Published September 30, 2012 By Erin Crandell and Filipa Carreira Briefing CCPPR12AM Report available in PDF and Flash formats

Though Armenia successfully transitioned to independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the political process has struggled to rid itself of residual Soviet influence. The 2008 election was marred by electoral inconsistencies culminating in riots and violence that were quelled by police. Armenia’s economy is intrinsically tied to Russia’s: many Armenians continue to migrate to Russia to escape high unemployment and Russia provides most of Armenia’s energy resources. Armenia has been engaged in a territorial conflict with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region since its independence. Although there has been a ceasefire since 1994, the frozen conflict remains the biggest security threat in the region, and continues to be a source of contention between Armenia and its neighbors, especially Turkey.

Like many ex-Soviet bloc states, Armenia’s development has been crippled by endemic and systemic corruption. Organized crime, linked to human trafficking, drug trafficking and smuggling of weapons materials, continues. The country’s poor record of State Legitimacy dates back to 2008 when President Serge Sargsian, invoking a state of emergency, used brutal force to quell post election violence. Human Rights violations on the part of the state and security forces continue today. The ripple effect of the European Union’s economic crisis aggravated the national economy and provoked a decline in foreign investment and remittances.

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