The English version of the book “US-Armenian Relations from 1991 to 2000” by Sevak Melikyan, a PhD in Historical Sciences, is already available. In fact, this is already the second monograph by the author. The Armenian version of the book was published back in 2008 and reissued in 2010. The editors of the book are Prof. Edik Minasyan, Doctor of Historical Sciences Arman Kirakosyan and Hamlet Melikyan (Father of the author). The translation of the book was carried out by Gohar Madoyan, PhD in linguistics.
The book provides an in-depth scientific analysis of the development process of the relations between the Republic of Armenia and the United States of America including the political, economic, scientific, educational and cultural relations of the time period under consideration, the US position over the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the Armenian Genocide recognition process in the USA. “These issues are more than actual in the context of the current geopolitical reality”, Sevak Melikyan said.
According to the author the book underwent considerable changes after the defense of the PhD and became more suitable for larger masses. “This is a very important fact since a too much scientific book generally repels readers, thus creating a barrier between the book and the larger public. After all, science should find a practical significance for everyone. In this case, the scientific investigation of the current historical, situational, diplomatic, political issues and their publicity should be harmonious. If the books overwhelms the readers with heavy scientific terminology, it will end up being isolated” the author stated.
In his observations the former RA Ambassador to the USA, Arman Kirakosyan, mentioned,
“Here is a most valuable piece of investigation, which may be considered one of the first attempts to illustrate the US-Armenian relations in various fields from 1991 to 2000. It is sure to serve as a valuable piece of research for diplomats, experts in international law, political scientists and students alike”.
To the question what was the motive for issuing the English version of the book, the author answered, “Our country is isolated from the world both scientifically and politically. The loud statements as though we are an “open, democratic country” are nothing but ridiculous. I know many European, American scientists, students who have constantly complained of the lack of literature about Armenia in English, French in the world libraries and online. Once a student from California University was here on a study visit. The object of his study was the US-Armenian relations and he faced a real problem when trying to find the necessary material about Armenia in English. In the end he was forced to change the topic of his investigation. Armenia literally is barefooted in this matter. Really, there is very little literature on Armenia in foreign languages”, the author believes. In his words, when the Armenian version of the book was sent to California, the Congress Library immediately got interested in the availability of the English version.
To the questions who covered the expenses of the publication and whether it is available for all scientists, Sevak Melikyan stated that the publication of the book was quite expensive and time-consuming at the same time. “I spent four years working on the book and several thousand dollars to have it published. Frankly speaking, I received no financial support from any state institution and thus it is evident that it is not readily available to all scientists living and working in Armenia”. He also added that the state bodies, as in all cases, make up stories to avoid any support. “State bodies talk only, scientists do the job.
The most important thing is that the modern history of Armenia and its relations with the USA will be presented to the world. I do believe that the key goal of any scholar is to make his/her work public. I am happy I was lucky in this and I was able to make it.”
The author added that he was going to spend his own means to send several copies of the book to the libraries of the leading universities, the US Congress Library, a number of world-acclaimed libraries. Moreover, currently the book is available on world leading online platforms Amazon, eBay, Facebook and elsewhere. In his words, it is a step to enter the scientific world.
“We are locked in a small country and it is high time we made steps and entered the world. If the state fails to take actions, it is the duty of scholars to do that, regardless of challenges. Today technologies and transparency provide us with a chance to make this possible” Sevak Melikyan assured.
