Dzovinar DerderianGeorgetown University and PFA

Diaspora-Armenia RelationsHow 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?

To answer these questions…

“Diaspora-Armenia” Disagreements

“Diaspora-Armenia” Agreements

Evolution of relations from one administration to the other (LTPKocharianSS)

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

Conclusions Based on Disagreements on Diaspora’s Value-SystemMajor organizations oppose Armenia’s

authorities mostly on foreign policy issuesMajor 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

Conclusions Based on Disagreements about Concept of DiasporaWhen 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)

Evolution of “Diaspora-Armenia relations”Levon Ter Petrosian

Policy to maintain Diaspora out of Armenia’s politicsNo PR or major effort to gain the Diaspora on his

sideRobert Kocharian

Emphasis on Genocide/Nationalism to gain Diaspora’s favor

Strong public relations with millionaires of DiasporaLegalization and integration of ARF within his

administration

ConsequencesLittle to no criticism against authorities

Consolidation of power and resources

Further simplification of understanding of Diaspora and Diaspora-Armenia relations

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

RecommendationsMore 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