Jan 2021 | Publications

The topic of this issue is “Mitigating the Social Consequences of the COVID-​19 Pandemic”. Firstly, Gurgen Aslanyan, Vardan Baghdasaryan and Gayane Shakhmuradyan examine the social policy response of the Government of Armenia to the COVID-​19 crisis. Secondly, Farid Guliyev posits that Azerbaijan’s social assistance and income support schemes adopted during the COVID-​19 pandemic need to be seen within the context of the existing social protection system and safety nets. Thirdly, Vakhtangi Demuria and Teona Absandze suggest that the Georgian government’s efforts to provide social assistance for the population were delayed and faltered in terms of efficiency, but overall, more or less complex schemes of assistance were elaborated. Finally, Ramina Murshudova, Aytan Shahmarova, Mirvari Gasimova, Gunel Poladova, and Malahat Valiyeva analyze changes in attitudes towards online education in Azerbaijan during the unprecedented global lockdown resulting from the COVID-​19 pandemic.

Dec 2020 | Publications

The topic of this issue is Arts in Society. It looks at how both artists and newly-​founded grassroots institutions seek exchange with the international art world without completely turning away from local traditions, and how the Soviet-​style accessibility of art for the general population can be maintained under different political-​ideological conditions and used to develop artistic diversity. Nasta Agrba and Asida Butba analyze how SKLAD (a cultural centre in Sukhum/i) became a learning tool to get to know the place they live in better. Secondly, Kerstin Klenke, in conversation with Olivia Jaques, provides insight into the current Abkhaz musical landscape. Thirdly, Shoghakat Mlke-​Galstyan, with Olivia Jaques, develops an explanation of the approach of MIHR Theatre, the first independent contemporary dance theater company in Armenia. Finally, Philomena Grassl gives a short overview of the history of the Georgian film industry, with a focus on recent developments, new artistic formats and experimental approaches.

30 Dec 2020 | Publications

The topic of this issue is the Russian Regions after the Elections of the Unified Voting Day 2020 (11–13 September). Firstly, Andrei Semenov describes the outcomes of the subnational elections and argues that although the results confirmed the dominance of regime-​backed candidates, long-​term changes in the electorate’s preferences and tactical innovations employed by the opposition foreshadow a major battle over the parliamentary elections in 2021. Secondly, Mikhail Turchenko posits that the three-​day voting scheme helped the Kremlin to maintain control over all gubernatorial offices, as well as over all regional parliaments and a majority of city councils in regional capitals, while Alexei Navalny’s “smart vote” initiative was effective in big cities. Thirdly, Guzel Garifullina argues that technocratic selection is being used for the wrong offices or being applied selectively, rendering it useless or even harmful. Finally, Andrey Yushkov describes changes in regional public finance from 2012 to 2019.