Shahla Ismayilova, Azerbaijan
There are many definitions of democracy, but none which reflects its full essence. The term ‘democracy’ is more ideological than scientific. Democracy is the most complex of all the forms of government. It is not designed for efficiency, but for accountability. Read More
An Invisible Conflict between Unknown Enemies, by Khalid Rajabov, Azerbaijan
Democratic governance, democratic institutions, free and fair elections, the rule of law, market economics, trade liberalization, privatization, political pluralism – these are some of the watchwords the West uses in relation to the post-Soviet republics, and with little regard for local sensitivities. Read More
The Role of Political Parties in Electoral Reform: British Experience and Ukrainian Perspectives, by Mykhaylo Nakhod, Ukraine
Changing the rules of national elections is a peculiarity of weak political regimes. It is also an aspiration of under-represented opposition parties. The British Labour Party opposes electoral reform for Westminster, but accepts it for devolved territories where it does not have a stable majority. Read More
Can Political Parties Ensure Democratic Development in Moldova? by Stela Mocan, Moldova
The type of party system in newly established democracies and the quality of political parties are two critical elements of a diverse, inclusive and fully representative political system. The primary role of parties in building democracy is taken for granted in transition states. Read More
Developing Public Trust in Law Enforcement Agencies, by Gayane Hovakimyan, Armenia
The Armenian public sees law enforcement agencies as non-transparent and untrustworthy. This perception is inherited from Soviet times, when these agencies applied the full totalitarian and bureaucratic power of the state to citizens. The system was utterly corrupt and the rule of law was undermined by officials. Read More
Applying Human Rights Standards to Russian Law Enforcement Practice: The case of human trafficking, by Oleg Kuzbit, Russia
The Russian Federation is a sending, receiving and transit country for thousands of women and children who every year fall prey to predatory sexual exploitation by international criminal trafficking networks. Read More
Towards Social Justice: Pension Reform in Armenia, by Arkadi Khachatryan, Armenia
Following the break-up of the former Soviet Union, a newly independent Armenia chose the course of democratic development and European integration. Like other countries in transition, it faced the challenge of developing the complex of relationships and institutions intrinsic to a market economy. Read More
Democratic Civilian Oversight of the Security Sector in Ukraine: Enduring Challenges, by Alexander Demyanets, Ukraine
Democratic civilian oversight of the security sector is a sine qua non of any democracy. Although Ukraine has made real progress in this area thanks to its relationship with NATO, democratic oversight of security institutions in Ukraine continues to be weak and ineffective by Euro-Atlantic standards. Read More
East and West: Europe without Winners and Losers, by Eugeniu Burdelnii, Moldova
Over the past fifteen years the newly independent states (NIS) of the former Soviet Union have been trying to create their own models of development based on local political, economic and cultural traditions. For most of these countries the process has been very painful, marked by devastating economic recession, political instability and social crisis. Read More
Globalization: The Case of Ukraine, by Victoria Mukha, Ukraine
Globalization is a relatively recent phenomenon that has an enormous influence on the future of our planet. It elicits contradictory reactions from economists, politicians, scientists and ordinary people. In addition to its benefits, globalization has dangers and risks. Read More