National Security Interests Research Articles

Foreign Investments and Energy Transition in the Netherlands

Affordability, competitiveness, security of supply, and sustainability are among the goals set for the field of the energy transition for 2030 through 2050. In order to meet these goals, the energy sector of the European Union (EU) will require a continuous inflow of capital, particularly Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Unfortunately, FDI has raised severe national security concerns in EU Member States, leading to the need to adopt and subsequently revisit the FDI screening framework on the EU level. On a domestic level, several EU Member States, such as the Netherlands, have either strengthened or are considering strengthening their screening mechanisms. States have been screening FDI on national security grounds for decades, but the scope of new mechanisms has dramatically expanded to cover more sectors, transactions, and types of investors. In particular, FDIs that affect energy infrastructure, supply of energy, raw materials, dual-use items, and critical technologies necessary for the energy transition should be subjected to more rigid scrutiny. These regulatory and policy developments might hinder the flow of investments into the energy sector and the advancement of new technologies and thus have implications for the prospects and speed of the energy transition in Europe. This Article will discuss the overarching question of how states can organize their investment screening mechanisms in a way that balances their national security interests against the need for free flow of FDI to stimulate development of technologies that accelerate the energy transition. This includes a case study of the FDI policy of the Netherlands, one of the major destinations of global FDI. This Article initially distills the principles necessary to balancing competing security and economic interests of host states in the investment law context. Based on such principles, it further examines the extent to which existing regulatory mechanisms in the Netherlands are adequate in addressing security concerns posed by FDI while continuing to attract investments in the energy sector and related technologies. Specifically, this Article aims to identify trends in investment screening in the Netherlands, reflect on their coherence with overarching EU investment policy objectives and the multilateral guidance on a good policy design, and discuss the potential implications of recent regulatory developments for the future of the energy transition in Europe. More broadly, this Article contextualizes the case of the Netherlands within the global movement of tightening control over FDI and explores the relationship between the investment policy of a State, on the one hand, and its objectives to combat climate change and safeguard energy security, on the other.

STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL MODEL OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE FORMATION OF FUTURE MILITARY INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE INFORMATION AND EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF HMEI

The article updates the problem of the formation of professional competence of future military intelligence officers in the information and educational environment of a higher military educational institution, substantiates the theoretical foundations of professional training of future officers. The need to protect the territorial integrity of our state was analyzed, which determined the importance of the challenges posed to the transformation of military education into the professional training of Ukrainian officers. It is noted that one of the directions of the development of an effective system of military education, with the aim of gaining full membership of Ukraine in NATO, is the modernization of the officer training system, strengthening the integrity of the professional training of military specialists. It has been observed that military-professional education in accordance with the principles of the military doctrine of the state, target instructions of military policy and science, state educational standards, within which the professional training of future military intelligence officers is carried out, is based on the educational-professional program, the modern model of training competent specialists taking into account the methods preparation of NATO member countries. It has been found that the social order of society to ensure the interests of national security and defense of the state for the training of military specialists in higher military educational institutions, in accordance with modern requirements, determines the important problem of forming the professional competence of future military intelligence officers and the development of a structural and functional model of such a process in conditions of the informational and educational environment. It was found that modeling allows to analyze the real content, establish goals, highlight the main components of the structure, essential features, relationships, graphically display the functional specificity and determine the formation of professional competence of future military intelligence officers. A structural-functional model for the formation of professional competence of future military intelligence officers in the information and educational environment of higher military educational institutions has been developed, which contains blocks: conceptual-target (social order, goal, task, conceptual and methodological approaches, principles, functions), procedural- technological (informational and educational environment at higher military educational institutions, organizational and pedagogical conditions, stages, components, methods, forms, means, technologies, educational disciplines), effective (criteria, level indicators, result).

Новая веха в гражданском судопроизводстве с участием иностранных лиц в КНР

Recently, due to the active transformation of the economic and social structure, the number of civil disputes complicated by a foreign element being considered in the courts of China has increased dramatically. According to statistics, participants in such disputes are representatives from more than 100 countries around the world. The current rules of civil procedure governing proceedings involving foreign persons in China no longer fully meet the needs for fair, effective and convenient resolution of international civil disputes, as well as for the protection of national sovereignty, security and development interests, which makes it necessary to review and improve them.

The Legislative Framework of Anti-terrorism and Fundamental Rights in India

The legislative framework governing anti-terrorism measures in India has faced substantial scrutiny regarding its compatibility with fundamental rights enshrined in the country's constitution. This paper aims to elucidate the intricate interplay between anti-terrorism laws and fundamental rights, highlighting the complexities inherent in balancing national security imperatives with individual liberties. The paper further outlines the evolution of anti-terrorism legislation in India, such as the enactment of key laws such as the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) 1987, the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) 2002, and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) 1967. Fundamental rights are the cornerstone of India's democratic ethos, safeguarding the dignity and freedom of its citizens. By guaranteeing the right to life and personal liberty, freedom of speech and expression, and the right to privacy, the Constitution empowers individuals to participate actively in democratic processes, voice dissent, and hold the government accountable. These rights are not absolute but are subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, morality, and national security. Despite their crucial importance, fundamental rights often find themselves at odds with the exigencies of national security, particularly in the context of anti-terrorism laws. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the constitutional bedrock of fundamental rights in India and highlight the tension between anti-terrorism laws and these rights, highlighting the importance of maintaining a delicate balance in upholding democratic principles.

Позиции России и США по вопросам ядерной безопасности и перспективы новых договоренностей

In the modern complex system of international relations, in a situation of escalating confrontation between Russia and the United States, increasing tension in relations between Western countries and the "Global South", arms control, primarily nuclear, as well as non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, continues to be one of the most important areas of Russian foreign and defense policy. The Russian Federation pays priority attention to strengthening and developing the system of international treaties in the fields of strategic security and arms control. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to consider the prospects for one of the key aspects of the Russian-American agreements - nuclear arms control and the achievement of sustainable strategic stability. This led to the active use of such methods as analysis and synthesis of data on the current state of nuclear strategic security, a historical approach that identifies the previous context of agreements, as well as a comparative analysis focused on comparing the basic approaches, interests, goals and priorities of the Russian and American sides. Based on foreign policy imperatives, including consolidating Russia's role as a guarantor of international stability and arms control, the authors propose a non-standard scenario for restoring the viability of the key START Treaty of 2010. The article suggests the outlines of possible concrete solutions and potential elements of agreements that can become the basic topic for the resumption of bilateral consultations on strategic stability and an integral part of the new agreement. The authors conclude that reaching mutually acceptable agreements on this topical issue will have a positive impact on reducing the military threat and reducing the risks of unleashing a nuclear conflict, which meets the strategic interests of Russian national security and global stability.

Decoupling in hybrid arrangements: Insights from the Australian defence industry

AbstractThe Australian Industry Capability (AIC) program presents an example of hybridity where national security interests are served through a complex partnership between the Department of Defence, global prime contractors, and small and medium‐sized Australian companies. Through a qualitative interview study of stakeholders in the defence industry by and triangulating findings from publicly available defence industry documents, this study aims to document the decoupling associated with the AIC program. We find that complexity and opacity, stemming from hybridity, create decoupling in the implementation of the AIC program. We also find that a lack of accountability and monitoring contributes to decoupling. We advance the literature on hybridity into the context of multi‐organisational arrangements in a unique industry and identify how decoupling can impede the achievement of policy objectives in the context of complex hybrid arrangements.Points for practitioners The Australian Industry Capability (AIC) program represents a case of complex hybrid arrangement in public sector management involving the defence industry. Hybridity of AIC arrangements creates challenges of complexity and opacity, creating conditions that give rise to decoupling. Lack of accountability and monitoring exacerbates these challenges. Potential for coupling is identified with recommendations provided.

System for evaluating medical technologies in military healthcare

Modern challenges and threats, as well as unprecedented sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation, have contributed to the intensification of research both on the development of innovative medical technologies and on expanding the range of use of existing ones. At the same time, on the one hand, there is an increase in incoming proposals for the use of various medical technologies in military healthcare, and on the other hand, the need to ensure accessibility and improve the quality of medical care for military personnel and other cate- gories of assigned contingents is rapidly increasing. At the same time, in con- ditions of limited resources, the level of requirements for justifying the need to introduce one or another medical technology into the activities of military medical organizations and other medical units of the Armed Forces of the Rus- sian Federation naturally increases. All this predetermines the relevance of the development of a departmental system for assessing medical technologies for effective information support for making rational management decisions. The study examined the main directions of development of the medical tech- nology assessment system in military healthcare. In particular, goals and objectives are defined, the main aspects and possible forms of organizing a departmental system for assessing medical technologies are substantiated. The main elements of the basic model for assessing medical technologies in military healthcare are identified. In addition, the characteristics of the in- formation system for assessing medical technologies in military healthcare are given, its main components are given, as well as the expected effects of implementation. The implementation of the departmental concept for assessing medical tech- nologies in the main directions of development presented in the article on the basis of a specialized information system will not only help increase the availability of effective and safe medical technologies, but also the rational use of funds and other military healthcare resources. In addition, taking into ac- count the results of departmental assessment of medical technologies at the state level will serve as the basis for the formation of priority directions for the strategic development of the domestic medical and pharmaceutical industry in the interests of national defense and state security.

Examining Nepal's CMR Dynamics and Contemporary Circumstances for Strengthening it

Civil-Military Relations (CMR) in Nepal has been a subject of ongoing contention amid the nation's dynamic political landscape. This article deals with Nepal's CMR dynamics, focusing on its historical progression and CMR-related contemporary circumstances. Despite the Nepali Army's historic non-intervention in politics, the state of CMR remains contentious. Drawing upon established CMR theories such as Principal-Agent, Institutional, Convergence, and Trinity theories, this study explores the root causes of CMR-related circumstances and its outcomes posing challenges in Nepal and proposes viable approaches for its mitigation. Highlighting the importance of civilian control over the armed forces, the study emphasizes the significance of coordinated efforts, effective communication, and respective stakeholder understanding on consolidating CMR. It asserts that the Nepali Army, being at the forefront of national security, holds a pivotal responsibility in fostering conducive CMR approaches, crucial for Nepal's national security interests. In essence, the article highlights the urgency of strengthening CMR in Nepal, advocating collaborative efforts among stakeholders to ensure effective civilian control, and safeguarding national interests and sovereignty.

Trauma and Unaccompanied Child Migration in US History: Reflections from the Archives

Abstract: Through detailed analysis of archival records, Anita Casavantes Bradford traces the history of the clinical, academic, and popular understandings of trauma as it influenced US immigration policy for unaccompanied migrant children during the twentieth century. She questions why adults charged with the care of unaccompanied minors have "(mis)understood … (mis)managed … and (mis)represented" children as traumatized, both unintentionally and deliberately, in order to advance adult objectives. Casavantes Bradford provides a historical overview of US immigration and refugee polices since the 1930s as applied to unaccompanied migrant children. This history also traces the evolution of clinical and popular definitions of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—officially recognized by psychologists in 1980—and suggests that policies for managing and mitigating trauma among unaccompanied minors often led to negative consequences. These polices, above all, were often based on geopolitical and domestic political considerations rather than the welfare of children, according to Casavantes Bradford. Thus, during the 1980s, unaccompanied minors from Haiti and Central America reaching the United States faced detention and deportation, while Sudanese "lost boys" were granted preferential treatment that aligned with US national security interests in Africa. Since the 1930s, markers of difference such as race, class, and religion have also played fundamental roles in which unaccompanied minors have been given the "right to be traumatized" and resettlement. Casavantes Bradford cautions researchers against interpreting migrant children's experiences through biased or ahistorical notions of trauma that oversimplify individual young people's experiences and their potential resilience. Historians and others should critically examine their own assumptions when studying trauma and the experiences of unaccompanied migrant children.

Article: The Data Is In The Details: Friendshoring, Data Flows and the Role of Digital Trade Rules

The label ‘friendshoring’ has recently emerged to describe an approach to supply chains that focuses on ensuring they can be relied upon, trusted and secured as opposed to just maximising their economic efficiency. Aspects of friendshoring have a longer history in the context of cross-border data flows, which have been (and are increasingly) subject to restrictions aimed at protecting privacy, cyber-security and national security interests. Data flows are critical to the functioning of modern supply chains and are themselves important sources of value. While the goals of data flow restrictions are often laudable, data friendshoring is not without risks and costs. It can have an uneasy relationship with existing trade rules, and spillover effects for other policy interests (including in relation to internet governance and the strength of the rules-based trading system). This article sets out the connections between friendshoring and data flow restrictions. It then examines the role that trade rules play in relation to data friendshoring, including the uncertainty of the application of certain current trade rules to data friendshoring and the benefits that digital trade rules can contribute in relation to data friendshoring. These benefits includes ameliorating the risks associated with data friendshoring, providing greater certainty for those involved in these arrangements, and enabling on-going discussions between potentially fragmented regimes to help rebuild trust over the longer term. digital trade, friendshoring, data flows

Human Rights for Justice

The persons who occupy public office—including those created by the Constitution of Ghana 1992 and any other enactments—and private organizations and institutions that perform public functions or receive public resources are accountable to the citizenry, particularly those whose taxes are used to set up public offices and pay their salaries either in whole or in part, or to provide or support private bodies to perform public functions. The term “public institutions” has a broader meaning within the context of access and the right to information than its ordinary meaning. The technical meaning of “public institutions” within the context of the right to information covers institutions created by the Constitution, any other enactments and private organizations or institutions that perform public functions or receive public resources. The author uses “public institutions” in its technical sense in this article to avoid repetition of private institutions or organizations that provide public services or receive public resources. In most cases, public institutions fail to observe the culture of accountability and transparency and decide on the types of information to disclose and those not to be disclosed, to render the citizenry impotent to hold them accountable. The persons who occupy offices in public institutions hold those offices in trust for the citizenry, and, as trustees and fiduciaries they are required to be accountable, transparent, prudent, faithful, honest and not to commingle their personal properties with the properties that they hold in trust for their citizenry. Discretion was hitherto exercised by public institutions as to the information which may be disclosed to the public or not did not have statutory backing, as a result of which some of them have acted capriciously. In order to make the officers of public institutions accountable and transparent, most states have enacted Right to Information Acts to give statutory backing to persons who may seek information from occupiers of public institutions to ensure that they discharge their mandates as trustees and are accountable to the nationals of their respective countries. Furthermore, the enactments on right to information are intended to give a clear exemption to information that cannot be disclosed with the sole aim of protecting the public interest in democratic societies in accordance with the Oath of Secrecy taken by public officers and which prevents them from revealing matters that shall be brought under their consideration or knowledge through the discharge of their official duties. This article discusses the international law position of the right to information, taking into account the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1965, the European Convention on Human Rights 1950, the American Convention on Human Rights 1969 and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights 1981; and further discusses the Right to Information Act 2019 (Act 989) in Ghana and its effectiveness in promoting the culture of accountability, transparency and faithfulness within the public space; and, furthermore, assesses its impact on democracy and the justification for some of the exemptions provided by law to protect public interest in democratic countries. The right to freedom of expression includes the freedom to seek, receive, hold opinions and impart information and ideas without public interference, except for restrictions imposed by the state which have been enacted into law and are necessary. The laws that are necessary in a democratic society to restrict freedom of expression must take into account the interests of national security or public order, territorial integrity or public safety, the protection of health or morals, the respect of the rights or reputation of others, the prevention of crime or disorder, and the disclosure of information received in confidence, and for the maintenance of the authority and impartiality of the courts.1 There will also be a brief discussion on freedom of information and access to information concerning the environment held by public officers and private institutions and organizations that provide public functions. Keywords: freedom of expression; international law; freedom of information; journalism; Ghana.

BALANCING NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS WITH PRIVACY, THE CHARTER AND RULE OF LAW: BUILDING CHECKLISTS INTO OPERATION PLANNING

On November 17, 2023, Justin Dubois, Executive Director and General Counsel of the Office of the Intelligence Commissioner, presented Balancing National Security Interests with Privacy, the Charter and Rule of Law: Building Checklists into Operation Planning for this year’s West Coast Security Conference. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the Intelligence Commissioner Act, the role of the Intelligence Commissioner in providing quasi-judicial review of certain activities of intelligence agencies, and the Intelligence Commissioner’s use of the principles of necessity, proportionality, and reasonableness to guide its decision-making process.
 
 Received: 01-04-2024
 Revised: 01-29-2024

Ayrışma’dan Risk Azaltma’ya: Batı ile Çin Arasındaki Ticarette Yeni Dönem

Since the Second World War, the welfare level of world societies has increased with the peace period brought by economic interdependence and the acceleration of globalization. However, the 2008-09 financial crisis, strained relations between the USA and China, the global pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine War and geopolitical tensions continue to negatively affect international trade and the global economy. Western and allied countries have experienced the effects of their dependence on the supply chains of countries with which they have bad diplomatic relations, in major shocks. Governments and policymakers of Western developed countries, especially the US, stated that it would be in line with national security interests for companies to move their production to allied -friendshoring- countries. Decisions taken by policy makers in the world’s developed economies have also prompted businesses to take new steps.
 In this study, which was prepared using secondary data, the economic decoupling of the US and allied countries from China was examined and concluded that the complete decoupling of economies will disrupt the world's economic stability and lead to a loss of global welfare.

Realignment of Flight Information Region Agreement Between Indonesia and Singapore 2022: Unraveling Sovereignty and Ratification Issues for Indonesia

Flight Information Region (FIR) is an essential part of the aviation sector, providing air navigation and alerting services crucial for ensuring flight safety. States may delegate the management of FIR services to other nations for various reasons, primarily centered on aviation safety. However, such delegation requires careful consideration due to its potential impact on a state’s airspace sovereignty. This study focuses on the most recent FIR delegation involving the realignment of FIR over the Riau and Natuna Islands between Indonesia and Singapore in 2022. According to the signed agreement, Indonesia is obligated to delegate the management of specific areas of the Natuna FIR above its territory to Singapore. While this delegation poses potential challenges related to Indonesia's national security and economic interests, additional issues arise from the legal instrument chosen by the Indonesian government to ratify the agreement. The objective of this research is to analyze the sovereignty and ratification issues for Indonesia arising from the signing of the Indonesia-Singapore FIR Agreement 2022. The study utilizes normative legal analysis with a juridical approach. The findings indicate that the delegation of the Natuna FIR to Singapore has restricted Indonesia's right to exercise sovereignty over its airspace. Furthermore, the study concludes that Indonesia’s instrument of ratification for the Indonesia-Singapore FIR Agreement 2022 is inconsistent with Indonesian law and practice. This research contributes to understanding the legal implications of FIR management delegation, emphasizing the importance of aligning such agreements with domestic legal frameworks.

Cyber Espionage Policy and Regulation: A Comparative Analysis of Indonesia and Germany

This study explores the policy and regulatory frameworks concerning cyber espionage within Indonesia and Germany. Given the considerable threats cyber espionage poses to national security and economic interests, it is crucial for nations to formulate thorough strategies to mitigate such risks. Through a comparative analysis of Indonesia and Germany—two countries with distinct geopolitical stances and methodologies regarding cybersecurity and espionage—the research delves into the legal, political, and technological factors influencing their cyber espionage policies. The methodology includes a comprehensive review of legislative measures, governmental strategies, and the response of institutions to cyber espionage in both nations. The objective is to discern the similarities, differences, and effectiveness of the policies and regulations of these countries. This comparison sheds light on the adequacy of Indonesian legislation in combating cybercrime, especially cyber espionage. The study reveals that Indonesia's legal infrastructure for cybercrime is markedly underdeveloped compared to Germany's, where stringent and well-articulated regulations are in place, facilitating precise and efficient management of cyber issues. Thus, the study underscores an urgent need for Indonesia to reform its cybercrime laws, focusing on cyber espionage, among other cyber threats, while continuing to enhance the quality of its human resources.

High alert in the low countries: State-sponsored threat awareness in policing the Dutch port and knowledge sectors

Abstract The war in Ukraine has made clear that we live in a multipolar world where global powers, being the West, Russia, and China, are in continuous geopolitical conflict with one another. It has brought about old and new state-sponsored threats (SSTs), in particular (online) espionage and spreading disinformation, which are instrumentalized by each of these global powers against one another. It altogether puts the national security and economic interests of many more countries at risk. Being heavily dependent on global powers for trade and knowledge building and sharing, small countries seem to be confronted with their powerlessness in the wake of the increasingly threatening multipolar geopolitics. Simultaneously, some of these small countries accommodate important nodes through which international transport and knowledge flow on which global powers, in turn, depend on. In the Netherlands, the port sector (consisting in this study of the Rotterdam and Amsterdam seaports) and the knowledge sector (consisting of several universities, applied universities, and research institutes) form important international nodes for the global transport and knowledge economy. How does the Netherlands position and secure itself through raising awareness of SSTs coming from the global powers it depends on? Based on a study of SST awareness in Dutch ports and higher education, this contribution delivers a possible answer to that question.

БЛОКЧЕЙН ЯК ТЕХНОЛОГІЯ В СИСТЕМІ ЛОБІЮВАННЯ ІНТЕРЕСІВ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ

The article states that the information industry will require new technologies to introduce communication between the authorities and the economy into the lives of innovative people. Decentralization processes allow the interests of the commonwealth to be articulated more widely, which opens up new opportunities for lobbying the interests of the commonwealth, responding to the calls of national security in the situation in Russian aggression. One technology that is widely admired in the world today is blockchain technology. The scientific literature analyzed allows us to confirm that blockchain technology can be used not only in the financial sector, but can also be used in the system of government administration. The author himself advocates the use of blockchain technology in the system of lobbying the interests of national security. The basis for such a proposition is the positive results of blockchain technology, and the insight itself, access to information in real time. It is possible to verify the data, as it is impossible to duplicate and confuse. However, it is impossible for the corruption and corruption schemes to make the process of making this or that decision accessible and open. You can easily follow the threads of this information, “encourage”all parties to participate in the lobbying process, quickly exchange information and thus reach consensus. A record of the completed activities and the results obtained from the lanyard units can serve as an audit trail for regulatory agencies. In addition, this technology, due to its insight and efficiency, will be able to promote the level of trust before decisions are made. Bearing in mind that lobbying does not have to do with the national interests of Ukraine, harming the citizens, blockchain technology will make it possible to operate these processes in a secure, reliable and insightful manner. The article states that blockchain technology is a new tool and method of infusing management decisions.

Accounting of national security interests in EU standards regarding the regulation of lobbying

Accounting of national security interests in EU standards regarding the regulation of lobbying

THE PROBLEM OF GUN RIGHTS IN POLAND IN THE CONTEXT OF BUILDING INSTITUTIONAL AND PERSONAL SECURITY

By appropriately shaping the regulations on access to firearms, it is possible to strengthen the level of institutional and personal security. Linking the possibility of possessing military-type weapons and ammunition with the obligation to train conducted by pro-defense organizations and controlled by a specially established, substantively prepared unit of the Ministry of National Defense will allow to reconcile the needs of personal security with the interests of national secu-rity in a manner consistent with the constitutional principle of subsidiarity.

Comparative Aanalysis of National Security Strategies of Armenia in the Context of Political Realism, Liberalism, and Marxism

The article examines the characteristic features of Armenian national security strategies, actively conducting research of an interdisciplinary nature with extensive use of systems analysis. Issues of stability of the political system of Armenia in the interests of national security are considered not only from the point of view of the general theory of systems, but also using the methodological principles of synergetics. An independent section of research was the study of regional conflicts in the post-Soviet space and their impact on the state of national security of Armenia. In this context, traditional international relations theory offers tools for analyzing the previous actions of states within a broader framework and deciding on further actions. The present article seeks to provide simple textual comparisons and analyses of the Republic of Armenia’s National Security Strategies of 2007 and 2020. Those elements within the Strategies which have remained, changed, or been added will then be made the subject of contextual analyses with the theoretical traditions of liberalism, realism, and Marxism to draw out the Republic of Armenia’s major priorities and assess the capability of its approaches to meeting the foreign policy problems that exist. Each theory of international relations will emphasize those positions in the National Security Strategies that most accurately reflect Armenia’s past and current positions, and evaluate them in accordance with global and regional standards.