M. Kayra Öztürk, a 4th-year student of Political Science and International Relations at Üsküdar University's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and an intern at the South Caucasus Desk of the Strategic Research Center (ÜSSAM), authored an article titled 'Armenia's Strategic Village Return and Regional Dynamics'. Öztürk pointed out that Armenia has shelved its victimhood-laden policies, which it frequently used in the past, due to changing balances, stating, 'It can be argued that Armenia is attempting to cut the Gordian knot with its own scissors to resolve tangled relations with countries it has depicted as enemies for years.' Öztürk also said that within the scope of the decision taken, Armenia aims to strengthen its position in domestic politics and foreign relations.
"The lands belonging to Azerbaijan have once again come under Azerbaijani control."
M. Kayra Öztürk, an intern at the South Caucasus Desk of the Strategic Research Center (ÜSSAM), who brought up the issue of the four strategic villages Armenia plans to return to Azerbaijan, made the following evaluations:
"In recent days, the issue of the four strategic villages Armenia plans to return to Azerbaijan has created a significant stir in the region. This move could have profound effects on the political and social dynamics of the area. The Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020 and the subsequent ceasefire agreement shifted the balances in the region. Although this war seemed to conclude in a very short period, it brought about developments in favor of Azerbaijan in every aspect of the region, much like an anticipated earthquake. Since the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, Azerbaijan has developed itself more than Armenia in all fields. In short, after the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, the lands that rightfully belonged to Azerbaijan have once again come under Azerbaijani control."
How Regional Powers Will React to This Situation is Important…
Referring to the decision showing Armenia's aim to strengthen its position in domestic politics and foreign relations, Öztürk stated; "During the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, the then-current Pashinyan Government faced collapses and reactions on all fronts. While these turbulences were happening internally, it also had to adapt to the new external balances. For this reason, the Armenian Government recently returned 4 villages it had occupied in the past to Azerbaijan. The reason for the return is an ironic question because the drastic change in rhetoric before and after the war undoubtedly stems from the reality that further conflict would jeopardize Armenia's existing territories. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's statements indicate that this decision aims to strengthen Armenia's position in domestic politics and foreign relations. From the perspective of regional dynamics, how Russia, Turkey, and other regional powers will react to this situation is important. Russia's role in maintaining peace in the region and Turkey's desire to increase its influence in the region add to the complexity of this issue."
Is Armenia's Perception of History Changing?
Öztürk pointed out that Armenia might aim to cut the Gordian knot with its own scissors to resolve the tangled relations with countries it has depicted as enemies for years; "Pashinyan's avoidance of defining the genocide by using the phrase 'Great Catastrophe' is part of Armenia's perception of history. This historical perception, while strengthening Armenia's national identity, can also shape its relations with other countries. From the perspective of political psychology, Armenia has generally based its existence since its foundation on alleged victimhood, attempting to attract the attention and support of the international community in this way. However, from Pashinyan's recent statements, we understand that due to changing balances, it can be argued that Armenia is aiming to shelve its victimhood-laden policies, which it frequently used in the past, and to cut the Gordian knot with its own scissors to resolve tangled relations with countries it has depicted as enemies for years."