This call aims to provide an opportunity for original \nacademic and policy research that will address Armenia\u2019s political \ntransformation. In the Spring of 2018, the world watched as large-scale \npeaceful protests combined with acts of civil disobedience overthrew \nArmenia\u2019s autocratic regime in what came to be known as the Velvet \nRevolution. Free of influence from outside forces, this democratic \ntransition has altered the regional fabric. Unlike previous movements in\n the post-Soviet space and the Middle East, it was not geopolitically \npolarizing. The movement was decentralized and disciplined, and \nnonviolent tactics were applied with consistency and determination. The \nArmenian transition, driven by non elites and built on decades of civic \nactivism, unfolded through the country\u2019s institutions rather than \nagainst them. Following the formation of a new government, Armenia\u2019s \ninstitutions have begun the processes of reforms, moving from the \nstreets to institution-building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The month-long transformation itself, as well as the \nperiod that followed, are of interest to those pursuing democratization \nand civic empowerment everywhere in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THE GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THIS CALL ARE TO EXAMINE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 The interests, institutions, socio-economic conditions, \nvalues, identities, and regional as well as global security conditions \nthat shaped the context and primed the groundwork of the movement<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 The strategies and events that facilitated the Velvet Revolution<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 The challenges of democratic consolidation<\/p>\n\n\n\n THE INSTITUTE WELCOMES PROPOSALS FROM PH.D. STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS ADDRESSING THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Fabrics of the Transition<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Civic Culture and Social Change<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Economy<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Governance<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Institutions<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Foreign Policy and Regional Integration<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applications are due on October 20<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Selections will be made by October 31<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Grants will be awarded in the amounts of $2,000 to $6,000<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the conclusion of the research period, grantees may apply to participate in a two-part conference in Los Angeles and in Yerevan planned for May 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grantees conducting research in the region may take advantage of accommodations at the USC Tacori Center in Armenia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n