Is Armenia's perception of history changing?

M. Kayra Öztürk, who is a 4th year student at Üsküdar University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Political Science and International Relations and Intern of the South Caucasus Study Desk at the Center for Strategic Research (ÜSSAM), wrote about 'Armenia's Strategic Village Return and Regional Dynamics'. Öztürk pointed out that due to the changing balances, Armenia has put aside its victimizing policies, which they used a lot in the past, Öztürk said that "It can be argued that Armenia is trying to cut the unresolved knot with its own scissors in order to unravel the knotted relations with countries that have been described as enemies for years.” Öztürk also stated that within the scope of the decision taken, Armenia aims to strengthen its position in domestic politics and foreign relations.

The lands that belonged to Azerbaijan have been transferred back to Azerbaijan"

M. Kayra Öztürk, Intern of the South Caucasus Study Desk of the Center for Strategic Research (ÜSSAM), who discussed the issue of four strategic villages that Armenia plans to return to Azerbaijan, made the following assessments:

"In recent days, the issue of four strategic villages that Armenia intends to return to Azerbaijan has caused great repercussions in the region. The move could have profound implications for political and social dynamics in the region. The Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020 and the ceasefire agreement signed afterwards changed the balances in the region. Although this war seems to have ended in a very short time in terms of the process, it has been able to bring about developments in favor of Azerbaijan in every aspect of the region, almost like an expected earthquake. Since the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, Azerbaijan has developed itself more than Armenia in every field. In short, after the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, the lands that actually belonged to Azerbaijan came under Azerbaijani rule again."

It is important how the regional powers will react to this situation

Mentioning that the decision taken shows that it aims to strengthen Armenia's position in domestic politics and foreign relations, Öztürk said that "The Pashinyan Government, which was present during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, also faced collapses and reactions on every issue. While these turbulences were taking place inside, it had to adapt to the new balances outside. For this reason, the Government of Armenia recently returned 4 villages occupied in the past to Azerbaijan. Why it retuned is an ironic question because the fact that the pre- and post-war discourses have changed to such an extent is undoubtedly the fact that more wars will also endanger Armenia's existing territories. The statements of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan indicate that this decision is aimed at strengthening Armenia's position in domestic politics and foreign relations. In terms of regional dynamics, it is especially important how Russia, Türkiye and other regional powers will react to this situation. What role Russia will play in maintaining peace in the region and Türkiye's desire to increase its influence in the region increases the complexity of this issue."

Is Armenia's perception of history changing?

Öztürk pointed out that Armenia may aim to cut the unresolved knot with its own scissors to untie its relations with countries that have been described as enemies for years. Öztürk stated that "Pashinyan's refusal to define genocide by using the term 'Great Catastrophe' is part of Armenia's perception of history. While this perception of history strengthens Armenia's national identity, it can also shape its relations with other countries. In terms of political psychology, Armenia has generally based its existence on the grievances it claims to have experienced since its establishment and tries to attract the attention and support of the international public opinion in this way. However, we understand from Pashinyan's recent statements that it can be argued that he is trying to put side the victimized policies, which they have used a lot in the past, due to the changing balances, and to cut the unresolved knot with his own scissors in terms of resolving the relations that have turned into knots with countries that have been described as enemies for years."

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)