Turkish-Armenian Rapprochement: Psychology of Narratives and Investigation of Dialogue among Parties

Abstract

The present research project analyzes public opinions and attitudes in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the United States of America towards the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement attempts in 2008-2010.The issue has created hot disputes in public and media, mainly, because its outcome is linked with status-quos of several other ardently discussed issues. As found out, some individuals, groups, and states openly praise and support the process, whereas others, such as Armenian Diaspora, perform as ardent antagonists of it. This discord has created an opportunity to analyze what are the actual, leading narratives towards the Turkish-Armenian reconciliation in the states involved in the process. The present work attempts to analyze the fluctuations of the narratives and look for the subject of visible patterns of diplomatic dialogue across the parties. For these purposes, more than four hundred unique articles from four different sources have been selected, sorted out, and analyzed for revealing the leading narratives in four states involved in the process. The present research does not drive forth any particular idea and opinion; it rather attempts to draw a clear picture using articles placed in selected media sources of the key parties. In addition, the present research and its findings might assist future analysts aiming at implementing research at any aspect of the Turkish-Armenian Rapprochement.