On the basis of a comparative identity study (Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh and Armenian Diasporas) clusters of five identity segments (language, religion, genocide awareness, territory/state/statehood) are constructed and discussed.
The paper examines comparatively the role of Diaspora in the integration paths of two post-Soviet Eastern European states, Armenia and Moldova. Both countries are members of the Eastern Partnership and share some common situations with... more
The paper examines comparatively the role of Diaspora in the integration paths of two post-Soviet Eastern European states, Armenia and Moldova. Both countries are members of the Eastern Partnership and share some common situations with their Diasporas that are increasing their role in the foreign policy of their homelands. Both countries were supposed to sign Association agreement and DCFTA with the EU, while Moldova signed, but Armenia has not, announcing its U-turn intention to join the Russian led Customs Union and to participate in the formation of the Eurasian Economic Union. The paper goes beyond the reasons of the integration choices of these countries. The main reflections are oriented on the issue of the Diasporas’ influence on the integration choices and its implications for Diaspora communities. Thus, the research is concentrated on the case-studies of Armenian and Moldovan Diasporas as foreign policy assets in the host land-homeland relations. This issue can be better understood by setting its study within the shared theoretical framework of constructivism and liberalism: both constructivism and liberalism are likely to explain the impact of both identity and domestic activities on international sense.
