ARMENIA IS BETWEEN EAST AND WEST (EU): IN THE CONTEXT OF THE REFORMS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

Historically, it turned so that Armenia is located at the junction of two civilizations – Western and Eastern. This has left a definite imprint on the mentality of Armenians. There is certain ambivalence in the Armenian society: in everyday life, in the culture, the perception of the external world, politics, education.

The article makes an attempt to reflect on how Armenians and Armenia, during the whole period of their existence, have always been under the influence (including the area of education) of global forces, the influence of the East and West. Usually this happens against their will. Therefore, addressing mainly Armenia’s foreign policy in the field of higher education, the article highlights also political context, thus substantiating that Armenia’s position has always been significant for security of the country and relations with neighbors, in its turn resulting in strategic choices and decisions not only in political arena but also in many crucial aspects, including educational.

In the situation of many researches in the field, the study is intended to analyze  current situation of Armenia’s relations with East and West, its position in the context of educational reforms, addressing Integration into European edu-cational area, Bologna process, representing positive changes, tangible effects, main obstacles and various interpretations based on the results of the finding.