DOCSLIB.ORG

The Features of Political Participation in Conditions of Information Society

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Features of Political Participation in Conditions of Information Society Astghik PETROSYAN UDC 316.77:323.2 Astghik PETROSYAN THE FEATURES OF POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN CONDITIONS OF INFORMATION SOCIETY Abstract In the 21st century, the Internet and information technologies form new opportunities for political par- ticipation. The Internet wide coverage has created unprecedented opportunities for dissemination of in- formation on social-political processes, for enlargement of the aware sector and for their active involve- ment in social-political processes. Use of the Internet in politics leads to the evolution of the conventional model of political participa- tion, thus, securing the impact of broad masses on the political decision-making processes. Political Internet participation makes it possible to overcome such obstacles as time and distance. The political discourse that had acquired features of horizontal communication is turning into a multi- CHAIR OF YOUNG SCIENTIST component, multi-lateral model of interactive communication. The article presents the role and influence of the Internet and means of electronic communication on political ongoings and participatory processes. An analysis is given on the role of the Internet and infor- mation technologies in the revolutionary events and power turnover processes of 2018 in Armenia. The author comes to the conclusion that neutralization of abuses and risks of the opportunities given by continually developing technologies, supposes not only philosophical consideration but also moral and legal studies and practical mechanisms. Keywords: information technology, political participation, internet, social network, information society. Under information society, the Internet and the active sector of the society to present their information technologies form a new platform initiatives and implement projects, such as fund- and opportunities for political participation. raising for the solution of various issues, for Wide coverage of the Internet, mobilification collecting signatures, social actions, and so on. have made it possible for broad social layers to Swift enlargement of the Internet coverage be more informed and more or less involved in has opened unprecedented opportunities for the political processes. Currently, the Internet is dissemination of information about social-poi- employing a specific function: from a passive tical processes, for the increase of the informed addressee of information, a user is transforming portion and for its active involvement in social- into an information developer and is becoming a political processes. subject of internet communication. The Internet Comprehensive transformations due to the forms an environment, a unique social space for development of technology, unlimited access to 100 101 101 WISDOM 1(12), 2019 Astghik PETROSYAN information resources are typical for post-indust- well as in presentation by the authorities of posi- rial or more typical for information society (Sar- tions and proposals concerning issues of public gsyan, 2008, p. 9). importance, ways to resolve them, projects con- Internet space is viewed as a special sphere cerning them, or in taking decisions through of social life. formation of public mood and opinion, in influ- Active implementation of the virtual space encing the processes aiming to enforce these de- to impede and to activate political participation cisions. in Armenia has become a serious factor during Voynov D. A. offers to classify forms of the last decade. This phenomenon achieved its political participation through the use of Internet pinnacle during the spring and summer months resources following the traditional classification of 2018. of forms of political participation. Conventional The aim of the present survey is to reveal and non-conventional forms of political partici- the role and significance of the Internet and elec- pation are singled out here. Conventional politi- tronic communication in the revolutionary events cal participation is implemented in compliance and power turnover in Armenia in 2018. with legal norms and procedures set in a definite Still, in 1996, Lawrence K. Grossman political system. Non-conventional participation (1995) (former president of NBC News and occasionally breaks these norms and is displayed former president of the Public Broadcasting via direct actions, bypassing representative insti- System) predicted that the Internet would give tutions. Besides, some forms of internet commu- wide opportunities to involve the public in the nication activities can be classified among meth- decision-making process (p. 290). Grossman‟s ods of political protest, which differ from non- predictions are coming true in the 21st century. conventional ones merely because don‟t presume John Barlow in his “A Declaration of the immediate physical impact (Voynov, 2016, p. Independence of Cyberspace” in a figurative 50). way condensing the processes taking place Conventional forms of political participa- around the world said: “In our world, who wants tion on the Internet include: and wherever wants, can express his thoughts, no 1. voting at Internet elections, polls, referenda; matter how unusual they are, without fear that 2. creation and dissemination of political in- they will be forced to keep silent or to agree with formation through blogs, websites, Internet- the majority. ... In our world, everything that cre- papers, etc.; ates human thought can reproduce and dissolve 3. fund-raising to support a party or move- endlessly without paying any price”. It‟s about ment; cyberspace (Barlow, 1996). 4. participation in discussions of political is- Wide coverage of the Internet has resulted sues in certain blogs, websites, teleconfer- in a new method of political participation – polit- ences of political parties (movements), In- ical participation via the use of Internet re- ternet communities, state bodies. sources. Non-conventional forms include: Political participation through the Internet 5. hackers‟ attacks on citizens‟ websites, por- means involvement of various groups via infor- tals of state bodies, political parties and oth- mation technologies in political processes, as ers; 102 WISDOM 1(12), 2019 102 103 WISDOM 1(12), 2019 The Features of Political Participation in Conditions of Information Society information resources are typical for post-indust- well as in presentation by the authorities of posi- 6. such political provocations as technologies between the managerial and participatory models rial or more typical for information society (Sar- tions and proposals concerning issues of public of “black PR” (creation of clone-sites, dis- combining their main characteristics: participa- gsyan, 2008, p. 9). importance, ways to resolve them, projects con- semination of false information) (Voynov, tion of citizens in the process of taking political Internet space is viewed as a special sphere cerning them, or in taking decisions through 2016, p. 50). decisions and management of the information of social life. formation of public mood and opinion, in influ- There are different meetings and ways of agenda. Active implementation of the virtual space encing the processes aiming to enforce these de- classifying political participation in political lit- Finally, the participatory model character- to impede and to activate political participation cisions. erature: orthodox and unorthodox, elemental and izes multi-faceted, horizontal and multi-direction in Armenia has become a serious factor during Voynov D. A. offers to classify forms of organized (Vasilik, 2000, pp. 213-214), latent interrelations between citizens and politicians. Its the last decade. This phenomenon achieved its political participation through the use of Internet (non-explicit, unspecified) and explicit, individu- main advantage is that its format supposes organ- pinnacle during the spring and summer months resources following the traditional classification al and collective, legitimate and unlawful (Ek- ization of contacts not only at layers citizen- of 2018. of forms of political participation. Conventional man & Amna, 2012, p. 289). citizen and government-citizen but also the exist- The aim of the present survey is to reveal and non-conventional forms of political partici- Chadwick A. and May C. (2003) consider it ence of well-established feedback communica- the role and significance of the Internet and elec- pation are singled out here. Conventional politi- expedient to divide political activeness on the tion from citizens to the state. The participatory tronic communication in the revolutionary events cal participation is implemented in compliance Internet into three groups: managerial, consul- model presumes that governments should be and power turnover in Armenia in 2018. with legal norms and procedures set in a definite tative and participatory (p. 276). open for dialogue with citizens and organized Still, in 1996, Lawrence K. Grossman political system. Non-conventional participation Within the managerial model of internet groups. (1995) (former president of NBC News and occasionally breaks these norms and is displayed participation, the process of involving Internet- Whatever the bases and forms for the classi- former president of the Public Broadcasting via direct actions, bypassing representative insti- technologies is viewed solely as improvement of fication of political participation, they are all ex- System) predicted that the Internet would give tutions. Besides, some forms of internet commu- traditional technologies implemented to update posed to the impact of IT, gaining
Load more

Recommended publications
  • State of Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement in Armenia
    State of intellectual property protection and enforcement in Armenia 2020 Supported by Implemented by Table of contents Foreword ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................... 5 About Editors ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................................ 7 Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 9 Executive summary ............................................................................................................................... 11 Chapter 1 Contribution of IP system and IP protection to economic growth and development .......................................................................................................................................... 13 1.1. Importance of efficient IP system for economic growth and development ............. 13 1.2. Importance of IP protection for national economies ............................................... 15 Chapter 2. Current state of the IP system in Armenia ..................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Velvet Revolution’ in Armenia 2018 ______Nina Kolarzik
    Revolutions and the International: The Negotiated Character of the ‘Velvet Revolution’ in Armenia 2018 _____________________________________ Nina Kolarzik International Relations Department of Global Political Studies Bachelor’s Degree Programme – IR103L, IR 61-90 15 Credits Thesis Summer 2020 Supervisor: Scott McIver Kolarzik, Nina 19970512T086 Abstract In a global system of increasing instability and civil society protest movements, it is important for IR to pay attention to revolutions. In the past, Marxist-structuralist theories have contributed to the research on revolutions and the international but are insufficient to explain recent cases and a contemporary generation of scholars has provided more multivariate and processual theories about revolutions. Within this field, this thesis concerns the theory development about revolutions and their international dimension. The guiding argument guiding is that revolutions are internatio na l events which are being shaped by and shaping the international system. Using the concept of “negotiated revolutions” by George Lawson, the Armenian “Velvet Revolution” 2018 is analysed as a comparative case-study to describe its international aspects. By applying the theory to a new case, it can be explored whether it still holds in another context beyond the cases with that Lawson established it. The analysis uses qualitative data from multiple sources, employing an intersoc iet y approach and incorporating different contemporary explanations into the analysis of the case and its characteristics. It is concluded that the concept negotiated revolution is well suited to explain the dynamics of the Armenian Revolution in relation to the international system. Key Words: Velvet Revolutio n, Armenia, theories of revolution, negotiated revolutio ns, critical theories Word Count: 13 995 Kolarzik, Nina 19970512T086 Table of Contents 1.
    [Show full text]
  • THE ARMENIAN Ctator Volume LXXXVIII, NO
    JULY 22, 2017 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVIII, NO. 1, Issue 4495 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Two Armenians Injured ‘The Bird Has Flown’ In Egypt Attack CAIRO (Public Radio of Armenia) — Two about the Prophet Mohammed in a Armenian nationals were injured on July 14 in Sevan Nisanyan September 2012 blog post. stabbings at a hotel in the popular Red Sea Escapes From Prison “For anyone familiar with the workings resort of Hurghada that left two tourists killed, of the Turkish legal system, it is obvious reports the Armenian Embassy in Egypt. ISTANBUL (Rudaw) — A Turkish- that the construction charges are a smoke- The injuries are not life-threatening, the Armenian intellectual out on a temporary screen, and that Nisanyan is being pun- Embassy said. pass from prison did not return at the ished for his political and religious imperti- Two tourists, reported to be women, were appointed time, instead taking to social nence, made all the more serious by the killed in the incident, the BBC quotes Egyptian media to announce he had escaped. fact that he is an ethnic Armenian,” his medical officials as saying. “The bird has flown,” Sevan Nisanyan website states. At least four other people were injured and a tweeted on Friday, July 14, changing his In interviews man has been arrested. The attacker was neu- profile picture to an image of a bird. “The with Turkish tralized thanks to efforts of one of the same wishes for the remaining 80 million.” media outlets, Armenians, Spokesman for the Armenian N i s a n y a n Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tigran Balayan said Nisanyan, 61, is a linguist and writer.
    [Show full text]
  • AUA Annual Report 2017-2018
    - 2018 - - 2018 - Annual Report 2017-2018 1 02. Message from the Chair Education is the Table of 03. Message from the President 04. Presidential Commendation most powerful Contents 06. Building and Planning for a New Armenia weapon which you 08. Leading Armenia into the Future 09. Distinguished Alumnus can use to change 10. Keeping Alumni Connected Around the World 12. New Campus Additions Funded by USAID/ASHA the world. 14. Highlights of New Degree Programs at AUA 18. International Grants by the European Commission -Nelson Mandela 20. Center for Research in Applied Linguistics (CRAL): Building English Language Skills from an Early Age 22. Financial Highlights 38. 100 Pillars of AUA 44. American University of Armenia Corporation & Fund Boards of Trustees 48. AUA Executive Team UA keeps on growing. Our This current activity and our future he 2017-2018 academic year community at large, who can join Message second undergraduate class growth will require adding new Message proved to be another year through the public pathway adjacent A has graduated, eighty-seven faculty, programs and facilities. AUA’s T of accomplishments for the to the amphitheater. We are grateful percent of whom are beginning new Data Science bachelor’s degree American University of Armenia. to ASHA and the American people for work or advanced studies, plus a few program is starting. We plan to add Most importantly, we started two new helping us make these unique and from the more beginning military service. an engineering building in the near from the degree programs: a BS in Engineering purposeful facilities available to our Their academic year was extended future with laboratories to support Sciences and an MS in Strategic students, faculty and the community a week to allow a makeup of classes AUA’s commitment to engineering Management.
    [Show full text]
  • ARMENIAN ELECTION MANIFESTOS Inesa Rubinyan
    POST-REVOLUTION: ARMENIAN ELECTION MANIFESTOS A qualitative text- analysis of three Armenian political parties’ 2018 election manifestos from a feminist perspective Inesa Rubinyan Development Studies C (Bachelor Thesis) Department of Government Uppsala University, Spring 2020 Supervisor: Li Bennich-Björkman Words: 12341 Pages: 38 1 Abstract This thesis aims to examine the 2018 election manifestos of Armenia’s three ruling political parties’- My Step Alliance’s, Prosperous Armenia’s and Bright Armenia’s views on main political points and especially if and how gender and gender equality was represented. The theoretical perspective used in this thesis is feministic perspective while a qualitative text analysis is used to examine the material. Keywords: text analysis, gender equality, Armenian politics, election manifesto 2 Preface The idea behind the topic of this thesis developed from my interest in women's rights and gender equality. I would like to thank my supervisor Li Bennich-Björkman for her patience and support. Writing this thesis would not be possible without the support from my family and my beloved ones. 3 Table of Contents List of Abbreviations……………………………………………………………………………………..…..…….5 1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………..…….6 1.1. Gender inequality in Armenia…………………………………………………………...…………………….6 1.2. My Step Alliance and women……………………………………………………………...………………….8 1.3. Bright Armenia and women…………………………………………………………………..……………….8 1.4. Prosperous Armenia and women……………………………………………………………………………...9 2. Aims and research
    [Show full text]
  • The Armenian Revolution
    The Armenian Revolution: An Unfinished Cable provides an analysis of the political situation and the causes of mass protests in Armenia in the spring of 2018, which led to the change of political power in that country. THE ARMENIAN REVOLUTION The author describes the mechanisms of the formation of the post­Soviet model of the state in Armenia and the process of growing social discontent. He reports in detail the course of revolutionary events as seen through the eyes of Western diplomats stationed in Yerevan. The study notes the successes of the new political team in reforming the country, as well as the difficulties it AN UNFINISHED CABLE has experienced due, among others, to the resistance of the old economic and political structures. The author analyzes the geopolitical context of the reform process in Armenia. He takes into account the factor of the conflict in Nagorno­Karabakh and its possible settlement. The essay deals with the possible impact of the events in Armenia on the development of the situation in other post­Soviet countries. Piotr A. Świtalski The final part contains suggestions and recommendations regarding the European Union’s policy and Poland’s activities in the region, and towards Armenia in particular. Piotr Antoni Świtalski (born 1957) is a career Polish diplomat holding the rank of titular ambassador. He was Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia with the rank and title of ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary (2015–2019), Under­ secretary of state (deputy foreign minister) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2005), Permanent Representative of Poland to the Council of Europe (2005–2010), The Polish Institute of International director for policy planning at the Council Affairs (PISM) is a leading Central of Europe (2010–2014), director of the European think tank that positions Department of Foreign Policy Planning itself between the world of politics and at MFA (2002–2005), director of the Asia independent analysis.
    [Show full text]
  • Women Challenging Gender Norms and Patriarchal Values in Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Across the South Caucasus 46
    Caucasus Edition Journal of Conflict Transformation CHALLENGING GENDER NORMS, DEALING WITH THE PAST, AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT Community-Driven Conflict Transformation in the South Caucasus Caucasus Edition: Journal of Conflict Transformation Caucasus Edition Volume 3, Issue 1 2018 Volume 3 | Issue 1 CHALLENGING GENDER NORMS, DEALING WITH THE PAST, AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT Community-Driven Conflict Transformation in the South Caucasus Editors: Philip Gamaghelyan, Sevil Huseynova, Maria Karapetyan, Pınar Sayan Tbilisi 2018 © Caucasus Edition: Journal of Conflict Transformation ISSN 2155-5478 1 2 This publication has been produced in the framework of the project “Joint Platform for Realistic Peace in the South Caucasus” of the Imagine Center for Conflict Transformation in partnership with the Center for Independent Social Research – Berlin. The Imagine Center is an independent, non-political organization that is dedicated to positively transforming relations and laying foundations for lasting and sustainable peace in conflict- torn societies. www.imaginedialogue.com, [email protected] The Center for Independent Social Research – Berlin (CISR-Berlin) is a non- governmental organization focused on social research, civil society development and education in cooperation with Eastern Europe and post-Soviet states. www.cisr-berlin.org, [email protected] The project “Joint Platform for Realistic Peace in the South Caucasus” is funded by ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen) / Funding program zivik with resources provided
    [Show full text]
  • Armenian Dreams of Democracy – EDSN Blog EDSN Blog
    19/10/2018 Armenian Dreams of Democracy – EDSN Blog EDSN Blog ☰ Menu Armenian Dreams of Democracy ฀ June 27, 2018June 27, 2018 ฀ 3 Minutes By Licínia Simão (http://edsn.css.ge/licinia-simao.html) The month of April 2018 in Armenia was marked by an unprecedented level of popular mobilization (hps://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-sarkisian-prime-minister-yerevan-protests/29174232.html) demanding the resignation of Prime-minister Serzh Sargsyan and the end of the corrupt system he enabled as President over the last decade. He announced his resignation (hps://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-sarkisian-resignation/29187322.html) on April 23, following 11 days of protests in Yerevan and other major Armenian cities. By May, the “Velvet Revolution” had catapulted to power. Armenia’s case is a clear evidence of the domestic desire for democracy of the societies of the South Caucasus and the steps they are ready to take when these dreams are not fulfilled, neither by their leaders nor international partners. Source: iarmenia.org What role is there for Western institutions and countries’ democracy promotion policies in Armenia, after years of acceptance and legitimation of a regime that is now removed by popular protests? Although Armenia needs this international cooperation, due to the important economic, financial and political capital its provides the country, a qualitative shift is in order, as a means to respond to the popular demands for democracy. https://eurasiademocraticsecuritynetwork.wordpress.com/2018/06/27/armenian-dreams-of-democracy/ 1 of 3 https://eurasiademocraticsecuritynetwork.wordpress.com/2018/06/27/armenian-dreams-of-democracy/ 1/3 19/10/2018 Armenian Dreams of Democracy – EDSN Blog The failed transition from Soviet rule to democracy has been hidden behind the urgency of managing the ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh and difficult relations with Turkey.
    [Show full text]
  • Pashinyan's Gambit Or Armenia's Failed Revolution
    ACTA VIA SERICA Vol. 5, No. 1, June 2020: 121–152 doi: 10.22679/avs.2020.5.1.005 Pashinyan’s Gambit or Armenia’s Failed Revolution VAHRAM ABADJIAN The article is a critical examination of the political developments in Armenia since the ‘Velvet Revolution’ of April-May 2018, when, on the wave of massive protests against the ruling regime, new young forces came to power raising amongst broad segments of population enormous enthusiasm and hopes about radical reforms that would lead to profound transformations in the political and socio-economic spheres. It contains a thorough analysis of underlying political processes in the country in an attempt to answer a number of topical questions, so important to get a deeper understanding of the situation in Armenia and in the South Caucasus region. Based on the analysis of the new authorities’ performance against the acknowledged benchmarks and standards of democracy consolidation, such as: separation of powers, independence of the judiciary, good governance, transitional justice the author comes to the conclusion that they failed to achieve any breakthrough in the above-mentioned fields. On the contrary, as demonstrated by concrete examples, what occurred in Armenia was not a revolution but a mere regime change under the leadership of Prime Minister Pashinyan, who gradually has concentrated in his hands executive, legislative, and quasi-totality of the judicial branch of power. Key words: Armenia, ‘velvet revolution’, PM Pashinyan, democracy consolidation, political parties Dr. VAHRAM ABADJIAN ([email protected]) is an independent international affairs expert and former Ambassador of Armenia to the United Kingdom. 122 Acta Via Serica, Vol.
    [Show full text]
  • The Velvet Revolution in Armenia: How to Lose Power in Two Weeks Alexander Iskandaryan
    The Velvet Revolution in Armenia: How to Lose Power in Two Weeks Alexander Iskandaryan Demokratizatsiya: The Journal of Post-Soviet Democratization, Volume 26, Number 4, Fall 2018, pp. 465-482 (Article) Published by Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies, The George Washington University For additional information about this article https://muse.jhu.edu/article/707882 No institutional affiliation (20 Jan 2019 19:09 GMT) Demokratizatsiya: The Journal of Post-Soviet Democratization 26: 4 (Fall 2018): pp. 465-482. THE VELVET REVOLUTION IN ARMENIA: HOW TO LOSE POWER IN TWO WEEKS ALEXANDER ISKANDARYAN CAUCASUS INSTITUTE, YEREVAN Abstract: The 2018 power transition in Armenia, known as the Velvet Revolution, took place roughly a year after the 2017 parliamentary election, in which the only opposition bloc of three parties—including the Civil Contract Party, led by Nikol Pashinyan, the future revolutionary leader— won just over 7% of the vote. The newly elected opposition MPs did not dispute the results of the election, but just a year later, mass protests toppled the regime in two weeks and Pashinyan became the new head of state. This article argues that the 2017 success and the 2018 demise of Armenia’s regime had the same cause: the absence of a developed political party system in Armenia. It also argues that the revolution was triggered by a lack of alternative modes of mass political engagement and made possible by the weakness of the regime—its “multiple sovereignty.” As a result, new elites were formed ad hoc from the pool of people who rose to power as a result of civil strife and who often adhere to a Manichaean worldview.
    [Show full text]
  • Regional Migrant Health Survey on Tuberculosis and HIV and Health Service Response for Migrants in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia
    Regional Migrant Health Survey on Tuberculosis and HIV and Health Service Response for Migrants in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia International Organization for Migration 17 route des Morillons, P.O. Box 17, 1211 Geneva 19, Switzerland Tel: +41 22 717 9111 • Fax: +41 22 798 6150 Email: [email protected] • Website: www.iom.int The opinions expressed in the report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) or the Governments of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the report do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IOM or the Governments of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries. IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants. This regional survey report is a final outcome document of the regional project in the South Caucasus countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia titled “Enhancing Mechanisms for Prevention, Detection and Treatment of HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Among Migrant and Mobile Populations in the South Caucasus Countries” supported by the IOM Development Fund. Publisher: International Organization for Migration 17 route des Morillons P.O.
    [Show full text]
  • Read / Download 2020 Program Booklet in Pdf Format
    2 ARPA FOUNDATION FOR FILM, MUSIC & ART (AFFMA) presents 23rd ANNUAL ARPA INTERNATIONAl FILM FESTIVAL powered by Seed&Spark This year marks the 23rd anniversary of Arpa International Film Festival, the signature event of the Arpa Foundation for Film, Music and Art (AFFMA), which will take place between November 12 – 22, 2020. We have an amazing and inspiring selection of 69 films from 20 countries from all over the world. In consideration of the continuing challenges and uncertainty stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, and per the extended federal and state guidelines, The Arpa IFF, which in the past has originally taken place at historic theaters around Hollywood, will take place online this year. In the midst of our festival planning, having to relocate online created new and unexpected challenges for our team. This year, with the help of Seed&Spark, we worked very hard to make the transitional process easily accessible for our film audiences. While it was our hope to screen the films theatrically, streaming the films online will reach a greater viewership. From the comfort of your own home, people from all around the world can take part in our 23rd Annual Festival. However, another international threat has affected communities across the globe and our Festival i.e., the war between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan. The suffering of soldiers fighting for truth, honor and justice in Artsakh leaves a deep mark, not just on our Festival, but on humanity at large. Arpa International Film Festival has decided to donate all of its proceeds from the ticket sales to aid Artsakh.
    [Show full text]