Armenian cultural chauvinism as threat to regional peace, coexistence Poll shows Armenians rank third among European nations

A relatively recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center shows that the level of cultural chauvinism among the population is quite prevalent in various Eastern European nations, notably Greece, Georgia and Armenia. According to the survey, more than 80 per cent of the population of these countries believes that their culture is superior to that of other nations. Greece leads the list with 89 per cent, followed by Georgia and Armenia with 85 and 84 per cent, respectively.

Of course, it is perfectly acceptable for any nation to cherish, be proud of, and promote its "national-cultural values"; in fact, it is an emotional attachment and desire. Unquestionably, these ideals institutionally support maintaining social peace and coexistence in society. The foundation of society is the set of common values held by the majority of people. As an example, we may use the phenomenon of a common language, which ensures communication in society.

Then such a question arises: What is cultural chauvinism and why is it considered dangerous? First, a basic definition of cultural chauvinism is essential in order to comprehend it. Cultural chauvinism is described in the scientific literature in the following way: “Cultural chauvinism is the tendency of peoples of the world to think of themselves as superior to others and therefore more valuable."

The Pew Research Center survey also revealed that cultural chauvinism occurs to some degree in all nations where the poll was conducted; in some nations, it is more prevalent (80 per cent), while in others, it remains around 20 per cent. As a result, even societies where cultural chauvinism is not seen favourably might exhibit some of its characteristics.

The fact that cultural chauvinism fosters intolerance towards other cultures in the societies it dominates and does not acknowledge the right of "foreign" cultures to exist or at the very least to flourish is one of the key factors that make it harmful. Of course, such an approach runs counter to the universal principles that humanity has developed over many centuries and at the expense of immense sacrifices. No matter how well they are implemented, universal principles are the best approach to maintaining the peace and harmony that mankind has developed over time.

Armenian rebels' photo in the early XX century

Another alarming aspect of cultural chauvinism is that it mostly stems from ignorance, illiteracy, and—worst of all—bigotry. Those who believe that their culture is superior to others are ignorant of the fact that no civilization is unique and was not developed only by a single group. All civilizations developed, produced, and were enriched throughout the history of humanity through learning from one another. In the age of globalism, this phenomenon is manifesting itself rather obviously.

Cultural chauvinism's incorporation into public policy is its most perilous manifestation, as it is the case in the modern Republic of Armenia. By fostering cultural chauvinism at the state level, Armenia has been able to instil a hostile attitude among its citizens against its neighbours, notably Azerbaijanis, for decades.

By portraying Armenians as a superior race (a la Nazi Germany) with “an ancient history” and “superior culture” to Azerbaijanis, government propaganda in this nation encourages the need for a new lebensraum (living space) and justifies the aggressive occupation policy. The nation's territorial claims towards its neighbours are formally recognized under the constitution.

Armenian cultural chauvinism, or to put it more eloquently, collective narcissism, was accompanied by cultural genocide against the historical legacy during the 30-year occupation of Azerbaijani lands. Azerbaijani historical and cultural monuments were destroyed, and settlements were literally razed to the ground during the occupation period.

Remnants of the “Sardar” mosque, located in the Irevan (Yerevan) fortress, near the Sardar (Khan) palace

The Armenian collective narcissism, which is a result of their inferiority complex, has targeted the historical and cultural achievements of Azerbaijanis. Even now, in Yerevan, the ancient ancestral home of Azerbaijanis, this systematic cultural genocide persists. By razing Azerbaijani monuments and temples, the Armenian government is attempting to portray these locations as "historical" Armenian lands. In other words, the Armenian state's attempts to forge a better culture came at the expense of destroying or distorting the originality of other civilizations.

On the other hand, Armenian chauvinism is posing a grave threat to regional peace and the principles of coexistence by perpetuating the memories and "legacy" of fascists such as Garegin Nzhdeh and terrorists such as Monte Melkonian.

Former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan laying flower in front of terrorist Melkonian's statue

This fascist policy led to the First Karabakh War (1988-1992), which resulted in the displacement of one million Azerbaijanis from their homes, and the extermination of innocent civilians. Moreover, the Armenian armed forces launched missile strikes against peaceful Azerbaijani cities (Ganja, Barda, etc.), which were far from the military theatre, during the Second Karabakh War (2020) as a result of the same chauvinistic, barbaric attitude. These missile assaults resulted in the deaths of scores of innocent residents, leaving many children orphaned.

A ruined site after Armenian missiles struck Azerbaijan's second-biggest city Ganja, October 20, 2020

There has been a lot written and said about various forms of Armenian chauvinism up to this point, but what matters is that, as political philosopher Hannah Arendt famously observed in reference to Nazism, mankind shouldn't allow evil to become commonplace once more.

The idea of the "poor" and "suffering" Armenians should not deceive the international community to ignore the crimes against humanity that Armenia has committed and continues to do so. Otherwise, it will pave the way to more brutal, unprecedented crimes that human history has witnessed so far.