A poll was conducted in Yerevan in October-November of 2021 to find out who is Armenia’s best ally and to conduct a comparison of the nature of attitudes towards Russia and France. Respondents were directly asked whether they consider Russia or France a friendly, unfriendly, or neutral country for Armenia. 35% of the respondents consider Russia a friendly country, and 43% consider France a friendly country. On the other hand, 17% of the respondents consider Russia an unfriendly country, and 2% consider France as such. On December 15, at the seventh annual session of the Eurasian Expert Club, “Seven years of Armenia’s membership in the EEU: Eurasian integration yesterday, today, tomorrow,”
Samvel Manukyan, Candidate of Sociological Sciences and member of the Eurasian Expert Club spoke about this. In response to the question about which is preferable for Armenia – to develop relations with France or Russia, 30% of the respondents answered that it is preferable to develop relations with Russia, and 20% answered France. Almost one third of the respondents, 32%, answered that relations should be developed with both Russia and France.
To the next question, if Armenia is forced to develop relations with either France or Russia, then what should be the choice? The number of Russia’s supporters has almost doubled. It was preferred by 54% of respondents, and the number of supporters of France increased by 4%, and their total number reached 23%. As far as if it is possible to compare these data to find which country is the best ally of Armenia, the sociologist does not consider the direct comparison correct.
“Indirect comparison is possible through relations. In Yerevan in 2019, Russia was considered the best ally by 47%, and France by 12%. The ratio of these indicators in 2019 was 4: 1 in Yerevan in favor of Russia. And the ratio of indicators with which country it is expedient to develop relations in case of either-or – 54%. 23 percent = 2.3: 1. Thus, after the 44-day war in Yerevan, France’s position towards Russia has significantly improved.”
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According to the sociologist, the general concept of why Russia is considered a friendly country is the interpretation of the Armenian-Russian historical relations. It consists of basic concepts. Historically, Russia has always been close to Armenia, in difficult situations Russia has always helped Armenia, in wars only Russia was next to Armenia, and if it were not for Russia, then Armenia would not exist. Russia protects us from Turkey, Russia protects our borders, Russia is our best ally, Russia is our only choice, Russia is the basis of our industrial development, Russia is our source of income, Armenians have the opportunity to work in Russia, Armenians have the opportunity to develop in Russia, and I love Russians (culturally conditioned emotional attitude). The private concept is as follows: Russia saved us from a national catastrophe during the 44-day war, Russia stopped the war, Russia sent its troops to our defense, Russia provided huge assistance to Karabakh, Russia provided military assistance to Armenia, and Russian peacekeepers are in Karabakh today.
The sociologist obviously believes that the concept is based entirely on historical facts and facts related to the 44-day war.
Why do they consider France a friendly country? The general concept is this: France is with us at a difficult time, France has given asylum to Armenians in its country, France has been helping us since 1915, France has recognized the Armenian Genocide, France is the only country that has recognized the Armenian Genocide, France is Armenia’s friend, and France treats Armenians well. The picture of the private concept of the 44-day war is as follows: France helped Armenia with calls, France tried to help Armenia, France is always ready to help Armenia, France helps in any issue, France was by Armenia’s side during the war, and the French President has no anti-Armenian sentiments. There are positive relations between the leaders of our countries, France supported us morally, France supported us diplomatically, France supported us financially, and France helped us in the 44-day war.
Nelly Grigoryan
