Institutional reforms based on building integrity initiative in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze how the new Constitutional amendments can impact the general integrity building reforms in the defense sector, whether or not they ensure grounds for democratic governance based on principles of the rule of law and respect for human rights and democratic oversight over the defense and security sector, how in this context the roles of the executive and legislative actors have changed and what are the main available mechanisms, as well as other related aspects. Since the concept of democratic control over armed forces mainly refers to “the existence of a democratically elected organ that reviews and supervises the decisions adopted by the organs or authorities with military competences”, this paper will concentrate narrowly on the role of the executive which is in charge of state administration of all state structures, including the armed forces and the role of the legislative branch. The study of other important ex post control institutions like the judiciary, the ombudsman and audit offices and their respective impact on integrity building in the defense and security sector remains beyond the scope of our study. This paper draws upon a number of sources of information and great deal of materials gathered from academic and other sources and reports dedicated to the issue of corruption, defense institutions building and democratic control over armed forces. Relevant legal framework of the Republic of Armenia was also examined, including acting and previous Constitutions, relevant military law system and other legal acts. The author also conducted several informal interviews and discussions with representatives of the Ministry of Defense and Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs.