Eurasia News

  W hen I was invited to visit Azerbaijan, with the invitation of The Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) and Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA), I had no doubts that this would be a great opportunity to provide some insights of what I believe is just and important to work toward reconciliation between two destined to be neighbour countries.   The observations and findings that I would line up in this paper, are not only as result of my two extensive weeks throughout the country, numerous interviews with individuals as well as several visits in the sites, but as result of a much earlier interest in the region which of course culminates during my time serving as Ambassador of the Republic of Albania in Azerbaijan, 2023-2016.   A brief history of modern Azerbaijan  (known by the ancient name as Caucasian Albania).  Azerbaijan, located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, has a rich history shaped by its geog...

  C onstitutions are foundational documents that shape the political and legal structure of a nation. In democratic systems, they are intended to establish a clear separation of powers, protect individual rights, and ensure that governance is responsive to the needs of the people. However, leaders in countries like Venezuela, Russia, and Turkey have exploited constitutional amendments to centralize power, eroding democratic institutions. Indonesia faces similar risks with proposals like presidential term extensions and reintroducing state policy guidelines (PPHN), raising concerns over potential abuses of power. This article examines these issues through global comparisons and suggests reforms to safeguard democracy. Hence, the following lines are examining how the mechanism of constitutional amendments can be misused to consolidate power and undermine democratic norms, a phenomenon known as abusive constitutionalism. By analyzing cases from Turkey, Russia, Venezuela, and China, it...