REASONS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS IN SOUTH CAUCASIAN REPUBLICS

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Professor, Regional Studies Department, University of Tehran

2 Ms, Regional Studies Department, University of Tehran

Abstract

All three republics of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia after the independence passed their first constitutions in 1995 and in the consequent years amended the constitutions at least two or three times. The amendments coincided with the power transition and election period which made their effects vast and considerable. Given this background, the main question of this research is that what has been the most important factor contributing to constitutional amendments in the three south Caucasian republics? Comparative evaluation of the issue shows specific homogeneity and heterogeneity between these three countries which may be experienced in other developing countries as well. To answer the question, we should pay attention to the context specially the political environment, major actors and benefiting elements and also judicial and political consequences of each amendment. The main hypothesis of this research is that maintaining power in the hands of ruling elites has been the main cause of constitutional amendments in all three republics. The method of research is descriptive–analytical.

Keywords

References

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POLITICAL QUARTERLY
Volume 48, Issue 4
March 2019
Pages 1039-1056

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History

  • Receive Date: 09 January 2017
  • Revise Date: 22 December 2016
  • Accept Date: 20 January 2017

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