Russian expert: Parliamentary elections in Armenia will determine  whether the traditional ideology of  Armenian nationalism remains viable  for the people

ArmInfo.The events on Armenia's borders in 2020 and 2022 have significantly diminished  Yerevan's trust in its alliance with Russia, as stated by Nikolay Silayev, a leading researcher at the Institute of International Studies at MGIMO University, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Yerevan on February 26 in his  remarks at the opening of the  international analytical program "Eurasian Dialogue. Armenia."

 "In recent years, Armenia has been working to reduce the threat  posed by Azerbaijan and, to a lesser extent, Turkey, by making  concessions to these countries. However, when Armenia makes such  concessions and seeks a direct peace with Azerbaijan and Turkey, it's  perceived need for a Russian "security umbrella" naturally  diminishes," Silayev added. The expert then pointed out another  important factor in his view. According to him, for over a century  and half, Armenian nationalism has been a major factor in how great  powers approached the Transcaucasus. "Now we are witnessing Armenia  rejecting Armenian nationalism in the form it has existed for the  last150 years. And this raises questions for Armenia's partners," the  expert noted. Silayev views the upcoming parliamentary elections in  June as a decisive moment. He believes that the results will answer  one critical question: Is the traditional ideology of Armenian  nationalism still  viable for the people?

"But the question is that any outside interference could influence  voters in either direction-either solidifying the old ideology or  confirming its end," he said, adding that Russian politicians must  prepare for a future where the traditional political factors they  once relied on in Armenia no longer exist.