In the present analysis, given the data published by the Statistical Committee of the RA, we study the recent social-economic developments in the economy of the RA. In particular, we consider the cumulative indicator of economic activity of the given month, its sectoral distribution, as well as the dynamics of individual sectors of the economy. We also analyze economic developments in the foreign trade, labour market and fiscal system of the RA. In addition, some aspects of the financial system (inflation, deposits and loans), as well as the behaviour of the exchange rate, are touched upon. Full material is only available in Armenian.

As of 2019, relative to GDP current account deficit of the economy of the RA is estimated at 7.2%. This is the worst performance in the South Caucasus. Given that the economy of the RA has been characterized by current account deficit constantly ever since its independence, it is clear that there are structural disproportions in its model of economic development. In this paper it is shown that in the RA the current account deficit is primarily caused by insufficient national savings. In addition, it is established that this phenomenon is precarious insofar as it leads to higher levels of consolidated external debt of the private and public sectors. By testing the hypothesis of twin deficits it is revealed that fiscal consolidation could contribute to the formation of external balance in the economy of the RA.

The study of indicators and indices published by international organizations allows to address two important problems. First, to assess the performance of the RA in the given period with the help of comprehensive numerical measures, as well as to make intertemporal comparisons in order to understand whether the country moves in the desirable direction. Second, to compare the performance of the RA with other countries to ascertain Armenia’s relative position in the region and Eurasian Economic Union. These results are important, since they help to derive the comprehensive assessment of the economic situation, which is needed both for the public and the private sector. The present analysis is aimed at addressing the foregoing problems. Full material is only available in Armenian.

This analysis is dedicated to the discussion of the foreign policy vision of the administration of the 46th US President Joe Biden regarding Russia. By examining the past and present positions of members of his administration on Russia and Russian-American relations, it becomes apparent that there are high-ranking officials in the Biden administration who have a pronounced anti-Russian stance. The latter do not see the prospects for large-scale Russian-American cooperation, especially under the current president of Russia. At the same time, potential cooperation in the areas of mutual interest, for example, in the field of reduction of nuclear arms, is not excluded. Russia will continue to be seen as the United States' main rival, and the United States will try to counter the spread of Russian influence in all directions.

The book on “Parliamentary oversight. Tools and mechanisms in the Republic of Armenia” explains the oversight role of the National Assembly of Armenia in the parliamentary system of government and presents the tools for parliamentary oversight provided by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and other legal acts. Special focus is made on the rights of parliamentary minority and issues of effective implementation of the oversight mechanisms by the latter. Additionally, analysis of international experience of certain oversight tools is provided.

The addressees of the book are practitioners, as well as academia, students, researchers of the role of parliament in a parliamentary system, and those interested in development of parliamentary culture.

The recent war in Artsakh, among other things, has also affected the communication problems in the region. While various experts are trying to assess the possible economic and political consequences of unblocking transport links in the region, the prospect of restoring transport links from Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan is especially important for Armenia from a security point of view. Within the framework of this analysis, we tried to understand what the consequences of the November 10 statement will be for transport communications in the South Caucasus, what risks the construction of Azerbaijan-Armenia-Nakhichevan transport corridors may pose․ We also considered the formation of new corridors in the context of the conflict of interests of regional and global actors.

As a result of the analysis, we have come to the conclusion that from the security point of view, the 9th point of the November 10 statement poses more new threats for Armenia than it creates opportunities. In the text of the statement, only the Armenian side is clearly committed to providing security guarantees for Azerbaijan-Nakhichevan transport links, while there are no security guarantees for other communications, which may create grounds for a new conflict, endangering the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia. Full material is only available in Armenian.

The legislative amendments submitted by the government of the Republic of Armenia are aimed at introducing the institute of judges specialized in pre-trial criminal proceedings. The analysis conducted by the “Luys” foundation addresses most problematic aspects of the legislative package, in particular, the validity, effectiveness and risks of a narrow specialization of judges, possible political motives, which raise concerns from the point of constitutionality as well as efficiency and expediency. Full material is only available in Armenian.

In the present analysis, given the data published by the Statistical Committee of the RA, we study the recent social-economic developments in the economy of the RA. In particular, we consider the cumulative indicator of economic activity of the given month, its sectoral distribution, as well as the dynamics of individual sectors of the economy. We also analyze economic developments in the foreign trade, labour market and fiscal system of the RA. In addition, some aspects of the financial system (inflation, deposits and loans), as well as the behaviour of the exchange rate, are touched upon. Full material is only available in Armenian.

The ruling political force of Armenia has repeatedly announced about the need of a fair and transparent public procurement system. The introduction of such a system as well as of an effective system of procurement of goods and services in the right time and in proper volume, excluding the practices of conflict of interests, is also defined by the Government Program 2019, considering it as one of the main activities directed to increase the efficiency of public administration. To what extent public procurements meet these promises? Does the Government of the Republic of Armenia follow the tendering procedure or rely on the “single person” procurement procedure? This study aims to clarify these and a number of similar issues by comparative analysis of indicators for 2017-2020. The full material is available only in Armenian.