During the last four years, a very beautiful tradition of debate has been established among some of our political organizations: determining the “orientation” of the political opponent (pro-western, pro-Russian, pro-Turkish, pro-Masson, etc.) and trying to earn political capital based on it, stating that their own organization has a diametrically opposite “orientation,” which, of course, is a salvage for the nation. This approach is very deep (one might say, age-old) roots, although it did not bring any historical success.
The profound meaning of “orientation” is the following: Look, Uncle Sam (or Uncle Ivan), how good we are, how much we love you, whereas our opponent likes your enemies, consequently, help me to take revenge, for which we will owe you with all our lives. The uncles listen to this flattery with pleasure, however, they adopt decisions based only on their own (and not flattery) interests.
This belief really exists among certain circles of the society, if, to put it mildly, worming yourself into confidence, it is possible to solve your own country’s problems. However, the relationships between the states are based on objective regularities resulting in the establishment of different types of alliances. For example, Russia and Armenia are the allied states, not due to pro-Russian or pro-Armenian of the leaders of these countries, but compliance with the interests. This military alliance will be maintained, no matter who will be ruling the countries tomorrow (unless, of course, they are sick people like Elchibey or Gamsakhurdia).
CIS countries (first and foremost, Russia) received loans from the West not die to their being pro-Western, but simply for the reason that these loans are generally advantageous for both the giver and the taker. Any Russian government will take credit, again if only incurable patients did not appear there.
The idea of orientation (even if it was ever topical) is out of date, and does not play any role in modern life.
And ultimately, flattering is not only useless, but also somewhat harmful. The flatterers are not liked.
ARAM ABRAHAMYAN
9.02.1996
