BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

NORM CONTESTATION AND IDENTITY: THE NATIONAL BORDERS AND MARGINALIZATION OF THE ARMENIAN AND ROHINGYA COMMUNITIES

Author: Shreejita Biswas

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2021v42n1a1

ABSTRACT

The recurrence of persecution of communities belonging to a particular identity and the uneven response of the international community towards such crimes of genocide require a thorough investigation. This paper examines the situations that challenge the recognition of genocide and effectiveness of anti-genocide norms in the international platform. Therefore, it explores the inconsistencies associated with accepting certain norms over others vis-à-vis anti-genocide norms. In order to do so, the paper uses the theoretical model of norm contestation to explain the discrepancies in recognizing the crimes of genocide and compliance with the anti-genocide norms to prevent them and punish the perpetrators. Based on this theoretical framework, the study analyzes the various conditions in which norms are contested that influence the interpretation of norms by the diverse state actors. This shapes the compliance and effectiveness of the norms in their social interaction. To prove the theoretical conjectures, it empirically compares two cases of genocide: the Armenian annihilation which took place around the First World War and the recent Rohingya massacre that emerged in the South Asian region. The two case studies inferred that combination of two parallel competing conditions, e.g., the competing norms of sovereignty rooted in majority state identity at the domestic level and the competing interests of other state actors in terms of their foreign policy goals at the international level, lead to contestation with genocide recognition in both cases. Hence, state actors understand and influence the interpretation of norms differently, thereby making compliance building with antigenocide norms difficult that impinges upon its operation.