Civic Activism as a Novel Component of Armenian Civil Society

eactionary, as they react to policies, whereas it would have been productive to direct this energy
into politics. It is bizarre to hear activists state that they do not want to be included in politics
because it is ‘dirty’. One must become involved in politics to change it. Otherwise, activists will
always remain activists who are simply reacting to things while not having any tangible input in
the policy-making process itself.
The line of critical argument concerning political parties has a number of causes. Political
parties have no will to cooperate with any other groups. They work in isolation. Political culture
is corrupt because the parties do not form and operate based on ideologies but on profits. This is
an important indicator of the political culture, demonstrating that it is unhealthy. Political parties
do not embrace a cooperative culture, whether with local entities or international bodies, not to
mention the lack of any culture of debate. They lack many important qualities that are crucial for
developing a healthy political culture. In the words of a political activist, “If Armenia had a fullfledged
and effectively operating political party system, then there would be no need to develop
civic activism.” Male, 57
10.2 Armenia’s top problems and ways to improve
-- There is no need for a new civil society. There is a need to awaken our society. (Activist, 29, Yerevan)
It would be irrelevant, if not naïve, to discuss civil society and ignore the problems currently
facing the country. This section presents the observable problems in Armenia, as perceived by
our interviewees, followed by possible means of addressing them.
The detachment of the government from the public, the need for a shift from an
individualistic to a community perspective, the lack of public bonding and dialogue, as well as
institutional rehabilitation and economic development are among the subjects most urgently
demanding the attention of the government, non-governmental sector, businesses and the public
at large.
The Armenian government is profoundly detached from the Armenian public. The main
reason for the on-going public discontent is this disconnect. The lack of governmental attention,
to problems in a variety of sectors, results in malfunctioning policies thereby opening a new
space for public dissatisfaction. The government should pay attention to even the most minor
eruptions within society and take the time to understand them. Independent research and analysis
are necessary to identify issues that would contribute to building a foundation for a connection to
the public. Another approach is simply to uphold the constitutional order in the republic.
Complying with the provisions prescribed by the Constitution in practice will help the country to
develop and help its people to become connected to the government.
NGOs should strive to become the instrument to unite the disconnected government and
the public. They should operate as mediators and, importantly, regard this as their essential
function. NGOs should be instrumental in creating a public understanding that it is possible for
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