The Armenian minority of post-Soviet Georgia and its identity.

Abstract

The integration of minorities in Georgia is a social problem with consequences on the overall development of this nation. The dissertation focuses exclusively on the Armenian communities living in the territory of Georgia by examining, through an historical perspective, the cultural, social, economical, political and linguistic obstacles that prevent the achievement of full integration. This includes the challenges that both the stratification of Armenian ethnic identity as well as the rise Georgian civic nationalism pose to this issue. Furthermore, the paper provides an analysis of the policies and the institutions of the government of Georgia that deal with minorities, including an evaluation of some specific cases of possible discrimination of ethnic Armenians of Georgia along with the current status of the diplomatic relations between Armenia and Georgia. The main sources used to collect information and data for this study have been scientific papers and publications, websites and articles from newspapers, as well as interviews. The purpose of this research is to inform and raise awareness among the general public about this sensitive but scarcely known issue by providing possible compromises that could satisfy both parties. Finally, considering the recent nationalist unrests and the birth of populist movements in the Caucasus, this dissertation advocates mutually beneficial solutions for the peaceful coexistence in Georgia of both ethnic Georgians and ethnic Armenians.