As part of its effort to train a new generation of leaders, the Azerbaijani government supports many young Azerbaijanis who want to study abroad.  Azerbaijan in the World talked to four students about their experiences abroad.  Portions of some of their answers to seven questions as given below provide a portrait of this remarkable group of people ...

The European Union has launched a process to create a European Higher Education Area (EHEA) by 2010.  This is to be achieved through international cooperation and academic exchange in the context of the so-called Bologna Declaration.  The EHEA entails, among other key changes, the establishment of a three-level degree system - bachelor, master and doctorate, the introduction of standard quality assurance mechanisms, and the definition of a common system of qualifications and academic credits.  The Bologna Declaration was signed by the ministers of education from 29 Europea...

After recovering its independence in 1991, Azerbaijan faced many challenges but none more important to its future and to the future of its citizens than the reform of its higher educational institutions.  Reforming a higher education system is enormously difficult, invariably expensive and political.  Azerbaijan brings to the task both advantages and disadvantages.  On the one hand, the rapid growth of the country’s economy and Azerbaijan’s historical cosmopolitanism give it the resources and the willingness to explore new approaches.  But on the other, the contin...

Russia’s use of armed force in Georgia has created a new situation for national security planners in the post-Soviet states and adjoining countries.  Prior to Moscow’s actions in August-September 2008, most governments in this region designed their militaries to serve as a symbol and integrator of statehood, to respond to internal challenges to their rule, or to be in a position to take part in peacekeeping operations for one or another international organisation. Those tasks continue to be important, and no government in this region is going to ignore them as it considers what ...