The Faculty of International Relations, with the aim of strengthening students' theoretical knowledge and applying practical skills, organized a winter school titled "Politics and Governance: Challenges of the Contemporary World" in Tsakhkadzor from February 14 to 16, 2025.
The winter school, featuring lectures and active discussions, provided students with an opportunity to meet leading experts in the field, who shared insights on the unique characteristics, challenges, and opportunities of the policies being developed in Armenia.
Among the speakers at the event were the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, PhD Narek Mkrtchyan; the Dean of YSU Faculty of International Relations, PhD, Associate Professor Tigran Yepremyan; the Head of the Humanitarian Cooperation Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vrezh Kardumyan; the Head of the Civil Service Office, Vache Kalashyan; the Head of the Chair of International Relations and Diplomacy at YSU Faculty of International Relations, Zhak Manukyan; and the Head of the Chair of Public Administration, Vahagn Aglyan.
The school featured lectures on topics such as "The Beginning of Nation-Building Processes in Europe", "The Demographic Strategy of the Republic of Armenia", "Russian Politics in the Post-Soviet Space", "Current Situation and Development Trends of Public Service in Armenia", "The Impact of International Hierarchical Relations on the Convergence of Policies", and "Armenian-British Diplomatic Relations", followed by active discussions and Q&A sessions. These sessions significantly contributed to the development of students' critical thinking and collaborative skills.
Ani Shahgaldyan, a third-year student in the "International Relations" bachelor's program, shared her impressions: "This winter school was a great opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skills, exchange experiences, and engage in practical activities. The topics of the lectures were insightful, and the dialogues and Q&A sessions made the course even more interesting. I would love for the program to continue."
Alla Ohanyan, a third-year student in the "Political Science" program, noted that the school was held in an engaging and motivating environment. "It not only enriched students’ theoretical knowledge but also contributed to its practical application and overall development of professional skills."
Argishti Virabyan, a second-year student in the "Political Science" bachelor's program, added: "The winter school was an impressive and enriching experience, and I was fortunate to participate. The three-day comprehensive program deepened and refreshed my knowledge base, and the questions helped me develop my critical thinking. The winter school was not just an event but an experience that I will remember for a long time."
This platform for exchanging ideas and experiences provided students with the opportunity to discuss the key concepts of geopolitics, theoretical approaches, and issues in the field, while receiving answers to all their questions, thus fostering the development of critical thinking and collaborative skills.
Gor Petrosyan, the Deputy Dean and Head of the Office of the Faculty of International Relations, PhD, assured: "The winter school was an opportunity for YSU students to combine informal learning with the winter recreation in Tsakhkadzor. Organizing educational events for students and ensuring a creative atmosphere will continue in the future."
