During “Genocide Studies Week,” Newmag to Present Vahagn Dadrian’s Landmark Work “The History of the Armenian Genocide” (Trailer)

In this comprehensive study, Dadrian explores the historical development of the Armenian Genocide, emphasizing the role of ethnic conflicts stretching from the Balkans to the Caucasus. Drawing from Turkish, German, and Austrian official archival documents, Dadrian presents a detailed and multi-dimensional analysis of the genocide.

Throughout his four decades of scholarship, Dadrian collected a vast array of documentary materials from global archives and libraries, often at his own expense, establishing a rich source base that remains critical to contemporary genocide studies.

The book includes:

• Turkish, German, and Austrian archival sources
• Scientific definitions and analyses of the Armenian Genocide
• Legal, historical, criminological, sociological, and psychological perspectives

Dadrian’s foundational contribution to genocide studies lies in his central thesis: genocide is not an impulsive act but a process carefully prepared over time. This concept transformed the methodological framework of genocide research.

Thanks to his command of Turkish, Ottoman, French, German, and English, Dadrian was able to introduce previously unknown documents into academic circulation. His legacy includes 22 monographs, 140 scholarly articles, and numerous other publications that hold both scholarly and political significance.

Born in Constantinople, Vahagn Dadrian held degrees in mathematics from the University of Berlin, history from the University of Vienna, and international law from the University of Zurich. He later taught at institutions including Harvard and New York University. His interest in genocide research was first sparked by reading Franz Werfel’s “The Forty Days of Musa Dagh” and deepened through his encounter with Catholic priest Grigor Gergerian, whose research influenced Dadrian’s own scholarly path.

In 1975, Dadrian received a grant from New York University to conduct archival research in London, Paris, Berlin, Bonn, and Vienna. One of his major contributions was the study and publication of documents from the British High Commission in Constantinople and the British Royal Law Office from 1918–1920.

Beyond his historical documentation, Dadrian introduced academic terminology still widely used in comparative genocide studies today. His interdisciplinary approach, grounded in international law and social sciences, remains foundational to the field.

The Armenian edition of the book was translated by Lilit Tutkhalyan. Its presentation will take place on April 21 at 7:00 PM at AGBU, as part of “Genocide Studies Week,” jointly organized by Newmag and AGBU Armenia. The general partner of the book is AGBU, and the event partner is Hayaqve.

“Genocide Studies Week,” supported by an AGBU grant, will be held from April 21 to 24 and will feature three book presentations and a panel discussion with the participation of Armenian and international experts.