PM Pashinyan addresses the imperial model of patriotism in Armenia and its true objectives

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. At the Second Global Armenian Summit, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the concept of imperial patriotism and explained the purpose of introducing that model in Armenia.

"I will tell you as I tell my family, the biggest problem we had was our perception of patriotism. Moreover, there is no irony or sarcasm in what I am saying. The biggest issue I faced was my patriotism, with the perception that this model of patriotism had nothing to do with our homeland. It is simply an imperial model of patriotism, which was introduced into our social psychology through books, films, texts, speeches, characters, and images," Pashinyan said.

According to the Prime Minister, the imperial model of patriotism is aimed at excluding the existence of an independent and sovereign Armenian state.

According to him, the  imperial model of patriotism means that Armenia should not have a real homeland, but only a theoretical one, "hanging on the wall, mentioned during toasts."

"I'm talking about the outpost. I understand that many people think I mean that others made us an outpost. No, we have made ourselves an outpost by believing this is not a country meant to provide welfare to its citizens, but rather a base through which we should reach other goals. Others saw fertile ground and planted seeds to reap the fruits they needed," he said.

Pashinyan noted that he was speaking as an Armenian, not as the prime minister.

"We must recognize the destructive aspect of our patriotism for ourselves. It would be in the best interests of the Republic of Armenia if I were not a patriot. That is the greatest harm I have caused—my love for my country and my people. However, the main problem is that neither you nor I are the authors of that love. It is an imperial love, shaped by the empire, instilled in us," Pashinyan concluded.