Groong Links:
Guest:
Topics:
- Iran war dynamics and Russia’s role
- Ukraine war and Europe’s militarization
- Armenia’s pivot and Russia’s response
- Regional power balance
Episode 534 | Recorded: April 21, 2026
Show Notes
Summary
In this episode of the Groong podcast, we speak with Dr. Dmitry Suslov about the shifting geopolitical landscape across the Iran war, the Ukraine conflict, and the South Caucasus. We examine the fragile state of the Iran war and its impact on global trade and regional escalation, Russia’s strategic positioning, and the potential for a broader conflict involving Azerbaijan and Turkey. The discussion then turns to the Ukraine war, focusing on attrition, Europe’s growing militarization, and the prospects for a long-term Russia–Europe confrontation. Finally, we explore Russia’s policy in the South Caucasus, including Armenia’s political trajectory, tensions following Pashinyan’s Moscow visit, and the broader balance of power shaping Armenia’s future.
Main Topics Addressed
- Iran war dynamics and Russia’s role
- Ukraine war and Europe’s militarization
- Armenia’s pivot and Russia’s response
- Corridors, connectivity, and regional power balance
Key Questions Discussed
- What is the likely trajectory of the Iran war, and who holds leverage in the current standoff?
- Does U.S. performance in Iran weaken its global position, including in Ukraine?
- Is the Ukraine war now effectively a Russia–Europe war of attrition?
- Can Europe sustain a long-term confrontation with Russia, and what are the risks of escalation?
- How does Russia view Armenia’s gradual shift toward the EU and the West?
- What are the possible consequences for Armenia in energy, security, and economic terms?
- Could a change in Armenia’s leadership alter Russia’s posture in the region?
- Is Russia prepared to provide security guarantees to Armenia in the face of Azerbaijani pressure?
- What is the future of regional connectivity, including TRIPP and the Abkhaz railway?
- How does Russia balance its relations with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and other regional actors?
- What role does Armenia play in Russia’s broader Eurasian vision?
Wrap-up
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Guests
Dr. Dmitry Suslov (Дмитрий Вячеславович Суслов)
Dmitry Suslov is a Russian political scientist, foreign policy analyst, and commentator specializing in great power politics, especially Russia-US relations, European security, and the evolving international order. He serves as Deputy Director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at Higher School of Economics in Moscow and is also affiliated with the Valdai Discussion Club. Trained in international relations and political science, Suslov began his career as a foreign affairs journalist before moving into academia and policy research. His work focuses on multipolarity, Russian grand strategy, arms control, and relations between Russia, the West, and emerging powers. He is widely published, teaches at HSE, and is a frequent participant in international policy forums.
Hosts
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.
Asbed Bedrossian
Asbed Bedrossian is an IT professional, and for years oversaw the central IT enterprise infrastructure and services at USC. His decades of experience spanned across IT strategy, enterprise architecture, infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, data center operations, high performance computing, ITSM, ITPM, and more.
Asbed founded the Armenian News Network Groong circa 1989/1990, and co-founded the ANN/Groong podcast in 2020.