Arminfo.info


 Friday, November 1 2024 11:37
Marianna Mkrtchyan

Armenian premier persistently follows way of reconfiguring national  identity - Russian expert

Armenian premier persistently follows way of reconfiguring national  identity - Russian expert

ArmInfo. In recent years, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has increasingly followed the path of reformatting national and state identity, abandoning the ideas and practices of an "expanded Armenia" in favor of a compact, peaceful, albeit peripheral republic. 

This is how Russian political scientist Sergei Markedonov commented  on yesterday's statements by the head of the Armenian Foreign  Ministry on the Armenian Genocide. The expert noted that in the  history of each nation there are events that have a special emotional  load. They largely shape ethnic, national, and state identity, a  number of sacred symbols are built around them, they provide heroes  and antiheroes, and behavioral patterns are sought in them. "For  Armenians all over the world, both for the citizens of the Republic  of Armenia and for the Diaspora, one of the key events in world  history is the tragedy of the first quarter of the 20th century in  the Ottoman Empire. Mets Yeghern, literally "The Great Massacre."  This is how the Armenian national narrative defines the events of  1915.

With the collapse of the USSR and the emergence of independent  Armenia, the issue of international recognition of the genocide  became one of its foreign policy priorities. However, some  reservations are needed here. The first president of the republic,  Levon Ter-Petrosyan, already in the early 1990s, long before the  notorious "football diplomacy", spoke about the need to normalize  relations with Turkey and reprioritize national goals, moving away  from the historical past in favor of the present," Markedonov  recalled.

In this vein, he added that, nevertheless, direct military  confrontation with Azerbaijan and indirect political confrontation  with Turkey overshadowed this conciliatory discourse.

"The fight for recognition of the genocide has acquired new  relevance. And when the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat  Mirzoyan states that "the study of the tragic events, the Armenian  genocide, or their transformation into priority number one is  certainly not on the agenda" of his department, this is not just the  opinion of a high-ranking official," the Russian expert noted.

At the same time, he believes that Mirzoyan has not actually  discovered anything new. "In the last couple of years, Mirzoyan's  boss Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly called for abandoning the past  for the sake of the future. Especially when this past becomes "red  clothes" that irritate neighboring "bulls." 

And even if such clothes were sewn by a "beloved grandmother," the  Armenian prime minister developed his thesis, "it is better to take  them off. Simply put, to reformat the national-state identity,  abandoning the ideas and practices of an "expanded Armenia" in favor  of a compact, peaceful, albeit peripheral republic," Markedonov  added. The Russian political scientist also believes that Armenian  society is frustrated and not ready to fight, there is no external  support for Armenian geopolitical maximalism, and internal reserves  are insufficient. " During my lectures, students and ordinary  listeners have repeatedly asked the same question:  are Armenians  overdoing it with history, are they focusing too much on the past?

"I will note two points. Firstly, both the Karabakh idea and the idea  of a "greater Armenia" in general arose each time not because of the  allegedly "strange Armenians - lovers of the hoary past", but because  in "foreign countries" they were subjected to severe trials. Hence  the cult of "one's own land", where only one can feel oneself. And  never again! This goal was not realized by angels in white robes,  true. But the logic of preserving a special identity demanded a lot  from the Armenian leaders plus a little more. Otherwise, it was  simply physically impossible to survive on the imperial fault lines!  I urge my readers, if not to accept, then to understand this idea,"  the political scientist is sure. 

Secondly, according to Markedonov, who actually said that relations  between Armenia and Turkey are about yesterday and the day before  yesterday. "Or is the closed land border and the blocking of regional  projects about Talaat and Enver? Or about Ataturk? Or is the support  of Baku in 2016, 2020 and 2023 not only with a kind word, but also  with a gun about the fate of Komitas? I mean that reprioritization,  to which the government and people of Armenia have every right, will  not close the current urgent challenges in itself. Just as our  confrontation with the West will not be closed by thousands of  Moscow's repentances for 1956 or 1968," the expert is sure.

In his opinion, history is not only the legends of ancient times.  "First of all, it is the science of cause-and- effect relationships.  Of course, we can solemnly renounce them. But the problem is that  Mother History has its own plans for us," Markedonov summed up. 

The Armenian FM stated in parliament on October 31 that the issue of  promoting the agenda of international recognition of the Armenian  Genocide in the Ottoman Empire is not the prerogative of the Armenian  Foreign Ministry. He then repeated the narratives promoted by Ankara  for decades that this issue should be dealt with by historians. In  fact, with today's statement, Mirzoyan confirmed the concerns of  experts, previously expressed in terms of the fact that the current  Armenian authorities will do anything to normalize relations with  Turkey while trampling on their own national interests, including in  terms of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.  

READ ALL COMMENTS

Юрий
Геополитические разломы сильнее прихотей отдельных личностей. случайно или волею судеб оказавшихся у власти, как пашинян. Игнорировать эти разломы все равно, что плевать против ветра или идти против законов природы. Попробовать можно, но финал предсказуем и печален. Дай Бог, чтобы армянское общество осознало эту истину прежде, чем станет поздно. Но есть надежда, что генетический код армян сильнее пашинянов и мирзоянов и, немного помутировав, вернется в нормальное состояние.

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

News
Artur Sargsyan stripped of his parliamentary immunityArtur Sargsyan stripped of his parliamentary immunity
Political scientist: Pashinyan`s government acknowledges that it is  impossible to simultaneously oppose two non-agreement-capable  opposition centersPolitical scientist: Pashinyan`s government acknowledges that it is  impossible to simultaneously oppose two non-agreement-capable  opposition centers
World Council of Churches expresses deep concern regarding recent  developments involving the Armenian Apostolic ChurchWorld Council of Churches expresses deep concern regarding recent  developments involving the Armenian Apostolic Church
Armenian Deputy FM participates in the Special Session of the  Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute on the Review of the  Draft Amendments on the Crime of AggressionArmenian Deputy FM participates in the Special Session of the  Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute on the Review of the  Draft Amendments on the Crime of Aggression
Armenian Ombudsperson signals a violation of lawyers` right to access  their clients in the preliminary investigation bodyArmenian Ombudsperson signals a violation of lawyers` right to access  their clients in the preliminary investigation body
 RA Prime Minister visits Kotayk branch of  SOS Children`s Villages RA Prime Minister visits Kotayk branch of SOS Children`s Villages
Jerusalem`s Armenian Quarter  most targeted by anti- Christian  incidents in Israel - ReportJerusalem`s Armenian Quarter  most targeted by anti- Christian  incidents in Israel - Report
Narek Karapetyan: Authorities want to start a pre-planned process  against Tashir GroupNarek Karapetyan: Authorities want to start a pre-planned process  against Tashir Group
Armenia officially joins UN Countering Terrorism Travel Program Armenia officially joins UN Countering Terrorism Travel Program 
Vice Speaker: The government must respond to threats, otherwise it  will lead to chaosVice Speaker: The government must respond to threats, otherwise it  will lead to chaos
No detainees from among ENA staff members - acting CEONo detainees from among ENA staff members - acting CEO
War in Armenia - politician War in Armenia - politician 
Armenian law-enfrocers publicly ordered to attack AAC - lawyerArmenian law-enfrocers publicly ordered to attack AAC - lawyer
Swiss MPs to present peace initiative on return to Artsakh in  Washington Swiss MPs to present peace initiative on return to Artsakh in  Washington 
RA Human Rights Defender condemns squabble in NA RA Human Rights Defender condemns squabble in NA 
Russian-Armenian businessman files slander claims against Armenian  premier, deputy head of RA premier`s staff Russian-Armenian businessman files slander claims against Armenian  premier, deputy head of RA premier`s staff 
Everyone expected this - Narek Karapetyan Everyone expected this - Narek Karapetyan 
Armenia`s Investigative Committee investigating major embezzlement  cases Armenia`s Investigative Committee investigating major embezzlement  cases 
ENA Board chairman brought to ENA head office ENA Board chairman brought to ENA head office 
Tensions in Armenia`s parliamentTensions in Armenia`s parliament
AraratBank participated in the WEPs regional experience-sharing workshopAraratBank participated in the WEPs regional experience-sharing workshop
Ruling force`s action illegal - Arman TatoyanRuling force`s action illegal - Arman Tatoyan
Law enforcement officers do not explain the reasons for not allowing  ENA employees to their workplacesLaw enforcement officers do not explain the reasons for not allowing  ENA employees to their workplaces
Some Armenian clergymen have nothing in common with Jesus Christ`s  teaching - premierSome Armenian clergymen have nothing in common with Jesus Christ`s  teaching - premier
Law-enforcers raiding home of Russian-Armenian businessman`s nephew Law-enforcers raiding home of Russian-Armenian businessman`s nephew 
Arsen Nazaryan from Artsakh winner of Hot Heart prize Arsen Nazaryan from Artsakh winner of Hot Heart prize 
Lawyer: Lawyer: "Chief Investigator" "instructed" to search the place where  we, as Christians, enter with reverence
Lawyer: Any new action by security forces at the Mother See of Holy  Etchmiadzin will be considered a Lawyer: Any new action by security forces at the Mother See of Holy  Etchmiadzin will be considered a "deliberate encroachment"
Seyran Ohanyan stripped of his parliamentary immunitySeyran Ohanyan stripped of his parliamentary immunity
Armenian wrestlers return with medals from  European Freestyle  Wrestling Championship  in ItalyArmenian wrestlers return with medals from  European Freestyle  Wrestling Championship  in Italy
NA ruling faction members approved Prosecutor General`s motion to  prosecute Artsvik MinasyanNA ruling faction members approved Prosecutor General`s motion to  prosecute Artsvik Minasyan
Foreign Minister: Armenia has decided to enlarge, increase its  participation in the SCOForeign Minister: Armenia has decided to enlarge, increase its  participation in the SCO
Moody`s upgrades Converse Bank`s ratingsMoody`s upgrades Converse Bank`s ratings
RA Investigative Committee  press secretary responds to Galstanyan`s  lawyer`s statement  that  published recording was falsified and taken  out of contextRA Investigative Committee  press secretary responds to Galstanyan`s  lawyer`s statement  that  published recording was falsified and taken  out of context
RA National Security Council Secretary receives Ambassador of SwedenRA National Security Council Secretary receives Ambassador of Sweden
Saakashvili: Pashinyan has officially taken a course on EU membershipSaakashvili: Pashinyan has officially taken a course on EU membership
Swedish Ambassador concludes his mission in ArmeniaSwedish Ambassador concludes his mission in Armenia
Prosecutor General asks for criminal prosecution against a member of  Armenia`s National AssemblyProsecutor General asks for criminal prosecution against a member of  Armenia`s National Assembly
Geghard Foundation: Any state that  supports Aliyev`s rhetoric  complicit with Azerbaijan in the event of future aggression in the  regionGeghard Foundation: Any state that  supports Aliyev`s rhetoric  complicit with Azerbaijan in the event of future aggression in the  region
Kremlin: Moscow and Baku should remain partners and alliesKremlin: Moscow and Baku should remain partners and allies
Ruling elite focuses efforts on internal policy, ignoring external  challenges - opposition MPRuling elite focuses efforts on internal policy, ignoring external  challenges - opposition MP
Official unveiling ceremony of Charles Aznavour`s monument to take  place in Yerevan on July 18Official unveiling ceremony of Charles Aznavour`s monument to take  place in Yerevan on July 18
Preliminary investigation into riots in Syunik completed Preliminary investigation into riots in Syunik completed 
 Armenia`s Ministry of Environment proposes introducing institute of  extended producer responsibility for producers  Armenia`s Ministry of Environment proposes introducing institute of  extended producer responsibility for producers 
Caucasus has no patience to experience one more conflict - Recep  Erdogan Caucasus has no patience to experience one more conflict - Recep  Erdogan 
Armenian premier`s statement order to Prosecutor`s Office - lawyers Armenian premier`s statement order to Prosecutor`s Office - lawyers 
`Terrorism` case means of pressing `unwelcome ones` - lawyer `Terrorism` case means of pressing `unwelcome ones` - lawyer 
Yerevan must meet growing demand for sports competitions - mayor Yerevan must meet growing demand for sports competitions - mayor 
Isolation of clergymen and businessman shows bankruptcy and fears of  ruling regime - expertIsolation of clergymen and businessman shows bankruptcy and fears of  ruling regime - expert
Digital broadcasting to be suspended in Armenia Digital broadcasting to be suspended in Armenia 
Muster of reservists to take place in Armenia Sept 23 to Nov 28Muster of reservists to take place in Armenia Sept 23 to Nov 28
Armenian MP proposes using `political persecution` in place of  `prosecution`Armenian MP proposes using `political persecution` in place of  `prosecution`
Political scientist Karen Igityan prohibited from entering ArmeniaPolitical scientist Karen Igityan prohibited from entering Armenia
Armenia`s premier addresses message concerning Catholicos Garegin II Armenia`s premier addresses message concerning Catholicos Garegin II 
Armenia`s territory cannot be used by third countries for military  operations - RA MFA Armenia`s territory cannot be used by third countries for military  operations - RA MFA 
Armenian MFA summons Russian Ambassador over “hostile propaganda” against it Armenian MFA summons Russian Ambassador over “hostile propaganda” against it
Archbishops Mikael Ajapakhian and Bagrat Galstanian, currently in NSS  detention center, go on hunger strikeArchbishops Mikael Ajapakhian and Bagrat Galstanian, currently in NSS  detention center, go on hunger strike
Holy Etchmiadzin issued statement expressing indignation at   reprehensible campaign unleashed by Holy Etchmiadzin issued statement expressing indignation at   reprehensible campaign unleashed by 
Under  hashtag #MERDZEVOV, march in support of political prisoner,  well-known businessman and entrepreneur Samvel Karapetyan starting on  the central boulevard of YerevanUnder  hashtag #MERDZEVOV, march in support of political prisoner,  well-known businessman and entrepreneur Samvel Karapetyan starting on  the central boulevard of Yerevan
A march in support of Samvel Karapetyan started in YerevanA march in support of Samvel Karapetyan started in Yerevan
Read more



Commented