From time to time we would like to offer some (and diverse) perspectives on important Armenian issues in this rubric and hope that you are going to find interesting insights. Of course you might not always agree with the authors' view (we certainly do not). However, it is our hope that you will find the readings thought-provoking.
We at FAR believe that conversation is the only real path to understanding complex and intricate global issues, regional challenges, or just human nature.
The Journal of Conflict Transformation is an independent online publication that provides a forum for scholars, practitioners, policy analysts, starting researchers and bloggers to analyze as well as discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and issues related to it.
Edited by Phil Gamaghelyan, the publication (as the editing board proclaims) contributes to sustainable resolution of the conflict by expanding scholarship on the subject and encouraging diverse perspectives and analysis.
Meddling From Afar: Diasporas’ Role in Conflict Resolution
Diasporas provide the uprooted masses a home away from home and a sense of belonging. Along with preserving their heritage, culture, and identity, diasporas also play an important role in enriching their adoptive homes by contributing to the cultural, religious, linguistic, and ethnic diversity. Furthermore, many diasporic groups become politically active in an effort to influence policymaking not only in their adoptive homes, but to also bring about change in their countries of origin by contributing to democratization and promotion of human rights.
However, when it comes to conflict resolution, diasporic groups, wittingly or unwittingly, seem to do more harm than good. The United States – as a major player in international affairs and home to a political system that is highly conducive to lobbying activities – provides a good case for examining diasporas’ role in conflict resolution (or perpetuation) in their native homes. Such lobbying activities and power contests are apparent among the Armenian and Azerbaijani diasporas in the US. Large segments of both diasporas have adopted quite an intransigent stance on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, thus partly contributing to the setbacks in the peace process.
Hat Tip: Ani Wandaryan via @GoldenTent on Twitter
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