Transfer up or down? Dialogue groups between Turkish and Armenian communities in the United States

Abstract

AbstractDrawing from four case studies of dialogue groups between Turkish American and Armenian American communities organized over the past decade, this article examines the political value of grassroots diplomacy. In particular, it questions the emphasis on the transfer‐up paradigm prevalent in the literature of conflict resolution, which is premised on the ultimate importance of governmental structures in brokering a resolution. Instead, the article focuses on the role that grassroots communities can play in civil society development between two communities as an alternate pathway toward conflict resolution and reconciliation. The article also takes up the dilemma that dialogue groups face: to promote a resolution to a conflict versus advancing social justice and human rights. The article concludes with a set of theoretical and policy recommendations.