Dr Volodymyr Ivanenko

What are the sources of revenue for the state budget of Azerbaijan in 2025?

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The End of the Road for Georgian Democracy? As someone who has lived and studied there and loves the country, my heart goes out to the people of Georgia, who want a better, democratic future for their country. The passing of the “Foreign Agent Law” yesterday marks a significant backslide and could spell the end of the road for Georgian democracy. The EU has already said it “deeply regretted” the development. In historical examples of when (burgeoning) democracy dies, there is a certain point at which something in the liberal democratic institutions is corrupted, leading the country to become an autocracy and ultimately a dictatorship. The effect is not always immediate, but events afterwards can often be traced to that one point. In Russia, it was lengthening the presidential terms of office, allowing Putin to stay in power effectively for life. In Weimar Germany, it was the Nazi party’s seizure of power without a majority after the 1932 elections. Many other modern and historical examples exist, and countless democratic revolutions have been stolen by extremists seeking to gain the political power and wealth of the ancien régime. The passing of the “Foreign Agent Law” in Georgia is, in my opinion, one such point. Yesterday the Georgian parliament overruled President Zourabishvili’s veto, allowing the passing of the bill into law. The law will allow the ruling Georgian Dream party, unofficially headed by the Russia-linked billionaire oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, to designate media and NGOs who receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad as “organisations acting in the interest of a foreign power”. This could be used in future to stifle or silence such actors, enabling the government to tighten its grip over Georgian media and society. I fear this is the beginning of something sinister in Georgia, and based on the current backlash of pro-democratic Georgians, I’m not alone in that estimation. #Georgia #Tbilisi #democracy #EU #law #GeorgiaProtests

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We had a fascinating discussion on political polarization and the root causes of the identity crisis in the USA

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Strategic Research and Development Center Chairman of the Board of Directors Yunus Emre Kanat met with Suliddin Memmedov, Attaché of the Ankara Embassy of the Republic of #Azerbaijan in his office. In the meeting; Attention was drawn to the strengthening of multi-dimensional cultural and economic ties between the two brother countries. We would like to thank Suliddin Mammedov for his contributions to the planned studies and joint cooperation. #yunusemrekanat #Azerbaijan #Türkiye #economy #defense #energy #StrategicResearchandDevelopmentCenter

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Employment in Kazakhstan: “…The Ministry of Labor annually reports that over 900 thousand new jobs are created within the framework of regional employment maps. However, the Majilis this year stated that 87% of new jobs are created in low-productivity sectors and are temporary. Another unresolved problem is that only 9% of workers are employed in high-wage sectors, while in the public sector, where more than 50% of workers are employed, wages are below average and continue to decline in real terms…”

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60% of Ukrainians consider integrity to be the most important trait for civil servants. ▶️The survey was conducted by the Соціологічна група "РЕЙТИНГ" with 1,000 respondents. S Survey method: CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing). Survey period: September 20-23, 2024. #PublicOpinion, #SurveyResults, #RatingGroup 

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Criminalization of HIV Transmission in Kazakhstan: Challenges and Consequences ⚖️ We continue sharing results from our analysis of laws related to SOGI and HIV, and today we focus on Kazakhstan, specifically the criminalization of HIV transmission and its impact 🇰🇿 HIV transmission in Kazakhstan is regulated by Article 118 of the Criminal Code, which holds individuals criminally responsible for creating the risk of infection or transmitting HIV to another person. While the law allows for exemption if the person was informed and voluntarily accepted the risk, there have been 13 convictions under this article between 1998 and 2022. Criminalizing HIV transmission harms the rights of people living with HIV (PLHIV). The fear of prosecution discourages people from disclosing their status, getting tested, and seeking treatment. This increases stigma and isolation, leading to a breakdown in social connections and a lower quality of life for PLHIV. Want to learn more about how these laws affect the rights of PLHIV in Kazakhstan? 📖 Read the full analysis on our website: https://lnkd.in/dngya-RJ

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My article "The Impact of the War in Ukraine on the Russian Military Presence in the South Caucasus and the Middle East" will be published soon 

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Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute at the Winter Forum of the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine 2024 KPI joined the Winter Forum of the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine 2024, supported by global leaders and key partners, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Justice for All Program. 📌 20 participants from Ukraine’s top legal clinics were selected based on motivation letters and experience in the activities of the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine (ALCU). 📌 The forum focused on developing new strategies for advancing legal education in Ukrainian universities and exploring practical tools and knowledge essential for the success of modern legal clinics. “While the concept of legal clinics originated in the United States, directly adopting the American model in Ukraine isn’t feasible due to our different educational systems. Instead, we’ve adapted it to fit Ukrainian realities. Today, the Ukrainian network of legal clinics, along with Poland’s, is one of the most robust in Europe,” said Yuliia Lomzhets, Head of the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine (ALCU). Among the participants was Defendo, KPI’s legal clinic established in 2011 at the Faculty of Sociology and Law. In 2024, Defendo demonstrated its readiness to implement new ideas for defending citizens’ rights. Having adapted to the challenges of wartime, the clinic now provides legal assistance to vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons, veterans, and children. Plans for new projects with ALCU are already underway: “We are preparing joint initiatives, including a consulting competition, legal awareness contests, and socially significant projects like legal education in rural areas. We’re thrilled that KPI’s legal clinic will be actively involved,” added Yuliia Lomzhets. The Faculty of Sociology and Law of Igor Sikorsky KPI continues to support innovative initiatives, contributing to the development of Ukraine’s legal education system. #IgorSikorskyKyivPolytechnicInstitute

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Tokayev on Kazakhstan’s Future: Reforms, Diplomacy, and Global Leadership In an interview with the Kazakh newspaper Ana Tili, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed pressing domestic and international policy issues shaping Kazakhstan’s development. Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s role as a stabilizing force in the international arena during a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. “My main goal is to strengthen the economic potential, sovereignty, and international position of our state. From the very beginning of my presidency, I have taken full responsibility for the decisions I make and their consequences. I cannot and do not want to work any other way,” Tokayev stated. Tokayev addressed the January 2022 unrest – Qantar – describing the upheaval as a consequence of deep-rooted social injustice and political stagnation. “Three years after Qantar, most of our citizens understand that the unprecedented unrest was driven by social inequality, political stagnation, and the self-serving ambitions of the conspirators,” Tokayev said, warning against the spread of misinformation surrounding the events and emphasized that decisive action was necessary to preserve Kazakhstan’s sovereignty. Tokayev reiterated his commitment to creating a fairer Kazakhstan where all citizens are equal before the law. “Justice is not universal equalization. My course on the fair distribution of national wealth does not mean total expropriation or redistribution of property and assets. Such a policy would lead to degradation and chaos. Instead, we aim to eliminate illegal privileges and return unlawfully acquired assets to the state as part of our modernization strategy,” the president said. Advancing Political Reforms and International Relations Tokayev pointed to the successful implementation of key political reforms, emphasizing greater openness and the activation of public participation. “The concept of ‘Strong President, Influential Parliament, Accountable Government’ best suits Kazakhstan’s political system. However, achieving this fully requires sustained effort,” Tokayev explained, reaffirming his belief that a presidential system remains the optimal governance model for Kazakhstan. Tokayev also elaborated on relations with major powers, including Russia, China, and the United States, underscoring the importance of Kazakhstan’s partnership with Russia, highlighting their shared border and deep economic ties. “President Putin is an experienced statesman who values Kazakhstan’s strategic importance as Central Asia’s largest economy. Our constant communication fosters stability in Eurasia,” Tokayev said. He described Kazakhstan’s cooperation with China as dynamic and multifaceted, elevating their relationship to the level of an “eternal strategic partnership.” Tokayev also mentioned his conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, noting Trump’s positive view of Kazakhstan as a strategic partner. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dFefAfD4

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KAS South Caucasus Office and the Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP) are pleased to invite you to the roundtable discussion "Policy Perspectives from Armenia and Georgia: Reflecting on the EU’s Role in Light of Tectonic Shifts in the South Caucasus," which will take place on May 13 from 17:30 to 19:30 (followed by a reception) at Holiday Inn Express Yerevan (97/2 Pavstos Buzand St. Yerevan). The roundtable discussion will bring together experts from #Armenia, #Georgia, and the #EU, focusing, among others, on the following questions: • Does Armenia’s renewed interest in EU integration present a chance to reinvigorate cooperation with Georgia? Could this lead to a common Europeanization agenda of Tbilisi and Yerevan and how does the EU look at it? • What are the EU’s interests in the #SouthCaucasus? To what extent does the current EaP format address the needs of Georgia and Armenia: how could it be adjusted to the new realities in the region? • How can the Europeanization agendas of Armenia and Georgia be safeguarded against malicious influence from Russia? Working language: English https://lnkd.in/eKzRUuRy

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⚡️The Government of #Armenia has approved proposed amendments to the draft laws "On State Support of the #HighTech Sector" and "On Making Amendments and Additions to the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia." These amendments aim to foster the progressive development of the technological sector and create favorable conditions for R&D. These reforms are also expected to boost the productivity and competitiveness of Armenia's economy, enhance the knowledge-based economy, attract foreign investments, and increase exports of local companies' products and services. Furthermore, they aim to elevate Armenia's ranking as a country with a developed high-tech sector on the global stage.

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On Pashinyan's Statement Regarding Armenia's Withdrawal from the CSTO Many of you likely followed yesterday's intense media coverage regarding Armenia's potential withdrawal from the CSTO. The situation is peculiar for two main reasons: 1. The initial flurry of media reports about Armenia's withdrawal from the CSTO was soon followed by numerous clarifications. Initially, reports suggested that Prime Minister Pashinyan had stated Armenia would leave the CSTO. This was compounded by an additional quote attributed to him, implying that those who created the CSTO bloc are responsible for Armenia's potential withdrawal, accusing members of planning a war against Armenia with Azerbaijan. Later, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan clarified that Prime Minister Pashinyan did not announce the beginning of the withdrawal process but merely suggested it as a future possibility. Mirzoyan further explained that Pashinyan's remarks were misunderstood, indicating that Armenia would not rejoin the CSTO if it decided to leave. Currently, Pashinyan has accused President Lukashenko of supporting Azerbaijan, leading to Armenia summoning its ambassador to Belarus for consultations. 2. The withdrawal procedure from the CSTO is ambiguous. The CSTO Charter does not clearly define the withdrawal process. Article 19 of the Collective Security Treaty states that any member can withdraw by notifying the organization six months prior. However, the domestic procedure for such a withdrawal is unclear, including whether a parliamentary decision is required or if the President can decide unilaterally. There are no precedents for withdrawal from the CSTO. While it is popularly believed that Uzbekistan left the organization, it actually suspended its membership. Overall, the prospect of Armenia's actual withdrawal from the CSTO seems vague. Armenia hosts a Russian military base and lacks other security guarantees. Additionally, Armenia continues to cooperate with CSTO countries through the EAEU and CIS.

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Today I was honored to be interviewed (in Armenian) by my friend Gevorg Melikyan on the 'Status Quo' program on #Euromedia24 about the outcome of the war in #Lebanon, the future of #Hezbollah, the toppling of the #Assad regime in #Syria and the status of #Islamists groups, the role of #Turkey, Russia, #Israel and the implication of these developments on #SouthCaucasus amid increasing pressure on #Iran. https://lnkd.in/dnTzGknm

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Iran’s Paradoxical Expectations for Political Developments in Armenia Vali Kaleji - Eurasia Daily Monitor - The Jamestown Foundation- July 17, 2024 Six years after the “MerzhirSerzhin” (RejectSerzh) movement brought Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to power in May 2018, the Armenian political scene is still turbulent. Russia is undoubtedly not satisfied with Armenia’s current approach and has repeatedly protested Pashinyan’s government. Iran’s perception and attitude toward developments in Armenia is a significant factor in the region’s geopolitics which has received less attention. The important question is, what are the advantages and disadvantages of Nikol Pashinyan's government staying or falling for Iran? It seems that Iran faces a paradoxical situation in determining Armenia’s future course. Tehran has expectations and interests in the South Caucasus, which neither Pashinyan’s government nor the opposition, nationalist, or conservative political leaders of Armenia can fulfill. These conditions have put Iran’s geopolitical calculations in a paradoxical position. While it seems that with the new president, Iran's foreign policy in the South Caucasus will not change significantly, Iran’s new government has to consider different scenarios in the political developments of Armenia in achieving its goals and interests in the South Caucasus. 👇 https://lnkd.in/duueR-MJ

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Last week, at the invitation of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS), I participated as a co-founder of the analytical platform Astana Open Dialogue in a discussion titled “The Role of Think Tanks in Shaping the National Agenda”, held as part of the National Expert Platform “KazISS GPS: Gylym. Pikir. Sayasat”. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, but I would like to focus on a few key points that I believe are critical to address: 1. Building organizational sustainability is essential for independent think tanks. Unfortunately, many discussions are often reduced to seeking state or international donor funding, without demonstrating a clear focus on developing a product line for the corporate sector. However, there is significant demand for such products, particularly in the economic domain. Currently, markets are fragmented, and it is up to think tanks to take proactive steps toward developing new operational models. 2. Analytical research without advocacy and engagement with decision-making bodies is, unfortunately, ineffective. Think tanks aiming to influence state or corporate policy must develop systems for promoting their findings and regularly update these mechanisms. Without such efforts, the purpose of their work may be diminished. 3. The influence of donor interests—whether from the state or international organizations—strongly affects the outcomes of think tanks’ research. To enhance their effectiveness, analysts must maintain their own independent voice, while clients and donors should provide them with a degree of autonomy. Overall, I would like to highlight the organization of this meeting as a positive step, as KazISS is indeed a cornerstone institution for analytical thought in the country. I am confident that such discussions will lead to meaningful and constructive outcomes.

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Yerevan Dialogue | Pillar IV: Digital Societies as Stable and Safe Economic Engine Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia , in partnership with Observer Research Foundation, is delighted to host the inaugural edition of the #YerevanDialogue! Pillar IV: Digital Societies as Stable and Safe Economic Engine - Digital societies drive the main spheres of our lives by transforming industries, enabling innovation, and reshaping cultural expressions through the widespread adoption of digital technologies from connectivity and governance to public digital infrastructure. Watch now! #YerevanDialogue2024

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Recently, Kazakhstani sociologists gathered in Almaty (Southeast Kazakhstan). It was a national congress and a congress of sociologists from Turkic-speaking countries. The event had strong symbolic meaning. A member of the executive committee of the International Sociological Association, Jan Marie FRITZ, USA, sent her greetings. It is interesting that this Kazakhstani association continues its work after the political changes in the country. At one time, more than 20 years ago the Association of Sociologists of Kazakhstan was created for the interests of the ruling regime. Soft mechanisms of control over society were needed. The authoritarian regime tried to show progressive interface, of course without real reforms and changes. Today, the key trend in Kazakhstani sociology is a wave of young people, students who study according to Western textbooks and values. This is the mainstream. At the same time, gerontocracy in sociology continues to rule. There was no rotation, as it happens in the ISA and other national associations in any sociological community. This is understandable, given that the entire post-Soviet space remains in the system of governance of post-communist and komsomol (youth organization of the Former Communist Party) elites. The country faces the problem of scientific interpretations, given the natural aversion here to Western discourse on postcolonialism. There are many other complex topics that do not find their researchers due to self-censorship and restrictions. However, it is important that the issue of identity was raised at the aforementioned congress. This is a key issue today. With whom does Kazakhstan stand and what values does it defend? For example, Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova have decided that they are going to the European Union. The war will eventually end, but the future that this generation is creating in these countries will not go anywhere.

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Tashkent, November 28, 2024 – The Europe Today: The Head of State was recently briefed on the progress made in strengthening Uzbekistan's social environment and advancing religious education. Emphasizing the country’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and tolerant society, the meeting outlined key legislative measures, educational reforms, and initiatives that have shaped the current landscape. #Education #Environment #Social #Uzbekistan

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