“Without high-level protection, it was not easy to be moderate among the partisans of either side. I was belabored from every quarter; to the Ghibelline I was a Guelph, to the Guelph a Ghibelline.” This is how the 16th century French philosopher Michel de Montaigne “complained about life.” The Guelphs and Ghibellines were influential political currents that sought to weaken or strengthen the Pope’s power, which in turn was mediated by religious wars in which Catholics and Protestants massacred thousands in an attempt to prove to each other and to the world who is a better Christian and who is kinder and more compassionate. Montaigne did not join either of the sides, and he used his opportunities and authority to bring the positions of the representatives of these two currents as close as possible, at least to keep them away from hostility. Naturally, both parties were dissatisfied with the philosopher.
I think that this should be the position of any intellectual, especially when the situation in the country is tense. Especially in 21st century Armenia, when the state is facing the hardest trials (let’s be honest with ourselves), it is impossible to do otherwise. Pashinyan’s revolution was based on “rejecting Serzh” and succeeded. Kocharyan’s counter-revolution or attempt at restoration was based on “rejecting Nikol” but did not succeed. But regardless of the degree of success or failure, the logic of the conflicting parties in Armenia is based on negative emotions.
I have no doubt that they will act in the same spirit now. Pashinyan’s team will continue to talk about “punishing thieves,” “using steel instead of velvet,” “vetting,” and “lustration.” (I write “it will speak” because in reality, they will not be able to create any system, including dictatorship). Kocharyan’s team will continue the campaign against the “traitor” and the “capitulator,” and it will use the process of applying to the Constitutional Court to inflame passions and keep the hatred of its electorate alive.
It’s their business. They are political parties. Let them fight within the framework of their moral and cultural ideology. And what is the job of “stupid intellectuals” in the description of our current government? I think it is to convince people that regardless of whether they are Nikol or Kocharyan supporters, they are citizens of Armenia, and they should not only respect and tolerate each other, but also feel that they are friends, brothers, and members of the national team. We must maintain normal relations with the representatives of all the camps and try to influence their actions with mild criticism.
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By the way, let’s not get upset over the word ‘stupid.’
Aram Abrahamyan
