Armenian authorities continue to rely on old political technologies that divide society because they have failed to develop a new agenda and fresh political content. This view was expressed by Karen Bekaryan, chairman of the board of the Hayatsk Analytical Center.
According to him, one of the authorities’ main objectives after the war has been to preserve the psychological shock experienced by society, allowing them to exert additional pressure on the public.
“What we are witnessing today is psychological intimidation directed at the country’s own citizens,” Bekaryan stated.
He argues that when people are told that a change of power would inevitably lead to war, such rhetoric can hardly be interpreted as anything other than psychological pressure.
Political Threats as Part of a Broader Strategy
Bekaryan believes that threats and insults directed at opposition politicians and political forces fit within the same framework.
“When a political figure becomes the target of insults or attacks, the issue is not limited to that individual. In countries with a developed political culture, people understand that some values cannot be measured by percentages. Every political force represents citizens, and any attack against it is also directed at those people,” he said.
A Return to Old Political Narratives
According to Bekaryan, the authorities have once again returned to the same dividing narratives they have used for years to influence public opinion.
He noted that themes such as “former versus current officials,” “looting,” and “recovering stolen assets” have reappeared in political discourse.
“These narratives were previously used to polarize society. When the authorities return to their old agenda, it demonstrates either that no new message has been created or that the new message has failed. In both cases, the result is the same — a return to old methods,” Bekaryan argued.
A Sign of a Deeper Political Crisis
In Bekaryan’s assessment, the current situation reflects a profound crisis of political culture and does not correspond to the standards of democratic political behavior.
He believes the ongoing developments cannot be viewed as a normal and healthy political process.
“From any perspective, this is an abnormal situation. What is happening in the political sphere today cannot be considered a natural or healthy political process,” Bekaryan concluded.