Enemy Images and Their Impact on Foreign Policy: Analysis of the Perceptions of the Enemy in Armenia

Abstract

Images are powerful social schemes that determine an actor’s behavior and shape their worldview. They are usually subjective and limited, therefore may not necessarily coincide with the truth but remain as representations of reality. This study explores images that belong to the collective and are transferred through collective, transgenerational memories: those of wars and genocide, and socialization. Images are perceptions of the Other that develop as results of the dimensions defining the diverse relationships in the international system. Those dimensions: perception of the actor, of its relative power, and of the cultural sophistication of the opposing nation, lay the foundation of images. Based on various IR image theories, this master’s thesis studies the characteristics of Armenia’s enemy images emerging from the political discourse of its leadership. To reach this purpose, this thesis utilized CDA and AoA to identify “value-premises:” value laden and emotive phrases, describing the perceived adversaries of Armenia – Azerbaijan and Turkey. Using discourse analysis, this thesis uncovered five characteristics of the enemy image, including sixty speeches, policy documents, and statements of the current leadership of Armenia. The findings showed that the enemy is perceived to be Armenophobic and genocidal, warmongering, violent and terrorizing, manipulative and non-democratic, and a potential threat. Enemy images being social constructions are not independent factors: they affect and are affected by other factors. Therefore, analyzing speeches to draw a silhouette of enemy images is powerless without studying its capacity to influence decision-making. Given this, this thesis does not stop at the identification of the features of the “enemy.” It examines possible outcomes of enemy images and identifies enemy images’ “evaluative and affective” role in Armenia’s foreign policy. To achieve this, this thesis created experimental research settings analyzing eight additional speeches from the previous Presidents of Armenia to identify possible foreign policy scenarios with potential alternative pathways. Considering that neither foreign policy nor enemy images are “anthropomorphic entities,” the research identified four examples where both enemy images and foreign policy are viewed as factors affecting one another. The four episodes present varying foreign policy decisions made either in line with existing enemy images or segregated from those enemy images. The episodes are diverse as they represent different periods, political leaderships, and post-war statuses (victorious versus defeated) of Armenia. Additionally, this study vividly highlights the significance of studying enemy images. Acknowledging enemy images, studying their formation, and scope of influence on foreign policy and behavior in Armenia will enable it to control enemy images, manage conflict, and make space for dialogue and possible peaceful resolution in the region.