Resilience School Project

Women and Global Security Architecture (WGSA) is pleased to announce the launch of the “RESILIENCE SCHOOL” Project.

PROJECT CONTEXT

The normalization process of Armenia-Azerbaijan and Armenia-Türkiye relations, the transition from traditional alliances toward an expanded strategic partnership network, and the shift from a pre-war security framework to comprehensive security sector reforms are taking place amidst global uncertainty. These processes are further influenced by hybrid threats, fragile democratic institutions, and increasing social polarization. In the next 2–3 years, these challenges are expected to intensify under the impact of sensitive pre-election and post-election phases.

In this context, Armenian youth have become a primary target, as they are the segment of society most vulnerable to hybrid attacks and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI). Young people who have not experienced the downsides of past authoritarian systems or lack sufficient political science knowledge can be easily enticed by the ideology of a “strong hand,” which is skillfully packaged as “efficient governance.” As the primary consumers of the digital space, the youth are directly exposed to the aforementioned threats, which aim to undermine their trust in the state institutions of the Republic of Armenia and its democratic future.

The political environment that will emerge following the upcoming parliamentary elections (regardless of their outcome) will further emphasize the imperative for the effective application of good governance principles in foreign policy and security processes.

STRATEGIC GOAL OF THE PROJECT

The strategic goal of the project is to contribute to the formation of a resilient and participatory security ecosystem against hybrid threats and FIMI.

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

• Development of critical thinking among youth.
• Strengthening social cohesion, resilience, and psychological security.
• Application of good governance principles in the security sector.
• Increasing public trust in democratic institutions.

To achieve the aforementioned strategic goals and directions, the Project will include the following activities:

• A series of “Informal meetings” between youth and representatives of state institutions in Yerevan, Vayots Dzor, Syunik, Lori, and Tavush.
• Surveys conducted by the WGSA among youth both prior to and following the project.
• Development of policy recommendations and awareness campaigns by the WGSA.