Legal Performativity: Recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the Czech Republic Cover Image

Legal Performativity: Recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the Czech Republic
Legal Performativity: Recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the Czech Republic

Author(s): Gor Vartazaryan
Subject(s): Recent History (1900 till today), Politics of History/Memory
Published by: Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Fakulta sociálních věd
Keywords: Armenian genocide; Czech Republic; performative theory; recognition; genocide; memory law;

Summary/Abstract: Research on the political aspect of the recognition of the Armenian genocide has mostly focused on the realpolitik and its impact in terms of legislation and relations between political actors. A new dimension in research regarding the Armenian genocide occurred by presenting legal performativity within memory laws in France and Germany. Here, I build on the understanding that performative analysis may help us uncover the deeper circumstances of the recognition of the Armenian genocide, going beyond the classical dichotomy— recognition/nonrecognition. Th e case of the Czech Republic revealed the problem in the division of executive power regarding foreign policy between the government and the president. Furthermore, the analysis revealed the parliamentary instruments legitimizing the recognition of the Armenian genocide.

  • Issue Year: 16/2022
  • Issue No: 02
  • Page Range: 194-210
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: English