Armenia’s inter-political life keeps questioning the legitimacy of the authorities election after election. The opposition promises to start a revolution because the authorities are illegitimate, insists on us saying “no” to the constitutional amendments because the illegitimate authorities do not have the right to make changes in the constitution. Also, the governing bodies are trying to legitimize the authorities within the framework of the constitutional amendments.
The following is how we Armenians conceptualize legitimacy: if you are elected illegally, then you are illegitimate. In that case, why doesn’t the opposition start its revolution? I am certain that most of us are sure that there will be no surprises waiting for us on November 27 and after that. What is legitimacy then?
German sociologist Max Webber divides legitimate authority in three parts-depending on what the motives are for electing that authority.
The first type is legal authority, where the motive for obedience is coherent with the conscience of protecting one’s personal interests. In countries like this, people are subjected to the demands set by the law and not the people (both the authorities and the subjected).
The second type is the traditional authority where there is a custom for ruling. It reminds us of the family. After all, there is stability of legitimacy in the family. Human relations are on a more personal level and progress depends on how dedicated the person is towards authorities.
The third type is more of a charismatic authority (charisma-God given talent). The charismatic leader must maintain his charisma and always prove that it has maintained it.
The interesting thing is that, according to Max Webber, legal authority (the first type) is weaker then the other two types due to the fact that the other two are strengthened by traditions and charisma.
According to Webber’s system, we can classify Armenia’s authorities as the second type of legitimacy-the traditional one which, according to the sociologist, is more legitimate than the lawful authorities due to its personal dedication and customs (mentality).
Basically, what the national oppositionists consider as the most vulnerable for the authorities, in other words lack of legitimacy, is not so and totally the opposite- according to Webber.
We leave the rest up to the oppositionists, if of course they return from Vartenis or Martuni after enjoying a feast of lamb.