Recent developments in the South Caucasus have placed Armenia at the center of a concerted disinformation campaign, demanding a strategic and multifaceted response. Statements from Azerbaijani and Russian officials reveal a coordinated effort to portray Armenia as an aggressor and undermine its engagement with Western partners.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has repeatedly characterized Armenia’s actions as driven by “revanchist sentiments and militaristic policies”. This rhetoric, reminiscent of the lead-up to previous escalations, aims to justify Azerbaijan’s own actions and cast doubt on Armenia’s commitment to peace. Bayramov has also defended Azerbaijan’s 2023 military actions as a “counter-terrorism operation” and criticized the U.S. for maintaining the 907th amendment restricting aid. Furthermore, his demand for the cessation of USAID activities in Azerbaijan reflects a broader trend of authoritarian regimes rejecting external scrutin.
This Azerbaijani narrative is amplified by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who has labeled the EU monitoring mission in Armenia as “anti-Azerbaijani, anti-Russian, and anti-Iranian,” portraying it as a tool of Western geopolitical expansion. This alignment underscores Russia’s strategic interest in limiting Western influence in the region.
This coordinated disinformation campaign presents a significant challenge to Armenia. By framing Armenia as a threat, Azerbaijan and Russia seek to justify potential future aggression and undermine international support. This necessitates a robust diplomatic strategy that goes beyond simply reacting to these accusations.
Armenia’s diplomatic efforts must prioritize clear and fact-based communication to international partners, emphasizing its commitment to peace and regional stability. This includes directly rebutting misinformation through diplomatic channels, providing verifiable data and historical context. Furthermore, strengthening alliances with international and regional organizations is crucial for ensuring a balanced representation of Armenia’s role in the region. Armenia must also actively engage in shaping the narrative by highlighting the humanitarian crisis resulting from the forced displacement of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh and emphasizing its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.
Navigating this complex information landscape requires not only defending Armenia’s interests but also proactively shaping the narrative surrounding its regional role. By fostering transparent and robust international relations and actively countering disinformation, Armenia can ensure its commitment to peace and stability is recognized and supported by the international community.