Armenian Genocide Recognition Is Just the Beginning
No, I don't think so. Genocide recognition is not a win or lose situation.
After 75 years of diaspora advocacy, the U.S. Congress formally recognized the Armenian Genocide. But according to Barsamian, the real work is just beginning. Recognition is not a ‘win or lose situation,’ he argues. Instead, it marks the start of a longer effort to ensure the genocide is taught in schools, museums, and cultural institutions worldwide, and that it becomes as central to the international conversation as the Holocaust.
Barsamian emphasizes that both Congress and the President matter, but congressional affirmation carries the true power. When both chambers of Congress vote to recognize, that sends a signal to the world that the Armenian Genocide is no longer a diaspora issue alone-it belongs on the international stage alongside other major atrocities.
Beyond recognition itself, Barsamian raises critical questions about reparations, education, and prevention. He argues that countries recognizing the genocide should immediately begin integrating Armenian Genocide studies into their curricula, particularly in Holocaust museums and genocide prevention programs. True justice after genocide, he suggests, must include security guarantees for Armenia, economic support, and a commitment to ensure such atrocities never happen again.
Transcript
Asbed Bedrossian: Now, you mentioned the Armenian Genocide, Asbed Bedrossian: and for 75 years, Armenian Americans worked tirelessly for U.S. recognition. Asbed Bedrossian: Essentially, now that recognition is formally achieved. Asbed Bedrossian: So are we done with genocide recognition in the US? Asbed Bedrossian: What are our next steps? Anthony Barsamian: No, I don't think so. Anthony Barsamian: I was a part of it. Anthony Barsamian: I would like to say I was probably one of the last laps in the race. Anthony Barsamian: By the way, Anthony Barsamian: nobody deserves to say that they did anything more than anyone else on Anthony Barsamian: the Armenian Genocide. Anthony Barsamian: It has been a 75-year effort as we were talking about. Anthony Barsamian: Many people, Anthony Barsamian: scholars, Anthony Barsamian: genocide scholars, Anthony Barsamian: Holocaust scholars, Anthony Barsamian: many people added to the affirmation of the Armenian Genocide in America. Anthony Barsamian: And starting with Morgenthau, Anthony Barsamian: starting with Lemkin, Anthony Barsamian: right through to the people in the last 10 years, Anthony Barsamian: 20 years, I think people like to raise the flag and say we won. Anthony Barsamian: This is not a win or lose situation. Anthony Barsamian: So I was lucky enough at the very end to write a memo with Ambassador Nina Hachigian Anthony Barsamian: to the Biden White House. Anthony Barsamian: Now, I was lucky I knew President Biden before he became president, Anthony Barsamian: and I knew his heart was in the right place. Anthony Barsamian: If you remember, Anthony Barsamian: he turned to Samantha Power and to others at the 100th commemoration and said, Anthony Barsamian: I'm going to recognize this because very disappointing