Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is making bold moves to turn the page on decades of ethnic bitterness not just with neighboring Azerbaijan, but even with Turkey, invoking some to call him “Nobel-worthy.”
A Very Risky Gesture of Reconciliation
Pashinyan has publicly framed his current diplomacy as historic. During a visit to Georgia in September 2024, he declared that Armenia has a “historic opportunity to close the page of confrontation” in the South Caucasus. He emphasized that peace would benefit not only Armenia and Azerbaija but also Turkey, Georgia, and Iran.
Perhaps most striking was his summit in Istanbul in June 2025 his first working visit to Turkey in office. There, he called for a normalization of ties and announced a major policy shift: Armenia would pause its campaign for international recognition of the 1915 genocide. This concession drew sharp criticism at home, but Pashinyan argues it’s part of a pragmatic effort to build peace.
Backlash and Deep Grievances
Not everyone welcomes his gestures. Critics accuse him of rewriting history or even denying key elements of Armenian identity. His remarks about “revisiting” the Armenian Genocide suggesting that its “agenda” only fully emerged after World War II reignited long-standing tensions.
Domestically, Pashinyan’s approach is controversial. Some in Armenia view his diplomacy with Azerbaijan (especially border deals) as dangerous compromise rather than courageous peacemaking.
The Hard Reality of Conflict
Pashinyan’s push for reconciliation comes against the backdrop of a brutal recent past. In 2023, Azerbaijan launched a military offensive on Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to a near-complete exodus of ethnic Armenians from the region. He has called the episode ethnic cleansing and argued that Armenians from the area cannot safely return under current conditions.
Still, Pashinyan insists the peace process must continue. He has urged rapid border demarcation to prevent future conflict a move he says is essential to avoid another war.
Why This Matters
- Geopolitical gamble: By reaching out to Azerbaijan and Turkey, Pashinyan is stepping into fraught historical territory but he sees it as the only path to a stable future.
- Domestic divide: Many Armenians feel that Pashinyan’s concessions are a betrayal of national memory, particularly when it comes to the genocide and lands once claimed.
- International implications: His peace initiative is being closely watched in Europe and the U.S. as a potential model (or test) for regional stability.
- Moral calculus: Is it more courageous to demand full recognition and reparations, or to offer reconciliation even in defeat? Pashinyan seems to be betting on the latter.
Conclusion
Nikol Pashinyan is walking a tightrope. By extending an olive branch to long-time foes and challenging entrenched narratives, he risks political fallout but also has a rare chance to define himself as a peacemaker. Whether he can transform centuries of trauma into a durable peace remains to be seen.
References
- Prime Minister Pashinyan sees “historic chance” for South Caucasus peace. Armenpress. (Armenpress)
- Armenian PM calls for “closing the page” of confrontation. ARKA News. (Arka)
- Pashinyan’s “historic” visit to Türkiye reflects push to normalize ties. Al Jazeera. (Al Jazeera)
- Pashinyan’s comments on Armenian Genocide spark criticism. Armenian Weekly. (Armenian Weekly)
- Armenia’s peace initiative a “litmus test” for regional stability. Armenpress / To Vima opinion. (Armenpress)
- Challenges remain — wounds between Armenia and Azerbaijan “very fresh.” 1Lurer (via Mirzoyan). (1Lurer)
- Pashinyan: safe return of Artsakh Armenians is “impossible” after 2023 ethnic cleansing. The Armenian Report. (The Armenian Report)
- Historical context of Armenian-Ottoman trauma and memory. Armenian Weekly. (Armenian Weekly)
