Rule of Law: What does it take to build it?

October 4, 2011

After 20 years of independence where does Armenia stand along the trajectory toward greater transparency and rule of law? This question served as a starting point for the first discussion in a series which will be taking place at AUA, organized by Armen Mazmanyan of the Law Department. Participants at this first session reviewed a proposed framework for assessing rule of law transition, which focused on rule amongst elites, the conception of a perpetual state independent of current authorities, and political control over the regulation of violence in a society. While opinions differed in assessing Armenia’s progress, most agreed that the establishment of formal institutions and frameworks, many imported, were insufficient alone and that credible commitments to protect and foster these institutions were also needed. The discussion then moved to strategies on how to further foster progress with regard to rule of law. One idea that stood out was to identify and focus on sectors (e.g. financial) where rule of law development was in the best interest of all, including elites. Participants included persons from a wide variety of professional backgrounds.