The Role of American and English Humanitarian Organisations in Stabilising the Socio-Economic Situation of Soviet Armenia in the Early 1920s

Abstract

This research examines the role of humanitarian organisations in newly Sovietized Armenia during the early 1920s, focusing on the American Near East Relief (NER) and the English Relief Committee (Anglcom). It assesses their contributions to stabilizing socio economic conditions, with contemporary relevance given Armenia’s recurring challenges, such as the plight of internally displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh. Amid historical crises like famine, epidemics, and mass homelessness during the transition to a new political system, these organisations played a critical role. Using methods including scientific abstraction, induction, and archival analysis, key findings reveal: (1) Soviet Armenia’s leadership relied on foreign aid to prevent catastrophic outcomes for orphans and refugees, and (2) NER and Anglcom’s initiatives significantly influenced the success of the New Economic Policy, relieving the government of social burdens and enabling economic recovery. This analysis offers valuable insights into managing severe socio economic crises.