The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation in Cultural-Humanitarian Bilateral Cooperation

Abstract

Cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation constitutes an important dimension of bilateral relations, in the formation and development of which non-governmental organizations play a significant role. The article examines the historical and legal foundations of Armenian–Russian relations in the context of post-Soviet cooperation, with particular emphasis on the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance signed on August 29, 1997. The study analyzes the activities of non-governmental organizations operating in Armenia that are aimed at deepening cultural, educational, and humanitarian ties. Special attention is paid to the role of state humanitarian institutions of the Russian Federation, notably the Federal Agency “Rossotrudnichestvo” and the Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Foundation, as well as their cooperation with Armenian non-governmental organizations. The activities of the “Russian House” cultural center and the Russian-Armenian (Slavic) University are examined as effective instruments of Russia’s “soft power” policy. The article concludes that non-governmental organizations and educational institutions make a substantial contribution to the institutionalization, sustainable development, and strengthening of cultural and humanitarian cooperation and public ties between Armenia and Russia.