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Democracy in Armenia and Diaspora-Armenia Relations

Democracy in Armenia and Diaspora-Armenia Relations. Dzovinar Derderian Georgetown University and PFA. Diaspora-Armenia Relations. How these relations are perceived generally? How they have evolved in the past 20 years?

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Democracy in Armenia and Diaspora-Armenia Relations

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  1. Democracy in Armenia and Diaspora-Armenia Relations Dzovinar Derderian Georgetown University and PFA

  2. Diaspora-Armenia Relations • How these relations are perceived generally? • How they have evolved in the past 20 years? • What is the value system of major organizations of the Diaspora, especially in regards to democracy?

  3. To answer these questions… • “Diaspora-Armenia” Disagreements • “Diaspora-Armenia” Agreements • Evolution of relations from one administration to the other (LTPKocharianSS)

  4. Disagreements • Karabakh movement-challenges to Soviet power • Diaspora voices-(Dashnak, Hnchak, Ramkavar) • Declaration on Independence • Diaspora voices-(Dashnak, Hnchak, Ramkavar) • Dashnak-Levon Ter-Petrossian clash • Seen as a Diaspora-Armenia clash • 2008 post-election protests in the US against Armenia’s authorities • Turkey-Armenia Protocols-ARF disagrees, others agree

  5. Conclusions Based on Disagreements on Diaspora’s Value-System • Major organizations oppose Armenia’s authorities mostly on foreign policy issues • Major organizations prefer powerful authorities, and don’t take side with the people • Democracy only matters when the lack of it harms the major organizations’ participation in government

  6. Conclusions Based on Disagreements about Concept of Diaspora • When 10,000s of people protests in California, newspapers didn’t talk of a rift between Diaspora and Armenia • Generally Diaspora-Armenia relations are seen as endangered when ARF clash with Armenia’s authorities (misconception)

  7. Evolution of “Diaspora-Armenia relations” • Levon Ter Petrosian • Policy to maintain Diaspora out of Armenia’s politics • No PR or major effort to gain the Diaspora on his side • Robert Kocharian • Emphasis on Genocide/Nationalism to gain Diaspora’s favor • Strong public relations with millionaires of Diaspora • Legalization and integration of ARF within his administration

  8. Consequences • Little to no criticism against authorities • Consolidation of power and resources • Further simplification of understanding of Diaspora and Diaspora-Armenia relations

  9. Recommendation • Reevaluation major Diaspora organizations’ goals for Armenia • Democracy first! • Politicization and increased organization of some institutions within the Diaspora that assist the opposition or grassroots organizations in Armenia • Unity is a myth and not beneficial for democracy

  10. Recommendations • More cooperation between major Diaspora organizations and grassroots or opposition groups within Armenia • Opposition in Armenia to increase criticism of the current major Diaspora organizations and their relations with Armenia’s authorities • Increased and better coverage of events in Armenia relating to social, economic and political issues in Armenia

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