Factors of Legitimation of Political Power in Armenia Under Nikol Pashinyan

Introduction. The article analyzes the features of the functioning of political power in Armenia during the rule of Nikol Pashinyan. The authors determine the factors of legitimation of the political regime in modern Armenia. Methods and materials. Using the method of biographical analysis, the authors construct a political portrait of the Armenian prime minister. With the help of factor analysis, the most important factors of legitimation of political power in modern Armenia are highlighted. The sociological method is also used, recording the mood of Armenian society in certain situations arising in Armenian political life. Analysis. Nikol Pashinyan has the image of a politician who defends the interests of Armenia both within the state and in the external contour. This is predetermined by his political experience and the balance of power in the Armenian political elite. The factors of legitimation of the political regime depend on the current economic situation. The role of the Armenian political culture is also high. It is characterized by short expectations and a high emotional component. There are also special expectations of the society from a specific politician who is trusted to overcome the current political and economic crises. Results. The Armenian leader is constantly puzzled by questions of his legitimation. N. Pashinyan still has enough political experience to maintain political stability in the republic. Today, this is difficult to achieve, given the grave consequences of the defeat in the Karabakh conflict. One can see how his rhetoric changes in the case of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Relations with Russia are subject to high dynamics. The Armenian leader is trying to position himself as an ally of the West, improving relations with the USA and France. China is gradually taking on the role of an important geopolitical partner. Relations with Turkey are normalizing. The political maneuvering of the Armenian prime minister may confuse geopolitical partners. However, such behavior largely meets the interests of the state and N. Pashinyan’s voters. The authors believe that the current political situation plays into the hands of the Armenian leader, who managed to convince society of his indispensability. Authors’ contributions. A. Skiperskikh examines the political process in Armenia from the perspective of challenges for the political regime. M. Yepremyan studies the connection between Nikol Pashinyan’s legitimation and internal and external factors. The authors consistently come to the conclusion that the Armenian prime minister is extracting the maximum for himself from the current political situation. The external and internal audiences receive a political signal fromN. Pashinyan that Armenia is getting out of difficult geopolitical puzzles with benefit.