AUA Political Science and International Affairs

We are pleased to share that Dr. Alen Shadunts has published a new article in Central Asian Survey. His research explores competing visions of regionalism in Iranian foreign policy between 1989 and 1997 and their impact on Iran’s engagement with Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Check out more in the article below.⬇️

Dr. Alen Shadunts Publishes Article in Central Asian Survey - AUA Newsroom The article examines Iran’s efforts to redefine its role in Central Asia and the South Caucasus following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

We are pleased to share that Professor Vahram Ter-Matevosyan has published a new article in Small Wars & Insurgencies, exploring the instrumental utility and limitations of the concept of revenge in explaining Azerbaijan’s institutional practices and strategic choices of retribution.

Dr. Vahram Ter-Matevosyan Publishes Study in Small Wars & Insurgencies - AUA Newsroom The paper offers a novel perspective on Azerbaijan’s military behavior toward Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

🎤 Meet our graduate valedictorian, Milena Mkoyan (MAIRD '26) — delivering her commencement speech in English.

At , she sharpened her thinking on how complex systems, institutions, and strategy actually meet — while simultaneously working as a strategic communications lead at a venture capital firm.

We can't wait to hear her words. 💙🎓

🎓The AUA Commencement Ceremony is just around the corner! Don't miss a single second of it. Click "Notify Me" on the livestream links below to get reminded the moment we go live.
🔗Graduate: https://l1nq.com/t9n2zgr
🔗Undergraduate: https://sl1nk.com/4jw8ycc

🎙️ Check out the recent episode of the AUA Media Lab's Focus Series with Dr. Jenny Paturyan, Program Chair and Hermine Harutyunyan ( ’25), Head of Foreign Relations Department, Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Armenia.

They discussed Armenia’s electoral process, the importance of citizen engagement in , and the role of public in strengthening . They also highlighted the work of the ՀՀ կենտրոնական ընտրական հանձնաժողով/Central Electoral Commission of Armenia in promoting transparency and electoral integrity. ✅

AUA Focus Series S2 E11: Focus on Elections In this episode of the AUA Media Lab’s Focus Series, Dr. Yevgenya Paturyan, chair of the AUA Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance program, sits down w...

proudly announces a new book by Dr. Jean-François Caron, exploring the shifting foundations of political legitimacy in today’s world. The book challenges assumptions about governance and asks a timely question: why are authoritarian models gaining appeal as democratic trust declines?

Dr. Jean-François Caron Publishes New Book on Political Legitimacy and Authoritarian Governance - AUA Newsroom In this work, Dr. Caron challenges conventional assumptions that democratic governance is the sole source of legitimate political authority.

We are proud to share that Dr. Jean-François Caron has co-edited a new volume, which brings together leading international scholars to offer timely insights into shifting power dynamics and the evolving world order.

Dr. Jean-François Caron Co-Edits Book on the War in Ukraine Published by Routledge - AUA Newsroom Co-edited in collaboration with Dr. Stipe Buzar from Libertas University in Zagreb, the volume examines the war in Ukraine.