The United States and the (Non-)Recognition of the Armenian Genocide

Abstract

The United States has not yet officially recognized the Armenian Genocide. Indeed, although many American leading personalities, associations, U.S. States and institutions have done so, the U.S. Congress, mostly because of pressure from the executive branch, itself under Turkish pressure, has not legislated on that matter. The reasons why some, particularly among the executive branch, and usually including the President and the Secretary of State themselves, have blocked any progress of official recognition are mostly—although not only—geopolitical. The main idea against such opposition is the preservation of Turkey, traditionally and still today perceived as a major ally, and therefore the protection of U.S. geostrategic, geoeconomic, and diplomatic interests.

Keywords

• Armenian genocide
• U.S. Foreign Policy
• Turkey
• Geopolitics