Shouting slogans about European integration borders on madness – Boris Mezhuyev

Speaking with Alpha News, political scientist Boris Mezhuyev commented on the situation in Russian-Armenian relations.

“The presidents meet; there was a summit recently, and no tough measures were taken between them. But Russian public opinion is unhappy with the ongoing arrests and anti-church actions. Overall, there are a number of issues that, of course, are causing some irritation but for Russia this remains a low-priority matter. There is a prevailing sense that no catastrophe is unfolding in the Caucasus, and that more serious events are occurring elsewhere. It seems to me that Russia isn’t inclined to take firm action right now, particularly toward Armenia or Azerbaijan. It’s more likely to see the situation as: ‘Whatever happens, happens,'” the expert said.

According to Mezhuyev, Armenia’s aspirations to join Europe are fraught with various risks and are unwise.

“The problem is that right now it feels like Armenia—though for understandable reasons—is essentially digging its own hole. Because in the context of what’s now called a polycentric world—that is, the rise of Asian giants, not necessarily even Russia, but also Turkey, the strengthening of Iran to a certain extent, the strengthening of the SCO, China—shouting slogans about European integration seems irrational… You see, if we’re being serious, this is already beginning to border on madness. Armenia will essentially be the only country in the Caucasus that genuinely desires some kind of European integration. And we need to understand how dire its situation will be if this European integration becomes a reality, if Armenia truly chooses France as a priority partner.

All the Eurasian giants currently have difficult relations with Europe for a variety of reasons. Europe is, firstly, far away; secondly, poor and destitute; thirdly, powerless and embittered toward Russia, and it is consumed—just like Russia—by this conflict. What can Europe realistically do, other than use the Armenian lobby’s money for purely financial support of Armenia? What Europe can do for its security? Honestly, I don’t understand. Well, unless, of course, we’re talking about simply a desire to heroically serve as a bulwark of democracy in a world of autocratic regimes.

In Russia, this is no longer viewed as a threat, but rather as an anomaly—I emphasize, particularly in the current situation. Geography cannot be changed: Armenia is in a position where it will be forced to seek normal interaction with one of its neighbors, and Europe is clearly not among them,” Mezhuyev concluded.