Dr. Naira Sahakyan Publishes on Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

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YEREVAN, Armenia — American University of Armenia Assistant Professor Dr. Naira Sahakyan has published a new study in the Scopus-indexed journal Central Asian Survey. Titled “Framing the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: An Analysis of the Narratives of the State Leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey, 2002–2022,” the study was conceived with the support of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the Higher Education and Science Committee (MESCS) of the Republic of Armenia (grant number: 21AG-6A081).

Since the independent republics of Armenia and Azerbaijan emerged in 1991, the status of Nagorno-Karabakh has been at the center of these countries’ foreign and domestic policies.

This article centers around the colliding narratives and perspectives over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Understanding these narratives and discursive practices is crucial for comprehending the underlying motivations and interests of the involved parties and sheds light on the challenges faced in resolving the conflict through peaceful means.

Drawing upon Robert Entman’s framing theory, the analysis has demonstrated how framing powerfully shapes leaders’ narratives about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The differing frames employed by Azerbaijan’s president and Armenian leaders, coupled with strategic representations of Turkey’s involvement, contribute to the complex dynamics of the conflict. Understanding these framing strategies is crucial for comprehending the underlying motivations and interests of the involved parties and sheds light on the challenges in resolving the conflict through peaceful means. These strategies shape the narratives and perspectives of the parties involved, contributing to the complex dynamics of the conflict. These framing strategies not only shape public opinion and garner domestic support, but also influence policy decisions and actions taken by the respective governments.

Dr. Sahakyan teaches courses including Armenian History, World Civilizations, and Comparative Genocide. 

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.