On January 15, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed a charter on strategic cooperation, marking a step in the growing relationship between Yerevan and Washington. While Armenia has long been aligned with Moscow, recent years have seen the country actively pursue closer ties with the United States and Western nations. This shift is driven by several key factors, with the influence of the Armenian diaspora playing a pivotal role. This article takes a closer look at how the Armenian lobby abroad is shaping Armenia's foreign policy.
The "hidden power" in the United States
A diaspora refers to a community of individuals from a specific nation or ethnic group living outside their homeland, while a lobby is an organized effort by a group or organization to influence political, economic, or social outcomes. In this context, a lobby aims to advance specific political or economic interests.
The Armenian lobby in the United States draws strength from its political backing and financial resources to shape both Armenia's foreign policy and its international position. Comprised of members of the Armenian diaspora, many of whom identify as Armenian by nationality or heritage, this lobby plays a significant role in influencing the broader geopolitical landscape.
The Armenian diaspora in America began to take shape in the late 17th century when the first Armenians immigrated. Subsequent waves of migration were driven by interethnic conflicts, including the persecution of Armenians within the Ottoman Empire, as well as the political upheaval that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The Armenian diaspora is the second largest in the United States, following the Jewish community. Concentrated primarily in states like California, Illinois, and New Jersey, Armenians have established vibrant communities across the country. Los Angeles, often referred to as the “second Armenia,” is home to a particularly large population of Armenians.
Estimates of the Armenian population in the U.S. vary, with some sources suggesting 1.5mn, while others put the figure closer to 2mn. Regardless of the exact number, the Armenian community has become an influential presence in American society and politics.
Areg Galstyan, an expert on U.S. policy in the Middle East and the South Caucasus, as well as lobbying dynamics in American foreign policy, emphasizes that the Armenian lobby holds significant sway in the U.S. Congress. As the head of the American Studies research and analytical portal, Galstyan highlights the strategic importance of this lobby in shaping U.S. foreign policy and domestic political processes.
“Lobbying in the United States can be divided into two primary areas: the executive and legislative branches. The Armenian lobby primarily focuses on Congress — the legislative branch. Its effectiveness is often measured by the number of resolutions that are considered, adopted, or blocked in Congress. The Armenian lobby is well-established within Congress, leveraging the influence of the sizable Armenian population in key states, such as California. With a dense concentration of Armenians, particularly in California, the state has earned the title of the ‘first lobby state’ for Armenians. California plays a crucial role in Congress, as it elects the largest number of representatives to the House of Representatives — 53 in total. As a result, the Armenian lobby in California holds substantial influence, with the ability to engage 53 members in the lower house and two senators in the upper house. In 2017, the Armenian lobby boasted 80 members in the House of Representatives and 34 in the Senate,” Galstyan notes.
In the 2002 Congressional elections, 125 individuals from the Armenian diaspora secured seats in the legislature, showcasing the lobby’s growing influence. By 2007, the number of Armenian advocates in Congress stood at 113. In a notable milestone for the diaspora, John Kerry, of Armenian descent, was appointed U.S. Secretary of State in 2014.
Beyond the congressional caucus, the Armenian lobby maintains a strong presence in both major political parties. The Armenian-American Democratic Leadership Council operates within the Democratic Party, while the Armenian-American Republican Council represents the community’s interests in the Republican Party.
Over the years, several influential figures have championed Armenian issues in Congress. Among the most prominent was Robert Joseph Dole, former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, who remained deeply involved in Armenian affairs for decades. Dole, who passed away in December 2021 at the age of 98, was honored by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) in 2001 for his contributions.
The Armenian lobby’s reach extends to other high-ranking officials, including Senator Mitch McConnell, leader of the Foreign Policy Appropriations Committee. Over the past five years, Americans of Armenian descent have contributed $200,000 to McConnell and his state Republican Party organization, further solidifying the lobby's influence in U.S. politics.
Goals of the Armenian Lobby
The Armenian lobby in the United States operates primarily through two key organizations: the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA). These institutions, with extensive histories and diverse structures, collaborate not only within their networks but also with the Armenian government to achieve shared objectives.
The primary goals of the Armenian lobby in the United States include:
- Advocating for Armenia's interests and promoting the rights of the Armenian diaspora within the U.S. political system;
- Securing financial, humanitarian, and military aid for Armenia from the U.S. government;
- Strengthening bilateral relations between the U.S. and Armenia;
- Providing consistent support for Armenia on political and economic fronts.
One of the lobby's longstanding efforts has been pushing the U.S. government to officially recognize the 1915 Armenian massacres in the Ottoman Empire as genocide. As part of this initiative, Armenian advocacy emphasizes narratives that assign responsibility for the events to Turkey, furthering their cause on the international stage.
The Armenian lobby has employed a variety of strategies to shape public opinion and influence U.S. policy regarding the events of 1915. A significant part of this effort involved a media campaign targeting leading outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, aiming to create a one-sided narrative about the events of 1915. The campaign extended to Hollywood, with films such as The Promise highlighting the issue of the Armenian genocide and amplifying the lobby’s message.
These efforts eventually yielded results. U.S. society and government began to take serious notice of the events of 1915. Leveraging its political influence in Congress, the Armenian diaspora achieved a landmark victory in 2019 when both the House of Representatives and the Senate passed resolutions officially recognizing the events of 1915 as genocide.
The lobby’s influence didn’t stop there. In 2021, President Joe Biden officially recognized the 1915 events as genocide, marking a significant policy shift. This decision, while celebrated by the Armenian diaspora, further strained relations between Ankara and Washington.
Beyond recognition of the genocide, the Armenian lobby actively condemns what it perceives as aggressive policies by Azerbaijan and Turkey towards Armenia. It has also sought sanctions against both nations and opposed U.S. military cooperation with them. One example of its influence is its alleged role in the U.S. decision not to sell its Patriot air defense system to NATO member Turkey. This decision was followed by military restrictions on Turkey after it acquired the Russian S-400 air defense system, a move seen as countering Ankara’s alignment with U.S. interests.
The Armenian Lobby and the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
The Armenian lobby in the United States has played a significant role in shaping U.S. policy regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict during the wars of 1990–1994 and 2020. Its influence spanned political, economic, and humanitarian dimensions, ensuring consistent support for Armenia’s position in the conflict.
In 1992, the U.S. Congress passed the Freedom Support Act to aid former Soviet republics economically. Under pressure from the Armenian lobby, Amendment 907 was introduced, prohibiting U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan until it ceased its blockade and military actions against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. This amendment highlighted the lobby’s ability to impact legislation, a restriction that would remain in effect for years.
Further extending its reach, the Armenian lobby facilitated the establishment of a permanent mission for the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in the United States on November 12, 1997. The mission was officially registered by the U.S. Department of Justice, lending symbolic support to Armenia’s claims in the region.
That same year, under the leadership of Congressman John Radanovich, a prominent Armenian lobbyist, Congress included Nagorno-Karabakh in the list of recipients of U.S. financial assistance. Despite objections from Azerbaijan's ambassador and even the U.S. president, $25mn in aid was allocated to Nagorno-Karabakh. By 2002, this amount had risen to $30mn, further underlining the lobby’s influence in securing resources for the region.
During the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, members of the Armenian lobby in Congress proposed recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent state and even advocated for Turkey’s expulsion from NATO. While these proposals were not adopted, they signaled the lobby’s ambitions to reshape U.S. foreign policy in favor of Armenia.
“After the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, the Armenian lobby portrayed Armenia as a victim, seeking international support for its military and economic recovery,” notes political scientist Mukhtar Nazirov. He adds that the U.S. and France were key allies in this effort, with the Armenian diaspora playing an instrumental role in mobilizing support from both nations.
The Armenian Lobby in France
The Armenian lobby in France is one of the most influential in Europe, with significant sway over the country’s political, cultural, and social spheres. Prominent figures such as the legendary singer Charles Aznavour and former minister Patrick Devedjian have been active in promoting Armenian interests.
A major success for the Armenian lobby came in 2001 when the French parliament passed a law officially recognizing the events of 1915 in the Ottoman Empire as genocide. This recognition marked a milestone for the Armenian diaspora's efforts to influence French government policy.
During the second Nagorno-Karabakh war in 2020, the Armenian lobby in France intensified its activities. The French Senate debated a resolution to recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh, signaling a renewed effort to support Armenia amidst its conflict with Azerbaijan. This move received widespread media attention.
However, French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed that, under international law, Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts were recognized as Azerbaijani territories by the United Nations. Despite this stance, the French Senate passed a draft resolution on November 25, 2020, urging the government to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh's independence. The resolution was ultimately overturned by the French government, reflecting the complex dynamics between the lobby's influence and state policy.
Following its defeat in the 44-day war, Armenia began efforts to modernize its military, turning to France for support. This move came as a response to its reliance on outdated Russian military equipment during the conflict, which left it vulnerable to Azerbaijan's advanced drone technology supplied by Turkey. The decision to procure military equipment from France underscores the ongoing partnership between Armenia and its influential allies in Europe.
Influence on Foreign Policy
The Armenian lobby has played a significant role in shaping Armenia's foreign policy and its relations with key international players. Its influence extends beyond promoting Armenian interests, often creating a cautious approach among U.S. congressional representatives when addressing issues related to Armenia’s government or democratic processes.
For example, during the parliamentary and presidential elections in Armenia in May 2012 and February 2013, international observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) provided positive assessments. The OSCE highlighted that the elections were “generally well conducted,” and voter freedoms were “sufficiently respected.” These evaluations bolstered Armenia’s democratic image, a narrative often supported by the lobbying efforts.
Mukhtar Nazirov, a political expert, highlights a notable contrast between the Armenian lobby in the United States and the Armenian diaspora in Russia. He explains that the U.S.-based diaspora focuses on promoting Armenia's democratic transformation and reducing its reliance on Russia. This aligns with American interests, aiming to steer Armenia away from Moscow’s sphere of influence. Conversely, the Armenian diaspora in Russia advocates for maintaining Armenia's strategic ties with Russia, reflecting a division in objectives within the global Armenian community.
One of the most tangible achievements of the Armenian lobby is the signing of the Charter of Strategic Partnership between Armenia and the United States. This partnership underscores Armenia’s increasing alignment with the U.S. and its gradual pivot towards the European Union. These developments highlight the Armenian lobby’s ability to drive foreign policy decisions that reshape Armenia’s geopolitical direction.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)