The International recognition of the Armenian Genocide: A political analysis of the official documents adopted abroad

Abstract

The purpose of this Master’s Essay is to examine several important aspects of the recognition process of the Armenian Genocide unveiled on international scene in the recent decade. The Armenian Genocide has been recognized and affirmed by various governments, international organizations, political and state leaders, and prominent people. The main objective of this paper is to analyze these official documents along the following several key issues: the territory (in what terms and whether the exact territory where the Genocide had been committed was defined), the time frame of the Genocide (what dates have been specifically mentioned), the issue of the responsibility of the perpetrators (whether or not today’s Turkey is acknowledged as the legal successor of the Ottoman Empire and, therefore, responsible for the crime against humanity carried out by its predecessor). The paper would discuss other issues as well, including whether or not these documents have been adopted under the pressure of x, as well as whether the resolutions, laws and declarations of various international organizations and national legislatures recognizing the Armenian Genocide emanate primarily from the self-interests of the states or good will of their governments and people.