Armenian Genocide Research Paper Proposal

Topic

The Armenian Genocide refers to the systematic extermination of the Armenian population by the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The events of the Armenian Genocide are widely recognized as one of the first modern genocides in history, and have been extensively documented and studied by scholars, historians, and international organizations.[footnoteRef:1] [1: Manukyan, Suren. "The historiography of the Armenian Genocide." InHandbook of Genocide Studies, pp. 54-71. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2023.]

However, the topic of the Armenian Genocide is highly contested, primarily because the Turkish government has consistently denied that the events of 1915-1917 constituted a genocide.[footnoteRef:2] The Turkish government argues that the deaths of Armenians were a result of wartime conditions and that both Armenians and Turks suffered casualties during the conflict. Furthermore, the Turkish government has worked to suppress discussion and recognition of the events as a genocide, often employing legal and political means to block recognition efforts in other countries. [2: Yavuz, M. Hakan. "The Turkish-Armenian Historical Controversy: How to Name the Events of 1915?."Middle East Critique29, no. 3 (2020): 345-365.]

The denial of the Armenian Genocide has also been fueled by political and economic interests. Turkey has strong political ties and strategic alliances with many countries around the world, and acknowledging the genocide could damage these relationships. Additionally, the recognition of the genocide could lead to demands for reparations or territorial claims by Armenia, which could have economic consequences for Turkey.[footnoteRef:3] [3: Yavuz, M. Hakan. "The Turkish-Armenian Historical Controversy: How to Name the Events of 1915?."Middle East Critique29, no. 3 (2020): 345-365.]

Overall, the denial of the Armenian Genocide has been a contentious and emotionally charged issue for decades, with many factors contributing to its ongoing controversy.

This research paper will delve into the historical and political contexts of the Armenian Genocide and explore why it remains a highly debated issue to this day. The paper will highlight the various factors that led to the mass atrocity, including the Ottoman Empire's declining power and the rise of nationalism.

This topic was chosen because it has always been intriguing to me, and I believe that the Armenian Genocide is a significant event that deserves greater attention. The scale and severity of the massacre, along with the political and historical contexts in which it took place, make it an important case study for understanding the dynamics of mass atrocities. As such, I chose to explore this topic in greater depth and uncover its various facets.

Title

The Armenian Genocide: Uncovering the Historical and Political Contexts of Mass Atrocities

Thesis Statement

The Armenian Genocide is an important aspect of Turkish history and was one of the worst massacres in history where between 600,000 and 1.5 million Armenians were killed.

The paper will examine the historical and political contexts that led to the genocide, the role of the Ottoman Empire and its policies, and the...…political and historical context, and why Turkey continues to deny that what happened was genocide.

Conclusion

This research paper aims to shed light on the Armenian Genocide, its historical and political contexts, and the reasons behind the atrocity. By exploring this topic, the paper hopes to contribute to a broader understanding of mass atrocities and to provide insight into the importance of historical and political contexts in shaping such events.

The denial of the Armenian Genocide by the Turkish government and other actors has also played a significant role in shaping its historical and political contexts. Denial has been used as a means of erasing the memory of the genocide and preventing recognition and justice for its victims. This has had profound effects on the Armenian community, both in terms of the trauma of the event itself and the ongoing denial and lack of acknowledgement of their suffering.

The importance of historical and political contexts in shaping mass atrocities like the Armenian Genocide cannot be overstated. Understanding the context in which these events occurred is crucial for understanding the motivations and actions of those involved, as well as the broader structural and societal factors that contributed to their occurrence. It is only through a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of these contexts that we can work towards preventing such atrocities from occurring in the future, and promoting justice and reconciliation for those who have been affected by them.

Bibliography

Antaramian, Richard E.Brokers of…