Historical Encyclopedia
The independence of Armenia was proclaimed on September 21, 1991, as a result of the process that began with perestroika and glasnost in the Soviet Union. This important historical moment marked the end of many years of Soviet control over Armenia and gave the Armenian people the opportunity to build their own state. This article examines the main stages, achievements, and challenges Armenia has faced since gaining independence to the present day.
The beginning of the end of Soviet power in Armenia was laid in the late 1980s when glasnost and perestroika opened the doors for discussions of national issues. In 1988, the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast declared its intention to unite with Armenia, leading to ethnic conflicts with Azerbaijan. This situation intensified nationalist sentiments and prompted Armenian society to demand greater autonomy and ultimately independence.
On December 16, 1989, the first protest for independence took place, and on August 23, 1990, Armenia declared its independence from the Soviet Union. Real independence was finally secured on September 21, 1991, when over 99% of voters supported independence in a referendum. This event became a turning point in the country's history.
However, the process of establishing an independent state was not easy. In the early 1990s, Armenia faced civil war, economic crisis, and conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. The war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, which began in 1988, continued until 1994 and resulted in significant human losses and destruction.
The country's economy also experienced severe difficulties. The collapse of the Soviet economy, the blockade by Azerbaijan and Turkey, as well as a lack of necessary infrastructure exacerbated the situation. Armenia found itself in a state of crisis, with high inflation rates and rising unemployment. Economic reforms began in 1993, aimed at restoring the economy and integrating into the global economy.
In 1991, Armenia adopted its first constitution, which declared the country a democratic state. However, the democratization process was complicated. Political life was characterized by a high level of instability and the interference of various political forces. The first elections in 1995 resulted in the victory of Robert Kocharian but were marked by allegations of manipulation and fraud.
In 1998, another election took place, and Levon Ter-Petrosyan came to power. His administration undertook many reforms aimed at developing democracy and a market economy, but internal conflicts and public dissatisfaction led to his resignation in 1999.
In the early 2000s, Armenia began active economic reforms. Under the leadership of the new president Robert Kocharian, there was a privatization of state enterprises, liberalization of the economy, and attraction of foreign investments. This allowed the country to achieve significant economic growth, particularly in the IT and agricultural sectors.
Armenia also actively developed its international relations, seeking to draw closer to the West and integrate into international organizations. In 2001, Armenia became a member of the World Trade Organization, and in 2015 signed an agreement to establish the Eurasian Economic Union. However, relations with neighboring countries, especially Turkey and Azerbaijan, remain tense due to unresolved conflicts.
Despite achievements, Armenia faces a number of serious challenges. Political instability, corruption, and economic issues continue to be relevant. In 2015, mass protests began against the increase in electricity tariffs, indicating a rise in public discontent.
In 2018, a "velvet revolution" took place, resulting in Nikol Pashinyan becoming Prime Minister. He implemented a series of reforms aimed at combating corruption and improving the economy, leading to positive changes in the country. However, many problems still exist, such as population migration, high unemployment, and the need to resolve the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains one of the most complex and painful issues for Armenia. Despite long negotiations for peace, the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh remains tense. In 2020, the conflict escalated again, leading to large-scale hostilities and significant losses on both sides. A ceasefire was achieved with the help of Russia, but a long-term resolution to the conflict has yet to be found.
In modernity, Armenian culture is actively developing. Armenians take pride in their rich heritage, which includes music, dance, painting, and architecture. The country hosts various cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions aimed at promoting Armenian art and traditions.
Education also remains a focal point. Armenia seeks to improve its education system to prepare qualified personnel for the economy. Scientific research, especially in the IT field, is becoming increasingly popular, contributing to the development of high technology in the country.
The independence of Armenia and modernity is a period of complex changes and challenges, but also of hopes for a bright future. The country continues to strive for the development of democracy, improving the quality of life, and strengthening its international positions. Despite difficulties, the Armenian people preserve their identity and culture, making Armenia a unique country with a rich historical heritage.