Conflict and Cooperation in Armenian Diaspora Mobilisation for Genocide Recognition

Abstract

Mobilising for genocide recognition has been central for sustaining the Armenian diaspora for over a century. This chapter analyses how genocide recognition claims become sustained through conflict and cooperation, internal and external to the Armenian diaspora. Internally, activists have been involved in cooperation with different diaspora sub-groups, despite often existing party rivalries. Externally, Armenian diaspora activists have been involved in both cooperative and conflictual relationships with other diasporas. Arameans and Pontus Greeks, also affected by the 1915 genocide, have been long-time allies to the better-organised Armenians. Conflict has been pronounced with Turks and Azeri in the diaspora, who have developed their own counter-mobilisations. This chapter concludes that both conflict and cooperation are central to sustain diaspora mobilisation for genocide recognition.