A Conflict of Humanity
The Armenian territory Nagorno-Karabkh was invaded by Azerbaijan last year – We’re still not talking about it.
By Katelyn Livorse
The media is silent on a pressing humanitarian issue. A century ago, the Ottoman Empire systematically murdered millions of Armenians, known today as the Armenian genocide. Today there are fears that this may happen again.
On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijani forces entered the predominantly Armenian territory of Nagorno-Karabakh in an attempt to re-assert power over the area. Nearly one hundred thousand terrified Armenians have fled the region. Of course, Azerbaijanis say Armenians living there face no risk to their safety, but history warns differently.
Turkey – the former Ottoman Empire – is furious with Armenia’s claim of genocide and has allied itself with Azerbaijan. Turkey has stated that it would support Azerbaijan’s aims in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. This complicated situation could easily turn into a deadly one, and the media has been largely silent. Without media attention, Armenians are on their own when fighting for their future.
A Forgotten Past
Today, only thirty-four countries recognize the Armenian genocide that occurred during the First World War. When the Ottomans, one of the Central Powers, began losing the war, fears arose that Armenians would start clamoring for freedom. To ensure this did not occur, the Ottoman Empire killed an estimated one million Armenians and forced many more to convert to Islam.
After the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, Armenia ended up a part of the Soviet Union (USSR), as did Azerbaijan after its surrender to the invading Soviet army. The USSR created the modern borders of the two countries, and it is these borders causing the problems today.
The Crisis Today
The population of the Nagorno-Karabakh territory is about ninety-five percent Armenian but is technically within the borders of Azerbaijan that were established by the USSR. After the collapse of the USSR, the distinct cultures of the two nations emerged once more, as did conflict over the territory. Since the collapse of the USSR, two Nagorno-Karabakh wars have been fought.
Today, the crisis is largely due to Turkey’s interference in the situation. While unlikely that the Turkish government would commit a second genocide against the Armenian people, their support of Azerbaijani actions has raised the concern of Armenians and amplified fears that Azerbaijan may follow in its ally’s footsteps.
It has been a year nearly to the day since Azerbaijani forces entered the territory and taken over control of it from the Armenian government. Already, stories of arrests are coming to light about people who opposed the takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh. Negotiations have stalled between the Armenians and Azerbaijanis, even as the violence has continued.
Media Importance
The media has the power to keep people informed or ignorant. The minimal coverage of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has left the world in ignorance. Such ignorance gives Azerbaijan power. It demonstrates that people are willing to turn a blind eye to their actions and that there will be no consequences. The world cries “never again!” when it comes to genocide but has yet to follow through on this declaration.
Ultimately, it is about compassion. Armenians cry out in fear while the media highlights flashier news. Ignorance grows, and compassion diminishes. It is our duty as humans to fight for our fellow men and women. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not just a problem for a struggling nation, but a problem for all humanity.
About the Author
Katelyn Livorse is a marketing fellow at the Institute for Faith and Freedom and the editor-in-chief of Checkpoint News. A junior political science and French major, Katelyn is a style editor for the Grove City College Journal of Law and Public Policy and served as a contributing writer for The Collegian. She is also a member of the AEI Executive Council at Grove City College.
In the summer of 2024, Katelyn interned at The American Spectator as an editorial intern. There, she covered topics ranging from Iraqi politics to the 2024 American Presidential Election. She also interviewed figures in American politics, including Paul Haring who wrote the Hyde Amendment.
Katelyn has also worked as a translator for the Jews of the Somme Project. She worked to translate French documents written during the Nazi occupation of France detailing the persecution of the Jewish population. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in international relations.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grove City College, the Institute for Faith and Freedom, or their affiliates.