Migration, Citizenship & Displacement:

The Inclusion and Exclusion of Armenians in Eurasia

The above Knowledge Exchange Roundtable, convened by CEELBAS Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Ulrike Ziemer, took place at UCL SSEES on 7th March 2011. This event was aimed at the user community of the Armenian diaspora in the UK and academics and postgraduate students with an interest in questions of migration, citizenship and displacement in Eurasia. Using hands-on practical experience, the two speakers talked about Armenian migration experiences within Eurasia, highlighting the unique ways political concerns, community and individual identities, and economic as well as war contexts shape migration processes and perceptions of belonging amongst Armenians.

Dr Nona Shakhnazaryan (Kuban Social and Economic Institute, Krasnodar) addressed migrant motivations and migration strategies of Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan. She explored the different facets of substantial gender transformations in the Republic of Nagorny Karabakh caused by mass migrations resulting from the war with Azerbaijan.

The next speaker, Laurence Broers (Caucasus Programme, Projects Manager, Conciliation Resources), talked about questions of displacement relating to the Karabakh conflict and peace process. Both papers were very challenging and created a lively discussion with the audience. Mr Broers was particularly happy to test his ideas and receive feedback from the Armenian audience.

The roundtable was concluded by Mr Broers showing a short documentary, made by Conciliation Resources, about Baku refugees now living in Nagorny Karabakh. This can be viewed online at www.vimeo.com/channels/dtf

Speakers:

1. Laurence Broers (Caucasus Programme Projects Manager, Conciliation Resources)

2. Dr Nona Shakhnazarian (Kuban Social and Economic Institute, Krasnodar, Russia)

(A third speaker, Mr Gevorg Serobian, Liaison Officer for the Armenian Diaspora in Krasnodar, unfortunately had to withdraw at the last minute due to travel complications).

Participants came from UCL, LSE, University of Cambridge, University of Loughbrough and the Armenian diaspora community in the UK.

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