In a politically charged visit to Armenia, U.S. Vice President JD Vance found himself at the centre of a diplomatic storm when a post from his official social media account, which referred to the Armenian massacres during the Ottoman Empire as “genocide,” was swiftly deleted. The post, which was likely to provoke Turkey—an important NATO ally—was later attributed to an administrative error by staff not part of the official delegation.
A Historic Visit
Vance’s trip marked a significant moment in U.S.-Armenia relations, as it was the first time a sitting vice president had visited the South Caucasus nation. Accompanied by his wife, Usha, Vance laid a wreath at the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, honouring the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during the tragic events of 1915. The act was meant to highlight the importance of remembering historical injustices and to reinforce U.S. commitments to its partners in the region.
Diplomatic Missteps
The post acknowledging the genocide was removed shortly after it went live, prompting speculation about the internal dynamics of Vance’s team. A staff member, speaking anonymously, clarified that the message was mistakenly published by individuals outside the core delegation. In a follow-up statement, a spokesperson for Vance confirmed that the social media account primarily served to share images of the vice president’s engagements, and did not reflect his personal commentary on sensitive historical matters.
The incident underscores the delicate balancing act facing U.S. officials when addressing issues that could rattle the already complex relationships with allies like Turkey. While Vance expressed his respect for the cultural significance of the memorial visit, he refrained from using the term “genocide” in his verbal remarks, opting instead for a more general condemnation of the atrocities committed over a century ago.
The Broader Context
The U.S. has historically recognised the mass killings of Armenians as genocide, a stance that has been complicated by the geopolitical realities of the region. Turkey, while acknowledging that many Armenians died during World War I, disputes the characterization of these events as genocide, leading to a fraught diplomatic landscape. President Donald Trump, during his term, notably sidestepped the use of the term in his statements, reflecting the administration’s efforts to maintain favourable ties with Ankara.
Vance’s visit was also strategically aimed at advancing agreements made during the Trump administration, particularly in promoting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan after decades of conflict. The vice president signed a deal with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that could facilitate U.S. involvement in building a nuclear power plant, while simultaneously fostering a new partnership with Azerbaijan that focuses on economic and security cooperation.
Why it Matters
This incident is more than a mere social media blunder; it highlights the intricate web of historical memory, diplomatic relations, and the fragile state of alliances in a region rife with tension. Vance’s visit could have been a pivotal moment for U.S. diplomacy in the Caucasus, but the backlash over the deleted post illustrates the pitfalls of navigating sensitive historical narratives in international politics. As the U.S. seeks to assert its influence in a region traditionally dominated by Russia, the ability to acknowledge historical grievances without alienating key allies like Turkey will be crucial in shaping future foreign policy.
