As part of the cooperation between YSU International Cooperation Office and Université Paris Cité, Aleksandr Aghajanyan, senior researcher at the Center for Culture and Civilization Studies, YSU Institute for Armenian Studies, will deliver a lecture at a prominent university in Paris for the first time.
This marks a unique opportunity to represent Yerevan State University on one of Europe’s esteemed academic platforms.
In the interview with us, Aleksandr Aghajanyan noted that although he has extensive experience in international academic exchange and cooperation, two countries stand out with particularly meaningful partnerships—both for Yerevan State University and for his own academic career.
"I would especially like to highlight our cooperation with the United States, particularly with the Melikian Center at Arizona State University. That partnership is ongoing and has fostered reciprocal visits, teaching engagements, and academic collaboration. As part of that program, I have also had the opportunity to teach in Arizona," the professor stated.
The second country with which Aleksandr Aghajanyan has longstanding academic ties is France. Despite numerous academic visits to the country, this is the first time he has been officially invited to lecture at a Parisian university as part of official cooperation between YSU and Université Paris Cité.
YSU researcher will deliver lectures on the sociology and anthropology of Armenian national identity.
"I will present the results of my recent research to French students, focusing on critical issues such as how the past—especially the Soviet past—is remembered, the evolution of Armenian-Russian cultural and political relations, and the current shaping and expression of national identity in Armenia," he explained.
It is worth emphasizing that such collaborations are not only of professional importance but also play a vital role in bringing Armenian studies to the forefront of the international academic stage.