Attempts at Strategic Reorganization: Insights from California Discussions

The series of events held in California from March 12 to 15, 2026, initiated by the ARF Western Region “Diaspora” Conference Committee, revealed the fundamental dilemma facing organized Diaspora structures in a post-war reality and amidst shifting relational models proposed by Yerevan.

The process began with a public debate in Glendale on March 12, featuring Dr. Khatchig Tölölyan, Dr. Khatchig Der Ghougassian, Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, Khajag Mgrdichian, and Lara Yeretsian. The speakers argued that technology and AI are the Diaspora’s 21st-century strategic assets. However, the call for “strategic partnership” reflects a desire to maintain institutional relevance as Yerevan moves toward more decentralized engagement.

The subsequent conference in Burbank (March 14-15) focused on institutional resilience across nine thematic sessions. While the proceedings were internal, the organizers signaled that these discussions are merely the beginning of a broader public discourse. By projecting internal deliberations into the global Armenian arena, the organizers aim to transform private consensus into collective action. This shift underscores a strategic effort to reassert the Diaspora’s influence and agency as new nation-building frameworks continue to evolve.