One of the main theses of the government’s propaganda is this: “Our people are wise. They understand that we have entered an era of eternal peace and growing prosperity. It is only the malicious opposition and the corrupt elites who are so foolish—or so bought off—that they doubt the establishment of a ‘golden age’ in Armenia, while the people grasp everything correctly.”
I am not sure to what extent this reflects “the people” (I avoid that creaky phrase) or to what extent it is “adequate,” but I do agree with the government on one point: for a significant part—perhaps even the majority—of Armenian citizens, it makes little difference whether they live in Armenia or Azerbaijan, whether our territory is occupied or not, whether we make unilateral concessions to Azerbaijan or not.
This is the bitter reality, and we should not be misled by opinion polls. Two or three years ago, more than 90 percent opposed Artsakh being part of Azerbaijan, and now most people are unbothered by it. In polls, people may “beat their chests,” but that in no way means they are ready to take action for the sake of their convictions.
Moreover, a considerable share of Armenian citizens are not troubled by the fact that our compatriots are being tortured in Baku. Many even think these people “deserve” such treatment in enemy prisons because they supposedly “stole.” It is precisely in such a public atmosphere that someone like Pashinyan can continue to rule the country.
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The real challenge, therefore, is to cultivate an atmosphere of dignity, compassion, and solidarity in our society. Until the cause is addressed, the consequence—today’s government—will not disappear.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
