Revanchism: A threat to Armenia’s own security Lessons from history

"Today, as we face serious security challenges confronting our state, it is imperative that we further strengthen our army," stated the Catholicos of All Armenians on January 28, adding that the "role and contribution of the Armenian Army in the sacred cause of safeguarding our newly gained independent statehood and protecting the rights of our people are beyond measure." This is not a quote from a sermon on the theme of "fighting with spirit, fighting with a sword"; this is an excerpt from a message by the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II on the occasion of the founding of the Armenian armed forces. Karekin II also noted that the "foundation of their valiant service and heroic deeds has always been—and will remain—love for the Motherland and unwavering devotion to our national values."

A bit of history. At the end of World War II, a fundamental decision was made in the spirit of "never again." And for "loyalty to national interests" (in this case, German interests) not to conflict with the rights of the victors, international security, and the principle of inviolable borders in postwar Europe, several precautions were taken, namely: denazification, a campaign for re-education, military censorship by the victorious countries, and a host of other measures. For instance, all of Germany’s military hardware was confiscated, and a large number of Germans were put to work in rebuilding the economy they had destroyed, which seems entirely fair. By the way, have you noticed that denazification, the re-education campaign, and military censorship by the victors preceded the Helsinki Accords of 1975 on the inviolability of borders in postwar Europe? But that’s not all—Germany was only allowed to form an army again ten years after the war ended, specifically on June 7, 1955. On that day, the German Ministry of Defense was created. So, Armenia should appreciate that Azerbaijan treated it as correctly as possible, without military censorship, denazification, or a re-education campaign (although, personally, I think these are wonderful measures, especially the "re-education campaign," and some ideas along those lines are definitely in the air).

However, on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the Armenian army, former Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan also made a statement, declaring that "the Armenian armed forces can and must restore their former glory and begin a new chronicle of victories," before emphasizing that "the glorious path of the Armenian army is not only an indelible history, but also an objective reality that exists independently of various perceptions." From the former president's perspective, "this reality should become a guide and foundation for the younger generation to restore the combat readiness and spirit of the army."

No! This must be forgotten once and for all. No chronicles, glory, or restoration of combat readiness, because this time – see above – in the event of an attempt at revanchism, the re-education campaign would transform from an idea into a material force. So, it's better not to tempt fate, because now is the time to embrace objective reality.

The sooner Armenia understands that this way of living is untenable, the better. It’s wrong to live with claims against neighbouring countries enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, to talk about peace while purchasing weapons from India and hoping for arms supplies from France. Because everything is in plain sight, and no one is fooled. When... well, if they understand this, maybe then things will improve for them. And not just "amend the constitution" and stop stocking up on Indian and European weapons, but truly understand that this way of life is unsustainable. At least because it's fraught with danger; all the weapons they’ve purchased can be destroyed at any moment under the very framework of international law, and in such an event, Azerbaijan would have no cause for reproach. Any, even hypothetical, threat to Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity will be firmly and demonstratively eliminated. "Eliminated" is a wonderful word in every respect: firstly, not everyone can immediately understand what it means, and secondly, by the time they do, the elimination will already be complete, because everything will be done as quickly as possible, though that doesn’t diminish its demonstrative nature. In other words, if the Azerbaijani army deems that a certain, for example, weapons depot, an MLRS battery, several self-propelled artillery pieces, or an airfield belonging to the Armenian armed forces, does not fit the surrounding landscape (i.e., poses a threat to Azerbaijan’s security), then those depots, MLRS, artillery pieces, and airfields become legitimate targets, with all the ensuing consequences.

Two days ago, on Sunday, January 26, with the blessing of the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, a nationwide prayer was held in Echmiadzin dedicated to the safety of soldiers and officers of the Armenian army, the inviolability of Armenia’s borders, and the peace and well-being of the entire Armenian people. Of course, prayer is a good thing, but God helps those who help themselves, so it’s important not to forget that the safety of the soldiers and officers of the Armenian army primarily depends on their own behaviour and their rejection of revanchist ideas and territorial claims against Azerbaijan and Türkiye. 

As for the peace and well-being of the entire Armenian people, these depend not only on the exemplary behaviour of the soldiers and officers of the Armenian army but also on how quickly the Armenian government starts negotiations with the community of Western Azerbaijan regarding the return of Azerbaijanis to Zangezur and beyond. Of course, with full respect for the inviolability of Armenia’s borders—we seek nothing that is not ours, but we will not relinquish what rightfully belongs to us.