The Portrayal of "The Other" in Foreign Policy Discourse and Public Consciousness in Armenia (2008-present)

Abstract

Conventional wisdom posits that the evocation of "the other" in a state's foreign policy discourse is indicative of the core characteristics of its foreign policy identity. "The other" is largely deemed to be a symbol in the definition of who "we" are - our identity. A discourse analysis of Armenia's President Serzh Sargsyan's conceptions of "the other," coupled with public opinion surveys, sheds light on major ups and downs that the convoluted relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey have undergone since 2008. Evidence indicates that Sargsyan's determination to break the deadlock was not reciprocated by Azerbaijan and Turkey. The latter stepped back from its commitment to establishing unconditional relations with Armenia coupled with Baku's upgraded bellicose policy towards Armenia. All this led Armenia's president to toughen his position toward them, which found vivid expression in Armenia's foreign policy discourse. Moreover, the tough resonated with Armenian society and further cemented negative social attitudes towards Azerbaijan and Turkey.