Aravot.am talked to political scientist Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan on regional issues
– In recent years, an activation of Russian-American geopolitical competition has been observed in the region. How can Armenia build a full relationship with the parties in this situation? Can we avoid the negative consequences of this conflict?
– One of the constant challenges of small states is the issue of external choice. It comes especially to the countries, which are in the focal point of the geopolitical competition. Unfortunately, for Armenia, such a choice is not only a matter of economic prosperity but also physical security. Therefore, Yerevan officially always tried to maintain equal friendly relations with all centers of international force. Yes, today Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union and the CSTO, however, we also demonstrate active participation in the formation of the international security system. And in the meantime, we are wonderful partners with the US, Europe and NATO. This is very important for our country. Certainly, it is not possible to avoid all the negative effects of Russian-West geopolitical competition, but it is possible to bring the possible damages to a minimum. I think Yerevan officially manages to do it successfully.
– US Government-sponsored “Millennium Challenges” program has published the list of the countries that meet the standards for receiving assistance under this program. Armenia is in this list. What do you think, can we expect that this year our country will receive the US government support?
Read also
– “Millennium Challenges” program publishes such a list every year. According to last year information, Armenia again meets the standards necessary to receive the assistance, but, as we know, the US government at that time did not consider it appropriate to assist our country in the framework of this program. I think that the problem is purely political, Armenia has accessed the Eurasian Economic Union, which became the reason for such a decision by Washington. We expect that the “Millennium Challenge” will resume the funding of the projects in Armenia this year, I would not recommend again. Unfortunately, such programs are designed more for the solution of political than economic problems. I think that the authorities of Armenia have a lot to do to receive the US government support for these programs.
– Often a question arises with many people about the actual role and significance of Armenia in the geopolitical tactics of the superpowers. Is it possible to describe the importance of our country in the US and Russia regional politics in a few words?
– A whole scientific research is needed to answer this question in full. But if in short, it must be said that today Armenia is one of the main factors of ensuring security in the region. If not, the most important one. The South Caucasus stability and predictability is the strategic benefit of Russia and the United States. Of course, each of them approaches this problem from a different viewpoint, but it does not change the essence of this issue. In this regard, it is important for Yerevan officially to understand in the end the boundaries of its potentials and the value of the services delivered to the international community from the security perspective. Only then it would be possible to fully build relations with Moscow, Washington, Brussels and other countries pursuing a geopolitical interest in our region.
Interviewer, Nelly GRIGORYAN
