local_media8881257841452930564-43-64

10.52837 / 25792970-2021-10.2-43
KARINE MKHITARIAN
PUBLICLY DECLARED POSITIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE KARABAKH PROCESS : PROBLEMS OF CONSISTENCY AND CONTINUITY
Abstract : The paper focuses on the analysis of the publicly declared positions of Nikol Pashinian , the Prime Minister of Armenia , in the context of the Karabakh process , examining the impact of the declared position on the negotiation process and identifying the shifts in the leader ’ s positions on the Karabakh issue over the time . The research is conducted using the qualitative content analysis method . The research demonstrates that Pashinian ’ s declared positions on Karabakh issues led to the disruption of the negotiation process and identifies that the leader ’ s declared positions were targeted at preserving public support and staying in power have changed over time due to the changing circumstances . Keywords : conflict resolution , negotiations , leadership , political statements , Karabakh process .
Introduction
The initiation of a conflict resolution process and the signing of ceasefire / peace agreements in international conflicts are almost always perceived as an outstanding achievement for leaders , placing their names in the history books . However , only at first glance does the initiation of the conflict resolution process seem to be perceived by the public as a positive result of the actions of a leader . In fact , the leader is often trapped in the initiated conflict resolution process , especially when the public is not ready for peace and does not truly appreciate and understand the need for steps to achieve it .
Frequently , leaders who sign peace agreements are declared by the people to be traitors of national interests and are forced to end their political careers . The conflict resolution process heavily depends on the leader ’ s ability to communicate with his public , informing them about the possibilities and plans for resolving the conflict in the face of the need to preserve public support and maintain power . This becomes even more relevant due to the advancement of information technologies and mass media that gives the domestic public more possibility to follow and
43