EXPLORING SOCIAL PROTEST POTENTIAL IN MODERN ARMENIAN SOCIETY: INSTITUTIONAL TRUST AND SOCIAL-DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

This study investigates the potential of protests in contemporary Armenian society. Considering the global rise of social protests evolving into significant social movements worldwide and the ongoing movements in Armenia, it is crucial to investigate the protest potential within modern Armenian society. The article is based on secondary data analyses gathered using representative sampling for Armenia and implementing face-to-face interviews conducted by the Caucasus Research Resource Center Armenia (CRRC). The article aims to understand the potential of protests and the factors influencing individuals' inclination toward protest activities. One of the article's main findings is that more than half of the respondents show a propensity for engaging in protest actions. Additionally, several key variables emerge as significant factors influencing this inclination. Among them are sex, education, and marital status play pivotal roles in the decision-making process regarding participation in anti-government protests. Furthermore, place of residence appears to be a determinant, with urban dwellers exhibiting a greater predisposition toward participation in anti-government protests compared to their rural counterparts. There are several reasons why rural inhabitants tend to participate less in protests. Geographical distance, and cultural peculiarities, such as differing social values and community dynamics, may lead to less participation. Additionally, distrust toward main state institutions contributes to the perception that individuals should participate in anti-government protests. Moreover, the study demonstrates that citizens' perceptions of state unfairness and institutional disregard are more significant drivers of potential protest activity than economic conditions.