Groong Links:
Guest:
Topics:
- Incoming Trump Admin
- Armenia Azerbaijan Talks Stalled
- Iran Security Chief Visit
- Armenia’s Pro-West Signals
Episode 404 | Recorded: January 14, 2025
Show Notes
In this episode of the Armenian News Network / Groong, we sit down with Tevan Poghosyan to discuss global and regional developments, including the incoming Trump administration’s potential impact, the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks, Iran’s regional positioning, and Armenia’s pro-Western signals amidst Russian warnings. Hosts Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian lead the discussion.
Topics Covered
Incoming Trump Administration:
- The potential effects of Trump’s foreign policy on Ukraine, Israel, Iran, and global dynamics.
- Key relationships with leaders like Putin and Netanyahu.
Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks:
- Analysis of Aliyev’s aggressive rhetoric and Armenia’s peace agenda.
- Shifting dynamics from negotiations to command and response.
Iranian Security Chief Visit:
- Context of Ali Akbar Ahmadian’s visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
- Iran’s strategies to safeguard its interests in the region.
Pro-Western Signals Amid Russian Warnings:
- Armenia’s EU membership bid and strategic partnership agreement with the U.S.
- Challenges of balancing CSTO and EAEU memberships with Western aspirations.
Key Questions Discussed
- How realistic are Trump’s promises of resolving global conflicts like Ukraine within a day?
- Are Aliyev’s threats shifting the narrative from peace talks to submission?
- What is Iran’s strategic intent in the South Caucasus amidst regional escalations?
- How can Armenia navigate its pro-Western moves while maintaining essential ties with Russia?
Links Referenced During The Show
- BBC on Trump-Putin Meeting Plans
- Times of Israel on Netanyahu’s Absence from Trump’s Inauguration
- Azatutyun on Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks
- Reuters on Armenia’s EU Accession Bid
Thoughts from the Participants
- Hovik: Thousands gather for New Year’s eve at Yerablur, an unforgettable experience.
- Book “Provoked” by Scott Horton. Read it!
- Tevan: Artsakh, Artsakh, Artsakh. The nation was not ready and united to deal with the fire it faced, and the same is the case for our compatriots facing damage from fires in Los Angeles.
Wrap-up
That’s our show! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on Social Media and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.
Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.
Guests
Tevan Poghosyan
Tevan Poghosyan is president of the International Center for Human Development. Mr. Poghosyan was an MP in the National Assembly between 2012 and 2017 from the Heritage party. From 1997 to 1999 he served as the Nagorno-Karabakh Public Affairs Office Director in Washington, D.C.
Hosts
Asbed Bedrossian
Asbed is founder of the Armenian News Network Groong and co-founder of the ANN/Groong podcast.
Hovik Manucharyan
Hovik Manucharyan is an information security engineer who moved from Seattle to Armenia in 2022. He co-founded the ANN/Groong podcast in 2020 and has been a contributor to Groong News since the late 1990s.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by Hovik Manucharyan on the ANN/Groong podcast are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of his employer or any other organization.