Regional Studies Center (RSC)
Organizational Description
Since our founding as an independent think tank in 2012, the Regional Studies Center (RSC) has been conducting a wide range of strategic analysis and objective research, and implementing a number of educational and policy-related projects. As a leading think tank based in Armenia, the RSC conducts research and analysis and develops policy initiatives aimed at bolstering political and economic reform and conflict resolution in the broader South Caucasus region.
Moreover, as an independent think tank, the RSC is actively engaged in the public policy process and, over the longer term, seeks to serve as a catalyst for democratic reform and sustainable economic development through the empowerment of civil society and by contributing to the formulation of public policy through innovative and objective research, analysis and policy recommendations. Our research and project activities consist of five main program areas:
- Regional analyses and assessments of political, economic and security issues in the South Caucasus, but also including Iran, Russia and Turkey;
- National security and defense reform;
- Democratization and good governance;
- Economics and sustainable development;
- Educating and empowering youth as an “agent of change.”
Specific Projects & Activities
And by virtue of our role as an independent think tank, we seek to offer objective analysis and innovative ideas as parts of a broader effort to elevate the level of political discourse and spur debate in Armenia, often by leveraging our professional, non-partisan reputation to bridge political differences and to broker policy cooperation and compromise. In addition, the RSC is also actively involved in contributing to the public policy process, working both formally and informally with government ministries, state bodies and the Armenian parliament. At the same time, we are also engaged in efforts to encourage, enhance and empower civic activism, through measures aimed at capacity-building both among and between civil society organizations in Armenia, often by forging new networks based on issue-based advocacy.
Our efforts in this area also concentrate on “creating, defending and expanding the space” for civil society, while also empowering emerging “agents of change,” such as youth and civic activists. And in terms of our strategy, therefore, we seek to actively inspire, involve and institutionalize a broader degree of constructive engagement in the public policy process by civil society organizations (CSOs) and more informal civic groups, and among individual concerned citizens, such as students, activists and youth. In this way, the RSC partners with various actors within society, including civil society, international organizations, representatives from the private sector, academia and state bodies and institutions.
The RSC is also actively involved in supporting the Armenian-Turkish “normalization” process and works closely with other think tanks, research institutes and civil society organizations in both Armenia and Turkey. Similarly, although more limited, the RSC is also engaged in a consistent dialogue with Azerbaijani counterparts and partners and media outlets.
And as part of our education and training activities, the RSC also offers a regular series of certificate-based professional development training courses, analytical briefings and interactive “focus groups,” and convenes simulation exercises focused on diplomatic negotiations and “war gaming” models.
Regional Studies Center (RSC)
60 Aram Street, #53, 3rd floor
0010 Yerevan, Armenia
Tel: (+374) 11 70 99 69