The first 30 years of the Republic of Armenia demonstrated the struggle to produce credible leadership that can address the economic, social and national security needs of the nation. As Armenians, we tend to react to this in a myopic manner. The facts are that almost every post-Soviet nation has been plagued with corruption, border disputes and economic stagnation. The leadership challenge is rooted in the slow evolution of these nations producing individuals that rise through the political system with competence and self-serving intentions. Given Armenia’s current challenges, it doesn’t have the luxury of mediocrity of other more powerful and established countries with deep rooted political systems. As America goes through its current political crisis, stability is maintained by a longstanding system of checks and balances.
Armenia has one advantage that few nations its size can claim. The creation of the diaspora, as a direct result of the Armenian Genocide, began as a scattering of survivors and has evolved into a powerful asset of the Armenian nation. We all are the beneficiaries of its earliest sacrifices which was the establishment of the global infrastructure of schools, churches and organizations that have maintained identity and contributed to the growth of our nation. The diaspora has always been generous in supporting other areas in distress, and since the 1988 earthquake, has been particularly active in the nation building process in Armenia and Artsakh. There are endless dimensions to defining the relationship of the homeland and the diaspora: repatriation, dual citizenship, nonprofit service, frequent visits to name a few. The extent and depth of the relationship asks a question: just what is the vision we collectively hold of the relationship between the diaspora and Armenia? Certainly this relationship has changed since 1991, but will the walls be maintained preventing oneness in our nation?
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Diaspora Army units NOW! Massive body of trained ready and capable soldiers to retake our ancient lands and rid this horrific useless nation destroying agreement that the incompetent traitor put us in. To be fair the past self enriching Armenian thief presidents that stole elections would never consider it either as they promoted emigration. All useless. Besides this plan of adding direct security, most would stay after service to repopulate and talk about real investments from the diaspora as having your kids on the front lines would bring real motivation like nothing else will. ITS A WIN WIN WIN!. Its the only long term answer as relying on the 17 useless divisions that compose the current political system is total disaster.
Mr. Piligian is correct. Armenia today has not touched the depths of what could be the support of the Armenian diaspora. The corrupt politics, the pettiness and the bickering deters many from doing more. There is no conviction that Armenia has its act together, that it has a coherent strategy for embracing the future. When you are an Armenian in the diaspora you want to point to Armenia and say these are my roots, look at this magnificent nation, its victory of survival against all odds, the wars it fought, the culture it created, the bedrock of its religious belief. Look how it stands out as a model of governance to the world. If only those in power could lift their eyes to lofty goals, the diaspora of the world would unite.
The days of the diaspora only being regulated as a ” cash cow” must end. Most in the diaspora want to make a difference, if we only were allowed to be part of the true process of nation building. As rightly pointed out, use the 10 million of Armenian heritage to our advantage. Ignoring this reality will doom our future as a nation.
I always enjoy Mr Piligian’s articles. He is pragmetic, logical & practical in his views. This important artical “Leadership Crisis” is both timely & useful. I as former Minister of Energy & later as Minister of State of Armenia, from the Diaspora, clearly apprentice his point of wiew. We perhaps could take a lesson or two from the state of Israel how to engage the Diaspor in this regard. The potential of Diaspora Armenians is not fully appritiated by the Government of Armenia forom day one of the Third Independence. There are many flaud reasons for it that is a subject all on its own. I was resident of Armenia, from Los Angeles, during the first Artasagh war Armenia won with virtually poor military resources.There were many Diaspora volunteers on the front lines.
We Armenians are truly very fortunate to have our own country sprending over two millenniums. To protect it is the sacred duty of every Armenian worldwide.Diaspora represents two thirds (2/3) of Armenians worldwide & most Diaspora Armenians will be gladly willing to serve Armenia when asked. To ignore this pool oh talent is almost criminal. I left my family in Los Angeles in 1992, for nearly five years, when called to serve Armenia’s new Government without any second though & regrets. My monthly salary was six (6) US Dollars. Later, in two years, when I was promoted to State Minister my salary increased to twenty (20) US Dollars a month minus taxes. No one cared all we did is work 24/7 without any complain.
Conclusion: most Diaspora Armenians are willing & ready to serve in Armenia when asked.
As a diaspora Mr Pashinyan created a massive schism in our society. Soon there will be 2 armenias. The days were diaspora is a cash cow is over. 160 million USD was donated lately this again will go down the pockets of generals and the elite. We need a new constitution and a senate to oversee the corrupt. We are frustrated with the politicians and this has to end.
you are correct.. nobody wants to talk about this. And now, everyone is talking about more investment in Armenia. This follows the definition of insanity.
I always got the feeling that Pashinyan looked down at the diaspora, except perhaps the U.S. diaspora which he probably viewed as the realisation of his ambitions to have closer ties with the West (rather than the East, under his nose, which is now teaching him a harsh lesson). And, as others have mentioned so aptly, a ‘cash-cow’ to milk away. If we are going to look to the Diaspora to find a suitable leader, according to the Armenian Constitution (correct me if I am wrong) that person should be a citizen of the Republic of Armenia. I am sure this can be fast-tracked, but…I feel Armenia looks down at the Diaspora because for some reason we are viewed as a lesser Armenian than they are, living in the Fatherland, unless of course we are pumping $$$ £££ into the country. And, there is also the other thing: we speak ‘funny’ Armenian. Let us not go there, please, especially the one spoken in Armenia…
Definitely agree that more Armenian women must step into leadership roles across the private and government sectors. Look where the past leadership pool has delivered us. The stealthy influential Diasporan Armenians who were complicit in steering Pashinyan in the wrong direction need to step aside, they failed all of us. In looking forward, it’s disappointing to me witnessing how the Artsakh war has ‘woke’ countless Diasporan Armenians who are passionately looking to help in any way they can, a great thing, but are shunned by none other than the very Diasporan Armenians who think they can make a better difference. A total pathetic embarrassment. Our people have arguably been divided politically through history, I’m not certain if this is our doom or why we persevere.
Our misfortunes are due to the absence of trustworthy and farsighted political leadership, independent from outside influences, which could unite the nation behind clear goals for recuperation, sustenance, and prosperity of Armenia and Artsagh, relying solely on our own capacities and efforts. Within the actual situation, this is an urgent and imminent need.
– The diaspora all want to see Fedayei patriotic politicians, this in world globalization does not exist anymore; Those born in the diaspora will not change their stay in their nation, on the contrary, those born in the Rca will seek new horizons due to corrupt and inept governments; What was the use of the millionaire blood spilled since 1892/2020, FOR NOTHING … Miguel Angel Nalpatian (1942), Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina .-
IT’S IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER: I do not think there will be a situation where the proverbial half full or half empty class will not be a metaphor. Stepan Piligian looks at the proverbial class Armenia is being half full but fillable. There sure can be substantiative arguments to the contrary as well. At the end it’s in the eyes of the beholder.