Armenia’s government lags behind society in terms of progress – sociologist

In an interview with Tert.am, Artur Atanesyan of the Department of Sociology, Yerevan State University, spoke of the recent social unrest and tensions, reasons and possible consequences.

According to him, Armenia’s society has left the government behind in terms of development. The reason is the availability of information, tourism, international education and modern modern-day benefits.

“Armenia’s society is much freer now than during all the previous periods. On the other hand, the government system remains ‘conservative,’ marked with a one-party culture inherited from the Soviet Union, as well as the clan-type mode way of thinking,” Mr Atanesyan said.

The neighboring states’ government systems affect Armenia’s government system, with totalitarian and tyrannical approaches dominating.

“Turkish, Russian, Iranian and Azerbaijani cultures, which we know very well and criticize, have, regrettably, become guidelines for us and we are comparing with them to show our advantages or rather not being so bad,” Mr Atanesyan said.

Rising awareness of civil rights and conservatism of the government system will be a consequence.

Such evidence of inefficient government as “scarce resources,” “not having statehood for centuries,” “small country,” “transitional period is not so actively cited now as it was before.

The Eastern-style conservatism in the Armenian society may come into a far deeper conflict with the progressivism if those mass protests do not pave way for a permanent dialogue between our active citizens and the government bodies, the sociologist said.

“As a matter of fact, such a dialogue stems from the need of effective governance. So  our disadvantage of being a small country is turning into an advantage,” he noted.

Asked to comment on the expected outcomes on the continuing public tensions, Atanesyan replied, “The situation we are facing today is the result of shortcomings in the governance system and process. So it is good that they are revealed thanks to our citizens’ efforts, not the adversary’s.

“To ensure our state’s security and development, our authorities should demonstrate a model conduct and mobilize the potentials to provide a radical solution to problems. What Armenia lacks is a system and culture of accountability; without them, it is impossible to ensure effectiveness in the political system,” he added.