Even though 30 years isn’t a short term, I can affirm that the culture of political estimation and debate around the phenomenon in the 3-rd republic hasn’t been formulated yet. Estimations and debates are solely emotional and based on some notions formed from illusional, virtual “reality”.
The problem is that there is no demand for cold-hearted, realistic analyses in Armenia, and the illusions are determined by the naïve perception of our nation that there are kind, and simultaneously magical forces or figures outside, who can protect us and provide our welfare.
Another “outbreak” of this perception was caused by Emmanuel Macron’s kind words about Armenia and the Armenian nation uttered during an interview. The French President particularly referred to the correlation of so-called “material” and “spiritual”: “Some European countries do have gas contracts. But regarding France and Europe’s voice, looking at all of you in the eye and in front of all of our compatriots I have to say that our values and principles cannot be bought with either gas or oil”.
Well, nicely said. But because Europe and France did not really react when the whole Armenian population was banished from most parts of Nagorno-Karabakh and was occupied by Azerbaijan using military forces, we can assume that the actions of our neighbors fit the European moral system. Maybe the reason is that Artsakh is “internationally accepted” as a part of Azerbaijan.
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Before feeling cheerful, proud, and flattered by Macron’s words, before calling your future kids “Emmanuel” or “Macron”, I suggest thinking about the practical consequences those words will have. Will the French president suggest applying sanctions against Azerbaijan during the upcoming EU summit? Will the EU civil observational mission prevent Azerbaijan’s new aggression? Will members of NATO, Turkey, and France, no matter how serious their contradictions are, risk their relations?
Taking into account the characteristics of the Armenian “trolling”, a question might arise: is Russia any better? No, our burdensome condition at this point is the result of Russia’s policy, from that perspective, by the way, the estimations Macron gave in his interview were objective, I reckon. Of course, the responsibility for the Russian standpoint right now lies with our government, which isn’t successful at working with a partner of such importance. But anyway, according to the sole political, not emotional approach, Russia has way more serious levers to pull than France and Europe. As of right now.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
