Armenian journalist, blogger, and founder of the platform In the Center of the Lens Roman Baghdasaryan says Armenia is undergoing a profound political and social transformation.
The one defined by the rejection of revanchist narratives and a growing public demand for peace, stability, and reform.
In an interview with 1news.az, Baghdasaryan discussed the changing mindset in Armenian society ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections, the weakening of the so-called “Karabakh clan,” and the emergence of a new, pragmatic vision for Armenia’s future.
“The political situation in Armenia is largely shaped by the approaching elections,” Baghdasaryan explained. “The old elites – the so-called ‘Karabakh clan’ – thrived for decades on corruption, state capture, and manipulation of the Karabakh issue. Now the agenda has changed: it’s about non-interference in the internal affairs of neighbors, respect for territorial integrity, and living by one’s own labor rather than by exploiting artificial sources of income.”
According to him, this shift marks a “natural and rational evolution” in the country’s political culture. Baghdasaryan believes that up to 90 percent of Armenians today are ready for genuine peace with Azerbaijan.
Opposition Without a Vision
He was sharply critical of Armenia’s opposition, calling it fragmented and devoid of ideas.
“There is practically no real opposition in Armenia,” he said. “Most of the former authorities are people with criminal backgrounds, implicated in violence and corruption. They have no sacred values and no constructive agenda. The Armenian people see this clearly and continue to support Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.”
Fear, Memory, and the Word “Peace”
Baghdasaryan acknowledged that decades of war have left deep scars on both sides:
“For more than 30 years, our countries were at war. Thousands were killed. It’s impossible to build trust overnight. Many people are still afraid and guided by emotion – they were under propaganda for too long. But this will change over time.”
The Role of Civil Society
Despite internal tensions, he described Armenian civil society as “active and influential,” though sometimes prone to excess.
“There is democracy and freedom of speech in Armenia, and that gives civil society real leverage. However, the opposition often crosses legal boundaries under the pretext of that freedom.”
He welcomed recent meetings between Azerbaijani and Armenian civil activists in Yerevan as a positive step toward mutual understanding:
“Even a small meeting – ten people, five from each side – can build trust. It’s far better to talk face-to-face than to live by rumors and stereotypes.”
“Speaking the Truth Is Still Dangerous”
Baghdasaryan admitted that expressing dissent in Armenia remains risky:
“There are still many people from criminal circles – including judges and investigators working for oligarchs like Samvel Karapetyan. Speaking the truth is dangerous. You never know who might act against you next.”
A Message to Armenians
“I urge Armenian society to work calmly, to maintain dialogue with all neighbors, and to believe in itself,” he concluded. “We must strive for progress – and I wish the same for all neighboring peoples, including Azerbaijan.”
