Armenia, the Regional Powers, and the West: Between History and Geopolitics

250 Pages·2010·2.57 MB·English

by  Alla Mirzoyan (auth.)

Armenia, the Regional Powers,
and the West
This page intentionally left blank
Armenia, the Regional Powers,
and the West
Between History And Geopolitics
Alla Mirzoyan
ARMENIA, THE REGIONAL POWERS, AND THE WEST
Copyright © Alla Mirzoyan, 2010.
Softcover reprint of the hardcover 1st edition 2010 978-0-230-61866-4
All rights reserved.
First published in 2010 by
PALGRAVE MACMILLAN® in the United States – a division of St. Martin’s Press LLC,
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
Where this book is distributed in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, this is by
Palgrave Macmillan, a division of Macmillan Publishers Limited, registered in England,
company number 785998, of Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 6XS.
Palgrave Macmillan is the global academic imprint of the above companies and has
companies and representatives throughout the world.
Palgrave® and Macmillan® are registered trademarks in the United States, the United
Kingdom, Europe and other countries.
ISBN 978-1-349-38124-1 ISBN 978-0-230-10635-2 (eBook)
DOI 10.1057/9780230106352
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data.
Mirzoyan, Alla.
Armenia, the regional powers, and the West: between history and geopolitics / Alla Mirzoyan.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-1-349-38124-1 (alk. paper)
1. Armenia (Republic)—Foreign relations. 2. World politics—1989–
I. Title.
DK687.54.M57 2010
327.47590182'1—dc22 2009029520
A catalogue record of the book is available from the British Library.
Design by MPS Limited, A Macmillan Company
First edition: April 2010
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
To my parents
This page intentionally left blank
Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Introduction 1
Research Landscape 4
Basic Parameters of Armenia’s Security Environment 9
Chapter Outline 16
1 Russia: “The Indispensable Ally?” 21
Introduction 21
History and Perceptions 22
The Battle of the Narratives 25
1991–1998: The Deem Reality 30
1998–2005: The End of Platonic Love 39
Conclusion 53
2 Turkey: “The Other” 55
Introduction 55
A Glance at History 59
1991–1998: The Chimera of “Pragmatism” 62
1998–2005: A Never Ending Story? 89
Conclusion 106
3 Iran: “The Permanent Alternative” 107
Introduction 107
Careful Engagement 108
Conclusion 132
viii Contents
4 The West: “Ambiguous Modern” 135
Introduction 135
Armenia and the United States 137
European Institutions 161
Conclusion 173
Conclusion: “Ideational Redlines” and “Structural Dynamics” 175
Notes 179
Bibliography 215
Index 239
Acknowledgments
This book represents a culmination of my doctoral dissertation and
research. I would like to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to those
who accompanied and inspired me through the process of writing it. To
Mohiaddin Mesbahi, whose near-infinite knowledge of the region, geopoli-
tics, and theory has opened for me new horizons of thinking and looking
at the world. To Charles MacDonald, whose keen perspective, kindness,
and patience greatly facilitated my transition into the doctoral program. To
Damian Fernandez, whose passion and probing mind forced me to look
more deeply into my research. To Brian Nelson, whose vitality, humor and
wonderful seminars in political and social theory inspired me to venture
into new avenues of knowledge. I would also like to thank Antonio Jorge,
Nicholas Onuf, and John Clark for their kindness and guidance.
This research could not have been completed without the gener-
ous support from Florida International University Dissertation Year
Fellowship and the Department of International Relations. I would also
like to thank IREX Short-Term Travel grants for providing me with an
opportunity to travel to Armenia for research.
My profound appreciation goes to my friends and family: my brother,
Armen, without whose love and support this work would not have been
possible; my dear friend Majid Al-Khalili whose intelligent insights,
wise advice, and continuous support have been indispensable; Rita
Sabat whose grace and strong spirit has motivated me; Misak and Goar
Sargsians whose kindness and hospitality I will never forget; and Andrew
Correa for making me laugh when I most needed it.
Throughout this project I could always count on encouragement, love,
and support of my husband and dear friend, Alexander Barder. His intel-
ligence and knowledge has been a source of inspiration. This work is forever
entwined with the birth of my son, Robert, who changed my life. Most
important, I would like to deeply thank my parents, Robert and Roza
Mirzoyan, for being my guiding light. I dedicate this work to them.