Attempts to normalize Armenian–Turkish bilateral relations in the 21st century

Abstract

Political relations between Armenia and Turkey could be described as enstranged. In the 21st century, politicians more eager to cooperate came to power in both countries, which made rapprochement conceivable. Sports diplomacy, which in this case was called football diplomacy, was employed to this end. The respective presidents of the two states: Serzh Sarkisyan and Abdullah Gül, used football games played within the FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifications to arrange meetings. The first meeting in particular was important, as it led to highly intensified diplomatic contacts between the states, which resulted in signing protocols leading to opening the border and establishing diplomatic relations. The aim of the article is to verify the hypothesis stating that in the case of the hostile attitudes of two states, the diplomatic use of sport may create opportunities for political rapprochement. However, sports diplomacy alone is not enough for such a political breakthrough. Additionally, an analysis concerning the adequacy of football as a form of sports diplomacy medium between Armenia and Turkey is undertaken.