The Evolution of Diaspora Visions: A Comparative Analysis of the 2021 Parliamentary Election Platforms

On the eve of the 2026 parliamentary elections, as the political landscape prepares for the release of new policy declarations, it is essential to retrospectively evaluate the pledges and visions of the forces that entered the National Assembly five years ago regarding Armenia-Diaspora relations. In the post-war reality of 2021, the connection with the Diaspora was viewed as a vital component of security and development; however, the strategic pathways proposed by the leading political blocs differed significantly.

“Civil Contract”: Human Capital Integration and the Institutionalization of Repatriation

At the core of the governing power’s strategy was the perception of the Diaspora as a professional “donor” for Armenia’s state governance system. The platform emphasized that “the ‘iGorts’ program has been launched, through which Diaspora Armenian specialists are engaged in the RA state administration system; this program will be continuous and expanded.” This points to a model of “pragmatic integration,” where the Diaspora is treated less as a political partner and more as a professional resource. The ultimate goal was defined as the formal regulation of repatriation through the adoption of the “Law on Repatriation” and the establishment of integration centers, effectively aimed at localizing Diaspora potential within Armenia.

“Armenia” Alliance: Restoration of Trust and Informational Synergy

This bloc’s approach was rooted in overcoming the post-war crisis and mending the fractured trust between the state and global Armenian communities. According to their platform, “trust in the ‘Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund will be restored, excluding any non-statutory use of the fund’s resources.” This indicates that the alliance prioritized financial and moral transparency as the foundation for Diaspora relations. Another key emphasis was the creation of a “unified information field,” which implied elevating the Diaspora’s role as a geopolitical factor and ensuring the flow of reliable information regarding the pan-Armenian agenda.

“I Have Honor” Alliance: Institutional Restoration and National Value Systems

The alliance proposed a return to a classical, centralized model of engagement. Their declared priority was the “restoration of the Ministry of Diaspora as a cornerstone for strengthening the state-Diaspora link and consolidating pan-Armenian potential.” In contrast to the government’s decentralized approach, this model underscored the necessity of a vertical state structure. Furthermore, the platform reserved a pivotal role for the Armenian Apostolic Church as the primary partner in sustaining Diaspora life and national identity preservation, imbuing the model with a national-conservative character.

Comparative Overview of the 2021 Election Platforms

Thus, the 2021 landscape revealed polarized approaches: while the government viewed the Diaspora as a practical-applied resource, the opposition forces focused on restoring pan-Armenian institutions and ideological unity. Comparing these baselines with the upcoming 2026 platforms will demonstrate the extent to which political forces have revised their strategies in a shifting geopolitical reality.