https://podcasts.groong.org/categories/geopolitics/Recent content in Geopolitics on Groong PodcastHugoen-usTue, 12 May 2026 02:33:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/Wed, 06 May 2026 12:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> This Conversations on Groong episode with Mikael Darbinian examines Armenia’s security crisis through the lens of the Strong Armenia doctrine. The discussion focuses on deterrence, diplomacy from a position of strength, Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory, the risks around TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor, the rights of Artsakh Armenians, regional war scenarios involving Iran, and the gap between international political theater and Armenia’s unresolved national security threats. <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Strong Armenia’s national security doctrine</li> <li>Diplomacy from a position of strength</li> <li>Armenia’s current military and political vulnerabilities</li> <li>Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory</li> <li>Strategic and economic risks for border communities</li> <li>Sotq gold mine and border-region insecurity</li> <li>TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor debate</li> <li>Built-in security guarantees for regional connectivity</li> <li>Rights of Artsakh Armenians</li> <li>Threats to Armenian heritage in Artsakh</li> <li>Stepanakert Cathedral and Azerbaijan’s cultural destruction</li> <li>Armenia’s foreign policy fundamentals</li> <li>Regional risks from a wider Iran war</li> <li>EPC summit optics and national insecurity</li> <li>Election integrity and opposition coalition politics</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>How does Mikael Darbinian’s background as a former U.S. diplomat shape his view of Armenia’s current vulnerabilities?</li> <li>What would a Strong Armenia administration do to rebuild Armenia’s national security system, armed forces, and diplomatic leverage?</li> <li>How can Armenia mobilize national potential in a divided political environment?</li> <li>What role should the Armenian Diaspora play in rebuilding Armenia’s security capacity?</li> <li>What are the strategic implications of Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s internationally recognized borders?</li> <li>How does the occupation of Armenian territory affect border villages, roads, infrastructure, and local economies?</li> <li>What are the risks to operations such as the Sotq gold mine and other border-region assets?</li> <li>Is TRIPP a path toward useful regional connectivity, or does it function as the Zangezur Corridor under another name?</li> <li>What would real security guarantees for TRIPP require while Azerbaijani forces remain close to the proposed infrastructure?</li> <li>How does Strong Armenia’s view of TRIPP differ from Robert Kocharyan’s proposals?</li> <li>What would “sober judgment” and “cold calculations” mean in Armenian foreign policy?</li> <li>How should a Strong Armenia-led government handle the rights of Artsakh Armenians?</li> <li>How should Armenia prepare for the risk of a wider Iran war, especially one involving Turkey or Azerbaijan?</li> <li>How should Armenia respond to Azerbaijan’s destruction of Armenian heritage, including the Stepanakert Cathedral?</li> <li>Do high-level summits such as the EPC meeting in Yerevan create real security gains for Armenia, or mostly serve as public relations?</li> </ul> <h2 id="slides-from-mikael-darbinians-strong-armenia-presentation">Slides from Mikael Darbinian&rsquo;s Strong Armenia presentation</h2> <h3 id="strong-armenia-conference-presentation-video">Strong Armenia conference presentation video</h3> <div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden;"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share; fullscreen" loading="eager" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yIbVwwCkHjI?autoplay=0&amp;controls=1&amp;end=0&amp;loop=0&amp;mute=0&amp;start=0" style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border:0;" title="YouTube video"></iframe> </div> <h3 id="slide-1">Slide 1</h3> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/540/darbinian-maps/slide1.webp" alt="Slide 1 from Mikael Darbinian&rsquo;s Strong Armenia presentation" title="Slide 1" class="img-fluid" /> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/Wed, 06 May 2026 12:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Conversations on Groong episode with Mikael Darbinian examines Armenia’s security crisis through the lens of the Strong Armenia doctrine. The discussion focuses on deterrence, diplomacy from a position of strength, Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory, the risks around TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor, the rights of Artsakh Armenians, regional war scenarios involving Iran, and the gap between international political theater and Armenia’s unresolved national security threats.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260506-transcript-540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260506-transcript-540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/This Conversations on Groong episode with Mikael Darbinian examines Armenia’s security crisis through the lens of the Strong Armenia doctrine. The discussion focuses on deterrence, diplomacy from a position of strength, Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory, the risks around TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor, the rights of Artsakh Armenians, regional war scenarios involving Iran, and the gap between international political theater and Armenia’s unresolved national security threats. <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/540/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>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.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>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.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260425-transcript-534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260425-transcript-534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/534/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Dmitry Suslov - War, Leverage, and Corridors, Russia’s View from All Fronts | Ep 534, Apr 25, 2026</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - 04/25/2026</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2026-04-25</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 534</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/534">https://podcasts.groong.org/534</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/kjUQN8LVuFk">https://youtu.be/kjUQN8LVuFk</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/dsuslov">Dr. Dmitry Suslov (Дмитрий Вячеславович Суслов)</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/dsuslov">Dr. Dmitry Suslov</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p><strong>Prof. Warwick Powell</strong> discusses his thermoeconomic view of world politics, where energy, money, and information form a single system. We connect the war on Iran to declining U.S. energy efficiency, the limits of airpower, de-dollarization, and the rise of alternative financial and information architectures. We also bring the conversation back to Armenia, asking what TRIPP, SMRs, and large AI data centers could mean for a small state trying to protect its energy and information sovereignty. We close by reflecting on considerations for Armenia in implementing centralized data infrastructure, more distributed computing, and focusing on larger nuclear power plants to generate the electricity needed for such information infrastructures.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Prof. Warwick Powell discusses his thermoeconomic view of world politics, where energy, money, and information form a single system. We connect the war on Iran to declining U.S. energy efficiency, the limits of airpower, de-dollarization, and the rise of alternative financial and information architectures. We also bring the conversation back to Armenia, asking what TRIPP, SMRs, and large AI data centers could mean for a small state trying to protect its energy and information sovereignty. We close by reflecting on considerations for Armenia in implementing centralized data infrastructure, more distributed computing, and focusing on larger nuclear power plants to generate the electricity needed for such information infrastructures.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260423-transcript-533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260423-transcript-533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/533/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Warwick Powell - ThermoEconomics, Iran, and the New Geopolitical Economy | Ep 533, Apr 23, 2026</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - 04/23/2026</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2026-04-23</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 533</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/533">https://podcasts.groong.org/533</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/8upbRV0lzjE">https://youtu.be/8upbRV0lzjE</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/wpowell">Warwick Powell</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/wpowell">Dr. Warwick Powell</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Asbed:</strong> The war on Iran is not just about missiles, oil, or even the Middle East. According to our guest today, it is also about who controls energy, money, technology, and the rules of the next world order. And as the dollar weakens, supply chains shift, and new power blocks take shape. Where does that leave small states like Armenia?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/524-varuzhan-geghamyan-iran-war-zangezur-corridor-syunik-nakhijevan/Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/524-varuzhan-geghamyan-iran-war-zangezur-corridor-syunik-nakhijevan/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We examine the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran through a regional lens, focusing on the war’s broader strategic aims, Azerbaijan’s possible role as a northern pressure point against Iran, Turkey’s ambiguous posture, and Armenia’s growing vulnerability in the middle of these shifts. Prof.Geghamyan also looks at the geopolitical meaning of the TRIPP or “Zangezur Corridor” project, the recent centralization of control over Nakhijevan, and Geghamyan’s new book “The Armenian Wedge in the Path of Turan: The Issue of the “Zangezur Corridor,” on the historical roots and present danger of the corridor agenda.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/524-varuzhan-geghamyan-iran-war-zangezur-corridor-syunik-nakhijevan/Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/524-varuzhan-geghamyan-iran-war-zangezur-corridor-syunik-nakhijevan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We examine the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran through a regional lens, focusing on the war’s broader strategic aims, Azerbaijan’s possible role as a northern pressure point against Iran, Turkey’s ambiguous posture, and Armenia’s growing vulnerability in the middle of these shifts. Prof.Geghamyan also looks at the geopolitical meaning of the TRIPP or “Zangezur Corridor” project, the recent centralization of control over Nakhijevan, and Geghamyan’s new book “The Armenian Wedge in the Path of Turan: The Issue of the “Zangezur Corridor,” on the historical roots and present danger of the corridor agenda.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/514-andrei-tsygankov-canceling-russia-ukraine-war-rise-of-western-hawks-towers-of-kremlin/Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/514-andrei-tsygankov-canceling-russia-ukraine-war-rise-of-western-hawks-towers-of-kremlin/<p>This episode features political scientist Andrei Tsygankov on his new book <em>Canceling Russia</em>, the Western shift from “containment” to “coercive transformation,” and how the “towers of the Kremlin” shape Russian foreign policy. The discussion also examines the “state-civilization” concept, civilizational competition around Russia, and whether today’s “might makes right” climate could push Russia toward a more unilateral, jungle-rules approach.</p> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>“Canceling Russia” as a mass-scale political and cultural campaign</li> <li>Western strategy shift: containment to coercive transformation</li> <li>The “cancel Russia lobby” and the role of think tanks</li> <li>Trump’s approach to Russia and Europe’s burden-sharing</li> <li>The Russian Orthodox Church as a geopolitical and information battleground</li> <li>How Russian foreign policy is made (the “towers of the Kremlin”)</li> <li>“State-civilization” and civilizational discourse</li> <li>Degradation of the international order into “law of the jungle”</li> <li>Whether Russia could adopt a more unilateral style</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>How did “Canceling Russia” begin, and how is it sustained?</li> <li>How has canceling affected academia and scholarship, including the guest’s experience?</li> <li>What explains the West’s policy trajectory from containment to coercive transformation?</li> <li>When and why did the window for coexistence close, if it did?</li> <li>Who makes up the “cancel Russia lobby,” and how does it function?</li> <li>What role do think tanks play in shaping the agenda and narrative?</li> <li>How should Trump’s Russia policy be read, real shift or tactical adjustment?</li> <li>How does pressure on the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine serve wider aims, and what risks follow?</li> <li>How do “towers of the Kremlin” shape policy signals and red lines?</li> <li>In Ukraine, were Moscow’s red lines misread, dismissed, or judged irrational?</li> <li>What does “state-civilization” mean internally vs. externally?</li> <li>Is it compatible with Huntington-style civilizational blocs?</li> <li>Why has “international order” weakened into raw power politics?</li> <li>Could Russia evolve toward a more unilateral “might makes right” posture beyond Ukraine?</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li>Prof. Tsygankov&rsquo;s recent books: <ul> <li><a href="https://a.co/d/0izauT7T">“Canceling” Russia (2026)</a></li> <li><a href="https://a.co/d/07NNNT6d">Russia’s Foreign Policy (2025)</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://unn.ua/en/amp/fifa-president-infantino-added-to-myrotvorets-database-over-calls-to-reinstate-russia-in-football">FIFA President Infantino added to Myrotvorets database (UNN)</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/514-andrei-tsygankov-canceling-russia-ukraine-war-rise-of-western-hawks-towers-of-kremlin/Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/514-andrei-tsygankov-canceling-russia-ukraine-war-rise-of-western-hawks-towers-of-kremlin/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This episode features political scientist Andrei Tsygankov on his new book Canceling Russia, the Western shift from “containment” to “coercive transformation,” and how the “towers of the Kremlin” shape Russian foreign policy. The discussion also examines the “state-civilization” concept, civilizational competition around Russia, and whether today’s “might makes right” climate could push Russia toward a more unilateral, jungle-rules approach.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/514/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/508-sergei-melkonian-syria-iran-unrest-israel-tripp-armenia-parliamentary-elections-june-2026/Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/508-sergei-melkonian-syria-iran-unrest-israel-tripp-armenia-parliamentary-elections-june-2026/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This episode examines major geopolitical shifts affecting Armenia and the wider region, focusing on Syria’s rapidly changing battlefield, the postponed but unresolved Iran war scenario, the growing controversy around the TRIPP corridor, and intensifying foreign involvement ahead of Armenia’s 2026 elections.</p> <hr> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <h2 id="syria">Syria</h2> <ul> <li>Rapid Turkish-backed advances following the apparent U.S. abandonment of Kurdish allies</li> <li>Pressure on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to disarm, integrate into the Syrian army, and extradite PKK members</li> <li>A serious rollback of Kurdish autonomy in northeast Syria</li> <li>Strategic implications for Armenia, viewed through historical parallels</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="iran-crisis">Iran Crisis</h2> <ul> <li>Externally instigated protests escalating into deadly riots across Iran</li> <li>The U.S.–Israel–Iran war narrative postponed rather than cooled</li> <li>Russia reportedly serving as a backchannel to prevent immediate escalation</li> <li>War hawks framing the debate as limited versus large-scale strikes</li> <li>Iran’s post-2025 military rebuilding with Russian and Chinese assistance</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="tripp-trap">TRIPP Trap</h2> <ul> <li>Protests outside the Iranian embassy in Yerevan and Tehran’s warning signals</li> <li>Pashinyan dismissing Iranian concerns over anti-Iranian activity in Armenia</li> <li>New TRIPP agreements signed in Washington emphasizing sovereignty language</li> <li>Armenia locked into a long-term minority ownership position</li> <li>Regional consequences of sidelining Iran and Russia</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="elections-2026--foreign-influence">Elections 2026 – Foreign Influence</h2> <h3 id="turkish-support">Turkish Support</h3> <ul> <li>Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s public endorsement of Pashinyan</li> <li>Questions of election interference and geopolitical double standards</li> <li>Turkey’s potential leverage over Armenia’s political process</li> </ul> <h3 id="russian-support">Russian Support</h3> <ul> <li>Armenia’s sharp decline in trade with Russia and increased borrowing</li> <li>Western and Turkish efforts to marginalize Russia in the South Caucasus</li> <li>Russia’s continued strategic interests despite the Ukraine war</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>Why did the U.S. abandon its Kurdish allies in Syria?</li> <li>What lessons should Armenia draw from the Kurdish experience?</li> <li>Why was war on Iran postponed, and for how long?</li> <li>Is Iran militarily prepared for renewed conflict?</li> <li>How committed are Russia and China to preventing regime change in Iran?</li> <li>Does TRIPP represent a structural loss of Armenian sovereignty?</li> <li>Are Iran’s warnings driven by protests or corridor geopolitics?</li> <li>What is at stake in Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections?</li> <li>How do Russia and Turkey view Pashinyan’s role going forward?</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/1/19/syria-live-government-forces-take-control-after-heavy-fighting-with-sdf"><em>Syria live: Government forces take control after heavy fighting with SDF</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33647962.html"><em>Iranian ambassador warns Armenia over protests</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33648959.html"><em>Pashinyan rejects Iranian concerns</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33647278.html"><em>Mirzoyan and Rubio sign TRIPP-related agreements in Washington</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33650776.html"><em>Hakan Fidan comments on Armenia’s elections and Pashinyan</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33646125.html"><em>Armenia–Russia trade decline and borrowing figures</em></a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/508-sergei-melkonian-syria-iran-unrest-israel-tripp-armenia-parliamentary-elections-june-2026/Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/508-sergei-melkonian-syria-iran-unrest-israel-tripp-armenia-parliamentary-elections-june-2026/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This episode examines major geopolitical shifts affecting Armenia and the wider region, focusing on Syria’s rapidly changing battlefield, the postponed but unresolved Iran war scenario, the growing controversy around the TRIPP corridor, and intensifying foreign involvement ahead of Armenia’s 2026 elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/508/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/500-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-iran-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-tripp-review-and-outlook/Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:20:32 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/500-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-iran-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-tripp-review-and-outlook/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>In this milestone 500th episode of <em>Groong Week in Review</em>, we assess how major external crises are shaping Armenia’s strategic environment in 2025, examine the stalled Armenia–Azerbaijan process, analyze Russia’s posture around TRIPP, and discuss the implications of a change in the U.S. ambassador. The episode concludes with an extended year-end review, where each participant evaluates their 2025 predictions from a year ago (in <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/403">Episode 403</a>), and presents high-, medium-, and low-probability forecasts for 2026.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/500-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-iran-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-tripp-review-and-outlook/Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:20:32 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/500-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-iran-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-tripp-review-and-outlook/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this milestone 500th episode of Groong Week in Review, we assess how major external crises are shaping Armenia’s strategic environment in 2025, examine the stalled Armenia–Azerbaijan process, analyze Russia’s posture around TRIPP, and discuss the implications of a change in the U.S. ambassador. The episode concludes with an extended year-end review, where each participant evaluates their 2025 predictions from a year ago (in Episode 403), and presents high-, medium-, and low-probability forecasts for 2026.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/495-harry-istepanian-venezuela-usa-oil-world-geopolitics-russia-iran-middle-east/Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/495-harry-istepanian-venezuela-usa-oil-world-geopolitics-russia-iran-middle-east/<p>In this episode of <strong>Conversations on Groong</strong>, we examine why Venezuela has returned to the center of global geopolitics. The discussion focuses on oil, sanctions, and military pressure, and how a potential revival of Venezuelan production could reshape energy markets, weaken Russia and Iran, strain OPEC+, and alter the dynamics of ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.</p> <hr> <h3 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h3> <ul> <li>Harry Istepanian’s background and expertise in global energy markets</li> <li>Venezuela’s oil reserves and the collapse of production after sanctions</li> <li>The role of US sanctions, expelled oil companies, and low US strategic reserves</li> <li>Washington’s pressure campaign on Venezuela and regional reactions</li> <li>Trump’s push for oil prices below 50 dollars per barrel</li> <li>OPEC+ price discipline and the threat of Venezuelan supply returning</li> <li>The impact of cheaper oil on Russia’s war budget in Ukraine</li> <li>Consequences for Iran, Iraq, and Gulf state economies</li> <li>Risks of escalation in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz</li> </ul> <hr> <h3 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h3> <ul> <li>Why did Venezuela’s oil production collapse so sharply over the past decade?</li> <li>How low is the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and why does it matter now?</li> <li>Why does Trump see Venezuelan oil as a strategic problem rather than a commercial one?</li> <li>What prevents US oil companies from returning to Venezuela quickly?</li> <li>How would a surge in Venezuelan oil challenge OPEC+ and global price controls?</li> <li>What happens to Russia’s economy and war financing if oil prices fall sharply?</li> <li>How would Iran and Gulf states respond to sustained price pressure?</li> <li>Could new Venezuelan supply change the balance in global conflicts?</li> <li>What Middle East risks could still override a rise in oil supply?</li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/495-harry-istepanian-venezuela-usa-oil-world-geopolitics-russia-iran-middle-east/Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/495-harry-istepanian-venezuela-usa-oil-world-geopolitics-russia-iran-middle-east/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we examine why Venezuela has returned to the center of global geopolitics. The discussion focuses on oil, sanctions, and military pressure, and how a potential revival of Venezuelan production could reshape energy markets, weaken Russia and Iran, strain OPEC+, and alter the dynamics of ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/495/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/Fri, 29 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/<p>In this episode of <em>Conversations on Groong</em>, renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs joins to discuss the U.S.-brokered “TRIPP” (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), also known as the Zangezur Corridor. The discussion covers the risks of foreign powers imposing corridors through Armenia, the muted response from Moscow, Tehran’s strong opposition, and what this means for regional security. Sachs stresses that Armenia should not look to distant powers like the United States for security or stability, but instead pursue prudent arrangements and economic cooperation with its immediate neighbors—Russia, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. He also gives candid advice on Armenia’s economy, its dependence on Russia, and the long-term challenges of EU aspirations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/Fri, 29 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs joins to discuss the U.S.-brokered “TRIPP” (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), also known as the Zangezur Corridor. The discussion covers the risks of foreign powers imposing corridors through Armenia, the muted response from Moscow, Tehran’s strong opposition, and what this means for regional security. Sachs stresses that Armenia should not look to distant powers like the United States for security or stability, but instead pursue prudent arrangements and economic cooperation with its immediate neighbors—Russia, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. He also gives candid advice on Armenia’s economy, its dependence on Russia, and the long-term challenges of EU aspirations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250829-transcript-466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250829-transcript-466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/<p>In this episode of <em>Conversations on Groong</em>, renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs joins to discuss the U.S.-brokered “TRIPP” (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), also known as the Zangezur Corridor. The discussion covers the risks of foreign powers imposing corridors through Armenia, the muted response from Moscow, Tehran’s strong opposition, and what this means for regional security. Sachs stresses that Armenia should not look to distant powers like the United States for security or stability, but instead pursue prudent arrangements and economic cooperation with its immediate neighbors—Russia, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. He also gives candid advice on Armenia’s economy, its dependence on Russia, and the long-term challenges of EU aspirations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/464-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-state-sovereignty-tripp-trump-corridor-azerbaijan-turkey-russia-iran-pezeshkian-overchuk-yerevan/Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/464-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-state-sovereignty-tripp-trump-corridor-azerbaijan-turkey-russia-iran-pezeshkian-overchuk-yerevan/<p>This Week in Review features Tevan Poghosyan, who joins us to discuss the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s Declaration of State Sovereignty, the secrecy and dangers surrounding the Washington-brokered TRIPP (Trump Route) agreements, Iran’s mixed response to the corridor following President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Yerevan, and Russia’s quiet but firm reminders of its enduring leverage in Armenia. We also touch on the Gaza genocide, the importance of unity for Armenians, and developments in Armenian politics including Narek Karapetyan’s videos, Jirayr Libaridian’s analysis, Russia’s response to pro-Azeri voices, Pashinyan’s defense budget stance, and more in the Kitchen Sink.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/464-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-state-sovereignty-tripp-trump-corridor-azerbaijan-turkey-russia-iran-pezeshkian-overchuk-yerevan/Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/464-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-state-sovereignty-tripp-trump-corridor-azerbaijan-turkey-russia-iran-pezeshkian-overchuk-yerevan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review features Tevan Poghosyan, who joins us to discuss the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s Declaration of State Sovereignty, the secrecy and dangers surrounding the Washington-brokered TRIPP (Trump Route) agreements, Iran’s mixed response to the corridor following President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Yerevan, and Russia’s quiet but firm reminders of its enduring leverage in Armenia. We also touch on the Gaza genocide, the importance of unity for Armenians, and developments in Armenian politics including Narek Karapetyan’s videos, Jirayr Libaridian’s analysis, Russia’s response to pro-Azeri voices, Pashinyan’s defense budget stance, and more in the Kitchen Sink.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/463-sergei-melkonian-trump-route-tripp-iran-russia-azerbaijan-ukraine-war-armenia-our-way-mer-dzevov-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/Tue, 19 Aug 2025 02:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/463-sergei-melkonian-trump-route-tripp-iran-russia-azerbaijan-ukraine-war-armenia-our-way-mer-dzevov-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This Week in Review covers the Trump-Putin Alaska summit, the rebranded Trump Route (TRIPP) through Syunik, shifting Russian-Azerbaijani relations, Moscow’s recalibration with Iran after the U.S.-Israeli war, and the emergence of a new Armenian opposition movement called Our Way. <strong>Dr. Sergei Melkonian</strong> analyzes the stakes for Armenia, Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan, plus domestic political shifts in Yerevan.</p> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <ul> <li>Trump-Putin Alaska summit and implications for Ukraine and Europe</li> <li>Trump Corridor politics: Armenia, Iran, Russia, and the TRIPP project</li> <li>Russian-Azerbaijani tensions over SOCAR strikes and regional power shifts</li> <li>Russian-Iranian relations after the 12-day U.S.-Israeli war on Iran</li> <li>Armenia’s emerging opposition movement Our Way led by Samvel Karapetyan</li> </ul> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>What was achieved at the Alaska summit, and is a negotiated end to the Ukraine war possible?</li> <li>Were Iran and Russia caught off guard by the Washington accords on the Trump Route?</li> <li>Who speaks for Iran when we interpret its divided responses?</li> <li>What are Russia’s interests and red lines in the corridor issue, and does the Trump Route clash with Point 9 of the 2020 ceasefire?</li> <li>Why are Russian-Azerbaijani relations deteriorating, and is TRIPP a cause or a symptom?</li> <li>How is Russia reshaping its diplomacy with Iran after the war?</li> <li>Does the emergence of Our Way mark a real reshaping of Armenia’s political landscape?</li> </ul> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33503738.html">RFE/RL: New opposition “Our Way” led by Samvel Karapetyan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-striking-azerbaijans-socar-oil-facilities-ukraine-purpose-kyiv-says-2025-08-18/">Reuters: Russia strikes SOCAR-linked assets in Ukraine</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33497154.html">RFE/RL: Govt to sell 20% stake in Viva Armenia (MTS)</a></li> <li><a href="https://hetq.am/hy/article/176141">Hetq: Avinyan family villa at Lake Sevan investigation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33496237.html">RFE/RL: Bagrat Srbazan recording released</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.occrp.org/en/news/german-ex-mp-convicted-in-azerbaijan-bribery-scandal">OCCRP: German ex-MP convicted in Azerbaijan bribery case</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="thoughts-from-the-participants">Thoughts from the Participants</h1> <ul> <li><strong>Sergei Melkonian</strong>: Azerbaijan is not interested in peace while the Western Azerbaijan agenda, prisoners, and the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh remain unaddressed.</li> <li><strong>Hovik Manucharyan</strong>: Constitutional preconditions placed on Armenia make a real peace deal unattainable.</li> </ul> <h1 id="kitchen-sink">Kitchen Sink</h1> <ul> <li>Tigran Avinyan’s father’s luxury villa at Lake Sevan (Shorzha)</li> <li>Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan case and release of the unedited audio</li> <li>Azerbaijani Laundromat update: German ex-MP’s suspended sentence</li> <li>Government to sell its 20% stake in Viva Armenia (MTS)</li> <li>Amulsar and molybdenum combine revived, with shares transferred to the state</li> <li>Pashinyan found in breach of ethics for indecent language</li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/463-sergei-melkonian-trump-route-tripp-iran-russia-azerbaijan-ukraine-war-armenia-our-way-mer-dzevov-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/Tue, 19 Aug 2025 02:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/463-sergei-melkonian-trump-route-tripp-iran-russia-azerbaijan-ukraine-war-armenia-our-way-mer-dzevov-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review covers the Trump-Putin Alaska summit, the rebranded Trump Route (TRIPP) through Syunik, shifting Russian-Azerbaijani relations, Moscow’s recalibration with Iran after the U.S.-Israeli war, and the emergence of a new Armenian opposition movement called Our Way. Dr. Sergei Melkonian analyzes the stakes for Armenia, Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan, plus domestic political shifts in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/463/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/461-hamid-bahrami-iran-armenia-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-us-israel-azerbaijan-containment-strategy/Sat, 16 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/461-hamid-bahrami-iran-armenia-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-us-israel-azerbaijan-containment-strategy/<p>In this episode, analyst <strong>Hamid Bahrami</strong> joins us to discuss Iran’s recalibrating role in the South Caucasus following the White House meeting between Trump, Pashinyan, and Aliyev that unveiled the TRIPP corridor, or “Trump Route.” We explore how the project threatens to bypass and encircle Iran, its possible link to a wider US-Israeli strategy, and the risks of a new regional war. The discussion also covers Iran’s past passivity in the Caucasus, the wake-up call of the 44-day war, and Tehran’s options for deeper cooperation with Russia, China, and Armenia as it faces a shifting geopolitical order.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/461-hamid-bahrami-iran-armenia-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-us-israel-azerbaijan-containment-strategy/Sat, 16 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/461-hamid-bahrami-iran-armenia-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-us-israel-azerbaijan-containment-strategy/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, analyst Hamid Bahrami joins us to discuss Iran’s recalibrating role in the South Caucasus following the White House meeting between Trump, Pashinyan, and Aliyev that unveiled the TRIPP corridor, or “Trump Route.” We explore how the project threatens to bypass and encircle Iran, its possible link to a wider US-Israeli strategy, and the risks of a new regional war. The discussion also covers Iran’s past passivity in the Caucasus, the wake-up call of the 44-day war, and Tehran’s options for deeper cooperation with Russia, China, and Armenia as it faces a shifting geopolitical order.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/<p>This Week in Review episode covers growing public disillusionment in Armenia, as new polling shows historic lows in trust toward political institutions while support for the Armenian Church and Armed Forces holds strong. We examine Pashinyan’s shifting rhetoric on the so-called “Zangezur Corridor,” his ongoing confrontation with the Church, and the geopolitical fallout from recent regional events—including the Iran-Israel conflict and the cooling of Russia-Azerbaijan ties. Dr. <strong>Benyamin Poghosyan</strong> joins to discuss whether Armenia is facing a crisis of legitimacy and a turning point in its strategic posture.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review episode covers growing public disillusionment in Armenia, as new polling shows historic lows in trust toward political institutions while support for the Armenian Church and Armed Forces holds strong. We examine Pashinyan’s shifting rhetoric on the so-called “Zangezur Corridor,” his ongoing confrontation with the Church, and the geopolitical fallout from recent regional events—including the Iran-Israel conflict and the cooling of Russia-Azerbaijan ties. Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan joins to discuss whether Armenia is facing a crisis of legitimacy and a turning point in its strategic posture.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/450-karen-kwiatkowski-israel-attacks-iran-where-did-trump-america-first-go-will-maga-split/Sat, 28 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/450-karen-kwiatkowski-israel-attacks-iran-where-did-trump-america-first-go-will-maga-split/<h2 id="-summary">🎙️ Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, retired Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski joins Groong to break down the so-called “12-Day War” between Israel and Iran—triggered by Israeli assassinations and escalated by Trump’s sudden military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Kwiatkowski critiques Israel’s lawless war conduct, the silence of Congress, and Trump’s attempt to fold the war into his “America First” agenda. She argues that Iran, paradoxically, emerged stronger on the world stage, while Israel’s internal cohesion and credibility have been damaged. The conversation also touches on the collapse of the U.S. peace movement, the manipulation of American foreign policy by Israeli interests, and the erosion of trust between Trump and his populist base.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/450-karen-kwiatkowski-israel-attacks-iran-where-did-trump-america-first-go-will-maga-split/Sat, 28 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/450-karen-kwiatkowski-israel-attacks-iran-where-did-trump-america-first-go-will-maga-split/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The 12-Day War. Where did Trump’s American 1st Go?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/450/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250628-transcript-450-karen-kwiatkowski-israel-attacks-iran-where-did-trump-america-first-go-will-maga-split/Sat, 28 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250628-transcript-450-karen-kwiatkowski-israel-attacks-iran-where-did-trump-america-first-go-will-maga-split/<h2 id="-summary">🎙️ Summary</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/450/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Karen Kwiatkowski - Israel Attacks Iran, Where did Trump’s America 1st Go | Ep 450, June 28, 2025</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - June 28, 2025</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2025-06-28</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 450</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/450">https://podcasts.groong.org/450</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/mk9DqOxG-i8">https://youtu.be/mk9DqOxG-i8</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/kkwiatkowski">Ltc. Karen U. Kwiatkowski</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/kkwiatkowski">Karen Kwiatkowski</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/Mon, 16 Jun 2025 22:28:56 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs, to analyze the geopolitical fallout from Israel’s surprise military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Rising Lion. We explore how the attacks may sabotage U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, shift Russia’s strategic calculus, and destabilize the South Caucasus—particularly Armenia’s Syunik province. We also examine the implications for Russia-Iran relations, the Zangezur corridor, and Azerbaijan’s military posture. Finally, we discuss Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, recent Russian rhetoric labeling Ukraine a terrorist state, and whether Moscow is preparing to escalate its war effort.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/Mon, 16 Jun 2025 22:28:56 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs, to analyze the geopolitical fallout from Israel’s surprise military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Rising Lion. We explore how the attacks may sabotage U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, shift Russia’s strategic calculus, and destabilize the South Caucasus—particularly Armenia’s Syunik province. We also examine the implications for Russia-Iran relations, the Zangezur corridor, and Azerbaijan’s military posture. Finally, we discuss Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, recent Russian rhetoric labeling Ukraine a terrorist state, and whether Moscow is preparing to escalate its war effort.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250616-transcript-447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250616-transcript-447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs, to analyze the geopolitical fallout from Israel’s surprise military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Rising Lion. We explore how the attacks may sabotage U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, shift Russia’s strategic calculus, and destabilize the South Caucasus—particularly Armenia’s Syunik province. We also examine the implications for Russia-Iran relations, the Zangezur corridor, and Azerbaijan’s military posture. Finally, we discuss Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, recent Russian rhetoric labeling Ukraine a terrorist state, and whether Moscow is preparing to escalate its war effort.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/445-rananjay-anand-india-indians-sour-on-turkey-azerbaijan-turn-to-armenia-robust-partnership/Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:14:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/445-rananjay-anand-india-indians-sour-on-turkey-azerbaijan-turn-to-armenia-robust-partnership/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Rananjay Anand, president of the Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO, about the growing potential for a strategic partnership between India and Armenia. As Turkey and Azerbaijan double down on their support for Pakistan—most recently during Operation Sindoor—Indian public sentiment is shifting. Weddings, conferences, and corporate events once destined for Istanbul and Baku are being redirected, and Armenia is emerging as a quiet alternative. We explore what’s driving this trend, the challenges posed by limited connectivity, and whether this moment could mark a turning point in India-Armenia relations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/445-rananjay-anand-india-indians-sour-on-turkey-azerbaijan-turn-to-armenia-robust-partnership/Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:14:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/445-rananjay-anand-india-indians-sour-on-turkey-azerbaijan-turn-to-armenia-robust-partnership/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Rananjay Anand, president of the Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO, about the growing potential for a strategic partnership between India and Armenia. As Turkey and Azerbaijan double down on their support for Pakistan—most recently during Operation Sindoor—Indian public sentiment is shifting. Weddings, conferences, and corporate events once destined for Istanbul and Baku are being redirected, and Armenia is emerging as a quiet alternative. We explore what’s driving this trend, the challenges posed by limited connectivity, and whether this moment could mark a turning point in India-Armenia relations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/444-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-church-under-attack-pashinyan-rpa-impeachment-david-hambardzumyan-pm-candidate-armenian-economy-decline-demographic-crisis-birthrate-emigration-artsakh-refugees-georgia-relations-ukraine-war-poland-election-ep444/Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/444-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-church-under-attack-pashinyan-rpa-impeachment-david-hambardzumyan-pm-candidate-armenian-economy-decline-demographic-crisis-birthrate-emigration-artsakh-refugees-georgia-relations-ukraine-war-poland-election-ep444/<p>In this Week in Review episode, Groong hosts unpack a tense week in Armenian politics and society. Prime Minister Pashinyan intensifies his attacks on the Armenian Church, while the ruling Civil Contract party faces mounting criticism over corruption and nepotism. The opposition RPA nominates a symbolic candidate for prime minister amid an unlikely impeachment effort. Meanwhile, Armenia&rsquo;s economy shows cracks beneath reported growth, Georgia tightens trade routes, and demographic warnings grow starker as birthrates plummet and emigration continues. The episode also touches on global shifts, including the Ukraine war and Poland&rsquo;s presidential pivot, framing Armenia’s challenges in a broader geopolitical context.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/444-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-church-under-attack-pashinyan-rpa-impeachment-david-hambardzumyan-pm-candidate-armenian-economy-decline-demographic-crisis-birthrate-emigration-artsakh-refugees-georgia-relations-ukraine-war-poland-election-ep444/Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/444-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-church-under-attack-pashinyan-rpa-impeachment-david-hambardzumyan-pm-candidate-armenian-economy-decline-demographic-crisis-birthrate-emigration-artsakh-refugees-georgia-relations-ukraine-war-poland-election-ep444/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode, Groong hosts unpack a tense week in Armenian politics and society. Prime Minister Pashinyan intensifies his attacks on the Armenian Church, while the ruling Civil Contract party faces mounting criticism over corruption and nepotism. The opposition RPA nominates a symbolic candidate for prime minister amid an unlikely impeachment effort. Meanwhile, Armenia&rsquo;s economy shows cracks beneath reported growth, Georgia tightens trade routes, and demographic warnings grow starker as birthrates plummet and emigration continues. The episode also touches on global shifts, including the Ukraine war and Poland&rsquo;s presidential pivot, framing Armenia’s challenges in a broader geopolitical context.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/443-abhinav-pandya-from-sindoor-to-syunik-india-new-geopolitical-frontline-armenia-pakistan-turkey-azerbaijan-israel/Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:11:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/443-abhinav-pandya-from-sindoor-to-syunik-india-new-geopolitical-frontline-armenia-pakistan-turkey-azerbaijan-israel/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Abhinav Pandya about the emerging Turkey–Pakistan–Azerbaijan axis and its implications for India’s security and regional posture. We explore the symbolism behind the opening of an empty airport in Berdzor (Lachin), the broader strategic coordination among these three nations, and how India responded with Operation Sindoor following a major terror attack in Pahalgam. The conversation also looks at Armenia’s growing role as a strategic partner for India, the complexities of managing ties with Iran, and the challenges facing multilateral projects like IMEC. Pandya outlines the ideological and hybrid threats India faces and what it must do to stay ahead in a shifting geopolitical landscape.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/443-abhinav-pandya-from-sindoor-to-syunik-india-new-geopolitical-frontline-armenia-pakistan-turkey-azerbaijan-israel/Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:11:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/443-abhinav-pandya-from-sindoor-to-syunik-india-new-geopolitical-frontline-armenia-pakistan-turkey-azerbaijan-israel/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Abhinav Pandya about the emerging Turkey–Pakistan–Azerbaijan axis and its implications for India’s security and regional posture. We explore the symbolism behind the opening of an empty airport in Berdzor (Lachin), the broader strategic coordination among these three nations, and how India responded with Operation Sindoor following a major terror attack in Pahalgam. The conversation also looks at Armenia’s growing role as a strategic partner for India, the complexities of managing ties with Iran, and the challenges facing multilateral projects like IMEC. Pandya outlines the ideological and hybrid threats India faces and what it must do to stay ahead in a shifting geopolitical landscape.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/442-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-us-iran-crises-hakan-fidan-in-moscow-aliyev-erdogan-sharif-in-lachin-azerbaijan-pashinyan-attack-armenian-church-impeachment-vs-election/Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:18:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/442-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-us-iran-crises-hakan-fidan-in-moscow-aliyev-erdogan-sharif-in-lachin-azerbaijan-pashinyan-attack-armenian-church-impeachment-vs-election/<p>In this episode of Groong’s Week in Review, recorded on June 2, 2025, guest Benyamin Poghosyan joins hosts Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian to unpack a tense and volatile week in both regional and domestic politics. The conversation opens with rising tensions in the Ukraine war, as drone strikes reach deep into Russia, Germany lifts missile restrictions, and Trump labels Putin “crazy,” all while Iran nuclear talks remain frozen under hardline U.S. demands. The focus then shifts to the South Caucasus, where Turkish FM Hakan Fidan met Lavrov in Moscow to push the “3+3” platform and floated Istanbul as a summit venue for global powers. Meanwhile, Erdogan, Aliyev, and Pakistan’s PM Sharif staged a PR spectacle in Lachin to inaugurate a third airport in occupied Artsakh, signaling strategic realignments. Back in Armenia, the Pashinyans launched harsh verbal attacks on the Armenian Church just as Baku’s Grand Mufti claimed Etchmiadzin as Azerbaijani land, prompting questions of tacit coordination. The episode also revisits the impeachment debate versus opposition planning for the 2026 elections, probing whether security and corruption can drive real political traction. Finally, the hosts spotlight the rise of regime-aligned oligarch Narek Nalbandyan, whose sweetheart deals, state-enabled asset grabs, and government-backed expansion raise serious concerns about the erosion of anti-corruption values in Armenia today.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/442-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-us-iran-crises-hakan-fidan-in-moscow-aliyev-erdogan-sharif-in-lachin-azerbaijan-pashinyan-attack-armenian-church-impeachment-vs-election/Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:18:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/442-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-us-iran-crises-hakan-fidan-in-moscow-aliyev-erdogan-sharif-in-lachin-azerbaijan-pashinyan-attack-armenian-church-impeachment-vs-election/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Groong’s Week in Review, recorded on June 2, 2025, guest Benyamin Poghosyan joins hosts Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian to unpack a tense and volatile week in both regional and domestic politics. The conversation opens with rising tensions in the Ukraine war, as drone strikes reach deep into Russia, Germany lifts missile restrictions, and Trump labels Putin “crazy,” all while Iran nuclear talks remain frozen under hardline U.S. demands. The focus then shifts to the South Caucasus, where Turkish FM Hakan Fidan met Lavrov in Moscow to push the “3+3” platform and floated Istanbul as a summit venue for global powers. Meanwhile, Erdogan, Aliyev, and Pakistan’s PM Sharif staged a PR spectacle in Lachin to inaugurate a third airport in occupied Artsakh, signaling strategic realignments. Back in Armenia, the Pashinyans launched harsh verbal attacks on the Armenian Church just as Baku’s Grand Mufti claimed Etchmiadzin as Azerbaijani land, prompting questions of tacit coordination. The episode also revisits the impeachment debate versus opposition planning for the 2026 elections, probing whether security and corruption can drive real political traction. Finally, the hosts spotlight the rise of regime-aligned oligarch Narek Nalbandyan, whose sweetheart deals, state-enabled asset grabs, and government-backed expansion raise serious concerns about the erosion of anti-corruption values in Armenia today.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/439-levon-zourabian-us-iran-nuclear-negotiations-middle-east-abraham-accords--geopolitic-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2026-elections/Tue, 27 May 2025 00:11:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/439-levon-zourabian-us-iran-nuclear-negotiations-middle-east-abraham-accords--geopolitic-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2026-elections/<p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Levon Zourabian, Vice President of the Armenian National Congress (ANC), about the rising political temperature in Armenia ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. We explore the fragile geopolitical environment surrounding Armenia—from renewed US-Iran negotiations and the expansion of the Abraham Accords to Russia’s shifting posture in Ukraine and the South Caucasus. Zourabian also weighs in on the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks, Lavrov’s visit to Yerevan, and whether a new political coalition can challenge Nikol Pashinyan’s hold on power.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/439-levon-zourabian-us-iran-nuclear-negotiations-middle-east-abraham-accords--geopolitic-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2026-elections/Tue, 27 May 2025 00:11:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/439-levon-zourabian-us-iran-nuclear-negotiations-middle-east-abraham-accords--geopolitic-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2026-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Levon Zourabian, Vice President of the Armenian National Congress (ANC), about the rising political temperature in Armenia ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. We explore the fragile geopolitical environment surrounding Armenia—from renewed US-Iran negotiations and the expansion of the Abraham Accords to Russia’s shifting posture in Ukraine and the South Caucasus. Zourabian also weighs in on the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks, Lavrov’s visit to Yerevan, and whether a new political coalition can challenge Nikol Pashinyan’s hold on power.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/437-ehsan-movahedian-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions-pezeshkian-armenia-azerbaijan-israel-usa-russia-syria/Mon, 19 May 2025 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/437-ehsan-movahedian-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions-pezeshkian-armenia-azerbaijan-israel-usa-russia-syria/<h2 id="episode-437-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions--ehsan-movahedian">Episode 437: Iran Amidst Geopolitical Tensions – Ehsan Movahedian</h2> <h3 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed:</h3> <ul> <li>US-Iran Nuclear Talks and Trump&rsquo;s Middle East Visit</li> <li>Pezeshkian’s Visit to Baku and the Zangezur Corridor Debate</li> <li>Iran-Armenia Relations Amid Regional Pressures</li> <li>The Abraham Accords and Potential South Caucasus Expansion</li> </ul> <h3 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed:</h3> <ul> <li>How is Iran responding to Trump’s nuclear deal proposal and U.S. sanctions?</li> <li>What implications does Pezeshkian’s Baku visit hold for Iran-Armenia relations?</li> <li>Why is Iran opposed to the Zangezur Corridor, and what is its alternative proposal?</li> <li>How is Iran navigating internal divisions between reformists and conservatives regarding foreign policy?</li> <li>Could the Abraham Accords be leveraged to further isolate Iran in the South Caucasus?</li> </ul> <h3 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-says-us-is-getting-very-close-nuclear-deal-with-iran-2025-05-15/">Reuters: Trump says US is getting very close to nuclear deal with Iran</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-iran-given-draft-deal-proposal-i-dont-know-if-netanyahu-can-get-hostages-out/">Times of Israel: Trump: Iran given draft deal proposal, &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t know&rsquo; if Netanyahu can get hostages out</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/16/trump-calls-on-iran-to-move-quickly-on-nuclear-proposal">Al Jazeera: Trump calls on Iran to &lsquo;move quickly&rsquo; on nuclear proposal</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250428-iranian-president-visits-azerbaijan-as-ties-warm">France 24: Pezeshkian visit to Baku as ties warm</a></li> <li><a href="https://niacouncil.org/irans-president-pezeshkian-visits-azerbaijan-amid-efforts-to-revive-ties/">NIAC: Iran&rsquo;s Pezeshkian visits Azerbaijan to revive ties</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2025/04/28/3301043/pezeshkian-affirms-azerbaijan-s-sovereignty-over-karabakh-in-visit-to-baku">Tasnim News: Pezeshkian affirms Azerbaijan’s sovereignty over Karabakh</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/amn-karavarakan-banky-339-milion-dolarov-kvarkavori-zenk-pokhadrogh-adrbejanakan-aviaynkeroutyany/33372552.html">Azatutyun: EXIM Bank approves $339M loan to Azerbaijan</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.mehrnews.com/news/231430/Iran-US-delegations-to-resume-talks-this-weekend">Mehr News: Iran-US talks to resume this weekend</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/iran-port-massive-explosion-rcna203147">NBC News: Explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port</a></li> <li><a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-talks-nuclear-b86262ea0b1fed38df40855deaf79258">AP News: Iran-US nuclear talks update</a></li> <li><a href="https://responsiblestatecraft.org/trump-iran-2671887077">Responsible Statecraft: US-Iran tensions rise amid talks</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/04/trump-iran-nuclear-program-dismantled">Axios: Trump demands dismantling of Iran&rsquo;s nuclear program</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/437-ehsan-movahedian-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions-pezeshkian-armenia-azerbaijan-israel-usa-russia-syria/Mon, 19 May 2025 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/437-ehsan-movahedian-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions-pezeshkian-armenia-azerbaijan-israel-usa-russia-syria/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US-Iran Nuclear Talks. Pezeshkian Visit to Baku. Iran-Armenia Relations. US Support for Azerbaijan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/437/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/436-pietro-shakarian-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-armenia-putin-xi-jinping-geopolitics-nikol-pashinyan-historical-revision-world-war-2/Thu, 15 May 2025 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/436-pietro-shakarian-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-armenia-putin-xi-jinping-geopolitics-nikol-pashinyan-historical-revision-world-war-2/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, historian Pietro Shakarian joins us to discuss the evolving narratives surrounding Victory Day on May 9, 2025, particularly as they relate to Armenia, Russia, and the broader post-Soviet space. Shakarian examines how Armenia’s contributions to World War II are being downplayed amidst rising geopolitical tensions and how figures like Artsrun Hovhannisyan are attempting to rewrite the country’s historical role. The conversation also delves into the symbolic significance of the Immortal Regiment march in Armenia, the political posturing of Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev during the Moscow parade, and the story of Gevorg Kolozyan, an Armenian who became a resistance fighter in Italy during the war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/436-pietro-shakarian-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-armenia-putin-xi-jinping-geopolitics-nikol-pashinyan-historical-revision-world-war-2/Thu, 15 May 2025 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/436-pietro-shakarian-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-armenia-putin-xi-jinping-geopolitics-nikol-pashinyan-historical-revision-world-war-2/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, historian Pietro Shakarian joins us to discuss the evolving narratives surrounding Victory Day on May 9, 2025, particularly as they relate to Armenia, Russia, and the broader post-Soviet space. Shakarian examines how Armenia’s contributions to World War II are being downplayed amidst rising geopolitical tensions and how figures like Artsrun Hovhannisyan are attempting to rewrite the country’s historical role. The conversation also delves into the symbolic significance of the Immortal Regiment march in Armenia, the political posturing of Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev during the Moscow parade, and the story of Gevorg Kolozyan, an Armenian who became a resistance fighter in Italy during the war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/Wed, 07 May 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode recorded on May 6, 2025, we discuss the latest developments in Armenia, the South Caucasus, and beyond with Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, a senior fellow at APRI Armenia and Chairman of the Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.</p> <h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h2> <ul> <li>US-Iran Tensions and Escalating Sanctions</li> <li>Assault on Journalist in Yerevan Government Office</li> <li>Moscow Victory Day Parade and Armenia’s Geopolitical Crossroads</li> <li>Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks – Stalemate and Implications for 2026 Elections</li> <li>Azerbaijan’s Growing Influence and Iran’s Diplomatic Countermoves</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>What is the trajectory of US-Iran negotiations given the new sanctions and postponement of talks?</li> <li>How might the secondary oil sanctions on Iran affect its economy and Armenia’s energy imports?</li> <li>What is the political fallout from the assault on journalist Arthur Chakhoyan, and how has the Republic Party responded?</li> <li>How significant is Armenia’s attendance at Moscow’s Victory Day Parade amidst pressure from the EU?</li> <li>Could Azerbaijan’s demands for an extraterritorial corridor through Armenia escalate into renewed conflict?</li> <li>What is the status of Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations, and how might upcoming elections impact diplomatic efforts?</li> </ul> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h2> <h3 id="iran-sanctions--us-iran-negotiations">Iran Sanctions &amp; US-Iran Negotiations</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/04/trump-iran-nuclear-program-dismantled">Axios: Trump Calls for Dismantling Iran’s Nuclear Program</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.mehrnews.com/news/231430/Iran-US-delegations-to-resume-talks-this-weekend">Mehr News: Iran-US Talks Postponed</a></li> <li><a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114433959082847679">Truth Social: Trump’s Secondary Sanctions Announcement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/trump-says-buying-iranian-oil-must-stop-threatens-secondary-sanctions-purchasers-2025-05-01/">Reuters: New Sanctions on Iranian Oil</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="moscow-victory-day-parade">Moscow Victory Day Parade</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://eadaily.com/en/news/2025/05/03/is-may-9-canceled-in-moscow-serbian-president-vucic-urgently-hospitalized">EADaily: Speculation Around May 9 Parade</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/eu-ban-serbia-president-joins-124629634.html">Yahoo News: EU Leaders Warn of Repercussions for Attending Moscow Parade</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="yerevan-beating--journalist-assaulted-inside-government-office">Yerevan Beating – Journalist Assaulted Inside Government Office</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33403251.html">Azatutyun: Republic Party Defends Violence</a></li> <li><a href="https://oc-media.org/russia-protests-armenian-bucha-visit/">OC Media: Reactions to Armenia’s Bucha Visit</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0yB5QftJX4UwGLGEKGgVWDFoQTqs8aeitGcJDzwBt1t3yqNGCvqkpFHY5semZFxGzl&amp;id=100016322520223&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVEs95AK8CmpTrg3uIirvYdk6BnGhiDQ-a6utqlyLmeSHir7FEq_pb_vCpusqBn-oQg-5nQW5uZsMzqM82gnHp7G2FNd8FF7jZVBjaDplYLeh341uUdYA05zgpXtsc7FPZIZzG-MdZY1vTbwtQ0Q0O8lm6_a83SqMc_r1AwPfrEXdTpwbhiMqGGznEVy4Uf8mJa5W-tWBN5UPIHOBEud68yI_7D2EYRwgxpdex0ptDnpg&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R">Aram Sargsyan and Republic Party Blaming Putin</a></li> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/YQCLUhxyC8c?si=MjSlBRSykdblbrEo">Video of incident</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="arthur-chakhoyan">Arthur Chakhoyan</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/617221971360128">Failed kindergarten renovation by company associated with Civil Contract</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/1085262919377598/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZU6qSVx2D_GGqXp7Fq3ljFEy6lMbbYVttTLD5KoT3nMEX_qJzBpq8YaKKKDWSDr1xQWBkLqBnIbW_eoM_0zzzuK6SSsXnVjtcno2l19natCiMartwTZHN4FIL9vYBjk1NUyYPH4qlPXyCdrbRz572xOjpBr7JYut4nHQBnXNwN4_MLfSQd_DUefvgp3QPPhx6PAhKwuRMOiP14ob1qn_yv7&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R">Channel 5 coverage of corruption exposure</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/posts/pfbid0ikdsmenegFeEX2VsvHLKSRcokJ2cqTmhBsLCpEVArSQDz1vFtqD7urdepgF41WMQl">Chakhoyan FB Post #1</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=577103002061726">Chakhoyan FB Post #2</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/577103002061726">Chakhoyan FB Post #3</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/236007926259377">Chakhoyan FB Post #4</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/1596286871183106">Chakhoyan FB Post #5</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cEjwvom43Wo">Youtube video of Chakhoyan&rsquo;s work</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/Wed, 07 May 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode recorded on May 6, 2025, we discuss the latest developments in Armenia, the South Caucasus, and beyond with Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, a senior fellow at APRI Armenia and Chairman of the Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/434/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/432-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-genocide-recognition-and-denial-trump-erdogan-eu-macron-iran-azerbaijan-bandar-abbas.md/Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/432-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-genocide-recognition-and-denial-trump-erdogan-eu-macron-iran-azerbaijan-bandar-abbas.md/<p>This Week in Review episode was recorded on April 29, 2025. We’re joined by diplomat and former ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian to discuss major developments in and around Armenia during the week of April 21–27, 2025.</p> <hr> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>When the State Steps Back from Remembrance</li> <li>The Politics of Silence Around April 24</li> <li>Iran-Azerbaijan Bilateral Talks in Baku</li> <li>Bandar Abbas Explosion and the INSTC</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>What are the implications of Armenia deprioritizing Genocide recognition?</li> <li>Should the expulsion of Armenians from Artsakh be considered a continuation of the Genocide?</li> <li>How are the international responses to April 24 evolving — and what do they reveal?</li> <li>What’s behind Iran’s diplomatic outreach to Azerbaijan?</li> <li>How should we interpret the explosion in Bandar Abbas?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/genocide-recognition-not-a-priority-for-yerevan-pashinyan-tells-turkish-reporters/">Pashinyan: Genocide recognition no longer a priority</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.primeminister.am/en/statements-and-messages/item/2020/04/24/Nikol-Pashinyan-Speech-April-24/">Nikol Pashinyan’s 2020 April 24 Speech</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/296/text">U.S. Congress Genocide Resolution H.Res.296 (2019)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/04/presidential-message-on-armenian-remembrance-day-2025/">White House 2025 Genocide Commemoration Statement</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1915311317482623349">Macron’s April 24 Statement</a></li> <li><a href="https://alphanews.am/en/russian-embassy-in-armenia-on-russias-position-regarding-armenian-genocide-issue/">Russian Embassy’s Genocide Recognition Statement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/erdogan-extends-condolences-for-ottoman-armenians/news">Erdogan Extends Condolences – Daily Sabah</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/death-toll-blast-irans-bandar-abbas-port-rises-25-2025-04-27/">Bandar Abbas Port Explosion Coverage – Reuters</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/groong/status/1915528346320200169">Groong Tweet: EUMA’s censored statement comparison</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="other-resources">Other Resources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Link Tree</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Support Groong on Patreon</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee – Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/432-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-genocide-recognition-and-denial-trump-erdogan-eu-macron-iran-azerbaijan-bandar-abbas.md/Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/432-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-genocide-recognition-and-denial-trump-erdogan-eu-macron-iran-azerbaijan-bandar-abbas.md/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review episode was recorded on April 29, 2025. We’re joined by diplomat and former ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian to discuss major developments in and around Armenia during the week of April 21–27, 2025.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/432/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Professor Warwick Powell about the tectonic shifts in global trade, economics, and geopolitics. From Washington&rsquo;s renewed tariff wars to China&rsquo;s expanding influence through BRICS and infrastructure initiatives like the BRI, Powell shares his insights on the emerging multipolar order and the declining dominance of the U.S.-centric financial system.</p> <hr> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>U.S. tariff wars and their political and economic underpinnings</li> <li>China’s evolving role in the global trade architecture</li> <li>Rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran</li> <li>The emergence of BRICS as a multipolar economic bloc</li> <li>Dollar de-weaponization and alternative financial infrastructures (e.g., BRICS Clear)</li> <li>Belt &amp; Road Initiative vs. India’s INSTC: competition or complementarity?</li> <li>Strategic navigation for small states like Armenia in a shifting global order</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>What are the real causes of U.S. industrial decline, and are tariffs the right response?</li> <li>How will the new wave of tariffs affect China, BRICS, and global trade structures?</li> <li>Are we witnessing the end of globalization or its transformation into a multipolar model?</li> <li>What are the implications of a potential U.S.-Iran conflict on regional and global alliances?</li> <li>How effective are BRICS&rsquo; efforts to bypass the U.S. dollar in global trade?</li> <li>What long-term effects could de-dollarization have on U.S. capital markets?</li> <li>Are Belt and Road and INSTC competing initiatives, or can they be complementary?</li> <li>How should countries like Armenia approach these evolving regional infrastructure projects?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://eadaily.com/en/news/2025/04/02/iran-closes-airspace-and-brings-the-army-to-full-combat-readiness-mehr">Iran closes airspace, full combat readiness (Mehr)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1331388.shtml">Global Times – Iran crisis coverage</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-chinese-foreign-ministers-discuss-irans-nuclear-program-korea-russia-2025-04-01/">Reuters – Russia-China dialogue on Iran</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Professor Warwick Powell about the tectonic shifts in global trade, economics, and geopolitics. From Washington&rsquo;s renewed tariff wars to China&rsquo;s expanding influence through BRICS and infrastructure initiatives like the BRI, Powell shares his insights on the emerging multipolar order and the declining dominance of the U.S.-centric financial system.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/427/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250410-transcript-427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250410-transcript-427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/427/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Warwick Powell - U.S., China, Tariff Wars, and Multipolarity | Ep 427, Apr 8, 2025</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - 04/08/2025</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2025-04-10</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 427</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/427">https://podcasts.groong.org/427</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/5vZsPrDGq8w">https://youtu.be/5vZsPrDGq8w</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/wpowell">Warwick Powell</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/wpowell">Dr. Warwick Powell</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Asbed:</strong> Hello everyone, and welcome to this Conversations on Groong episode. Today, we&rsquo;re going to be talking about China on the world stage. At a time when the US is initiating tariff wars with everyone, including friendly countries, we&rsquo;re going to explore what really is driving this tariff regime and what it means for the US-China relationship. So today we&rsquo;re talking with Professor Warwick Powell from the University of Queensland in Australia, and also the Taihe Institute in Beijing.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/426-benyamin-poghosyan-usa-iran-escalation-aftermath-of-gyumri-and-parakar-elections-armenia-mfa-blames-artsakh-leadership-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/426-benyamin-poghosyan-usa-iran-escalation-aftermath-of-gyumri-and-parakar-elections-armenia-mfa-blames-artsakh-leadership-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>The rapidly escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran: military deployments, Trump’s ultimatums, and potential outcomes</li> <li>Analysis of Civil Contract&rsquo;s municipal election losses in Gyumri and Parakar</li> <li>Armenia&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry statements blaming the former Artsakh leadership for regional isolation</li> <li>The state of Armenia-Azerbaijan &ldquo;peace&rdquo; negotiations and constitutional changes under duress</li> <li>Border attacks and Pashinyan&rsquo;s balancing act between international PR and local security failures</li> <li>Social instability surrounding Artsakh refugees and slashing of housing aid</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Are the Trump administration’s demands to Iran designed to provoke conflict or extract genuine concessions?</li> <li>What strategic calculations underlie Trump&rsquo;s nuclear ultimatum and military maneuvers in the region?</li> <li>How likely are Russia or China to intervene or influence the U.S.-Iran standoff?</li> <li>What are the implications of Civil Contract’s municipal setbacks for 2026 parliamentary elections?</li> <li>Was the MFA’s statement about Artsakh a factual correction or an attempt to rewrite history?</li> <li>What does Aliyev’s continued aggression signal, despite Armenia’s acceptance of a “peace” document?</li> <li>Is Armenia rushing to rewrite its constitution to appease Aliyev or to secure reelection for Pashinyan?</li> <li>How does the targeting of Artsakh refugees and diminishing aid tie into domestic political strategies?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://eadaily.com/en/news/2025/04/02/iran-closes-airspace-and-brings-the-army-to-full-combat-readiness-mehr">Iran closes airspace, raises combat readiness</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1331388.shtml">China backs diplomacy, Global Times coverage</a></li> <li><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/07/politics/trump-us-iran-talks/index.html">Trump: US and Iran in direct talks</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/araghchi/status/1909381747709546786">Araghchi tweet confirming Iran&rsquo;s stance</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/02/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-restores-maximum-pressure-on-iran/">Trump administration fact sheet on Iran</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-chinese-foreign-ministers-discuss-irans-nuclear-program-korea-russia-2025-04-01/">Russia-China foreign ministers on Iran &amp; Korea</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20x7z36d56o">Gyumri-Parakar election results</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Armenia/Pashinyan-faces-Gyumri-setback-as-opposition-eyes-2026-election-237167">Opposition eyes 2026 elections post-Gyumri</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33376198.html">RFE/RL on Artsakh blame controversy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33376316.html">Constitutional changes &amp; shooting incidents</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33376399.html">Pashinyan on fast-tracking constitutional reform</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/423">Previous conversation with Benyamin Poghosyan – Ep 423</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.commonspace.eu/news/statement-armenia-azerbaijan-political-dialogue-platform">Political Dialogue Statement: Armenia-Azerbaijan</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/426-benyamin-poghosyan-usa-iran-escalation-aftermath-of-gyumri-and-parakar-elections-armenia-mfa-blames-artsakh-leadership-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/426-benyamin-poghosyan-usa-iran-escalation-aftermath-of-gyumri-and-parakar-elections-armenia-mfa-blames-artsakh-leadership-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US Iran Escalation. Aftermath of Gyumri and Parakar. MFA blames Artsakh for Regional Isolation. Bullets and Peace.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/426/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/424-dziunik-aghajanian-middle-east-tensions-iran-strategy-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-talks-russia-eu-pivot-turkey-unrest-pows-gyumri-elections/Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/424-dziunik-aghajanian-middle-east-tensions-iran-strategy-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-talks-russia-eu-pivot-turkey-unrest-pows-gyumri-elections/<p>In this episode of the <em>Groong Week in Review</em>, we sit down with former Armenian diplomat <strong>Dziunik Aghajanian</strong> to analyze recent developments in and around Armenia. We discuss escalating tensions in the Middle East, the implications of Trump’s outreach to Iran, Azerbaijan’s stalled peace process with Armenia, and the geopolitical games being played by Turkey and Azerbaijan. We also touch upon Armenia’s delicate balancing act between Russia and the West and explore the role of the Armenian diaspora in advocating for the release of Armenian POWs held by Azerbaijan. Finally, we delve into the upcoming Gyumri municipal elections and their broader implications.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/424-dziunik-aghajanian-middle-east-tensions-iran-strategy-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-talks-russia-eu-pivot-turkey-unrest-pows-gyumri-elections/Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/424-dziunik-aghajanian-middle-east-tensions-iran-strategy-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-talks-russia-eu-pivot-turkey-unrest-pows-gyumri-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of the Groong Week in Review, we sit down with former Armenian diplomat Dziunik Aghajanian to analyze recent developments in and around Armenia. We discuss escalating tensions in the Middle East, the implications of Trump’s outreach to Iran, Azerbaijan’s stalled peace process with Armenia, and the geopolitical games being played by Turkey and Azerbaijan. We also touch upon Armenia’s delicate balancing act between Russia and the West and explore the role of the Armenian diaspora in advocating for the release of Armenian POWs held by Azerbaijan. Finally, we delve into the upcoming Gyumri municipal elections and their broader implications.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/423-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-capitulation-ukraine-war-trump-putin-talks-witkoff-baku-israel-iran-geopolitics/Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/423-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-capitulation-ukraine-war-trump-putin-talks-witkoff-baku-israel-iran-geopolitics/<h2 id="topics-covered"><strong>Topics Covered</strong></h2> <h3 id="1-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-agreement-concessions-or-capitulation"><strong>1. Armenia-Azerbaijan “Peace” Agreement: Concessions or Capitulation?</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Background</strong>: Since the November 9-10, 2020 ceasefire statement, Azerbaijan has dictated terms to Armenia, often using military force or threats. The latest development is the March 13 announcement of a finalized <strong>peace agreement</strong>, though many in Armenia see it as a <strong>capitulation</strong>.</li> <li><strong>The Announcement</strong>: Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov announced on March 13 that the <strong>text of the agreement</strong> was finalized. Armenia confirmed it later, claiming the announcement was supposed to be joint.</li> <li><strong>Lack of Transparency</strong>: The treaty text remains undisclosed to the public, prompting Armenian opposition groups to label it a <strong>surrender document</strong>.</li> </ul> <h3 id="2-azerbaijans-preconditions-and-threats-of-military-force"><strong>2. Azerbaijan’s Preconditions and Threats of Military Force</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Unilateral Demands</strong>: Azerbaijan has attached preconditions before signing the treaty, including: <ul> <li><strong>Dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group</strong>, effectively erasing Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) from international negotiations.</li> <li><strong>Constitutional changes in Armenia</strong>, removing references to the Armenian Genocide and Artsakh.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Ramping Up Ceasefire Accusations</strong>: Following the treaty announcement, Azerbaijan has escalated claims of <strong>Armenian ceasefire violations</strong>, issuing <strong>three accusations on March 16 and three more on March 17</strong>.</li> <li><strong>What This Means</strong>: These demands and escalations indicate that <strong>Azerbaijan may not intend to sign the agreement soon</strong>, instead using delays as leverage for further concessions.</li> </ul> <h3 id="3-the-ukraine-war-and-trump-putin-negotiations"><strong>3. The Ukraine War and Trump-Putin Negotiations</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Jeddah Ceasefire Talks</strong>: Ukraine and Russia held peace negotiations in Jeddah last week.</li> <li><strong>Largest Ever UAV Attack</strong>: The talks were overshadowed by <strong>Ukraine’s biggest drone attack on Russian cities</strong>, increasing tensions.</li> <li><strong>Steve Witkoff’s Moscow Visit</strong>: U.S. Special Envoy <strong>Steve Witkoff</strong> met <strong>Putin</strong> following the Jeddah talks.</li> <li><strong>Ceasefire Proposal</strong>: Putin did not immediately accept a ceasefire but left room for further <strong>negotiations</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Trump-Putin Call Scheduled for March 18</strong>: A pivotal phone call is set between <strong>Trump and Putin</strong>, reportedly to discuss land divisions and control over key <strong>power plants</strong>.</li> </ul> <h3 id="4-europes-escalation-and-militarization"><strong>4. Europe’s Escalation and Militarization</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>France &amp; UK’s Position</strong>: European rhetoric against Russia is hardening, with talk of rearmament.</li> <li><strong>Military Build-up</strong>: Germany is considering converting <strong>Volkswagen factories into tank production facilities</strong>.</li> <li><strong>UK’s Ground Troops Proposal</strong>: The UK has hinted at sending <strong>ground troops to Ukraine</strong>, further raising tensions.</li> </ul> <h3 id="5-the-curious-witkoff-stopover-in-baku"><strong>5. The Curious Witkoff Stopover in Baku</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Unusual Visit</strong>: On his way back from Moscow, Witkoff made an <strong>unpublicized stop in Baku</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Speculation on Israel &amp; Iran</strong>: <ul> <li><strong>Azerbaijan-Israel ties</strong> are deepening, with reports that <strong>Azerbaijan’s state oil company, SOCAR, has entered a deal for Israeli gas fields</strong>.</li> <li>Discussions may have included <strong>potential Azerbaijani involvement in a future conflict with Iran</strong>.</li> <li>Some sources speculate that <strong>Azerbaijan might be pushed to join the Abraham Accords</strong>, normalizing ties with Israel and Saudi Arabia.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <h3 id="armenia-azerbaijan-peace-agreement--concessions"><strong>Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Agreement &amp; Concessions</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Is this a genuine step toward peace, or a forced capitulation?</strong></li> <li><strong>Why is the agreement text hidden from the Armenian public?</strong></li> <li><strong>What are the risks of signing an agreement with undisclosed terms?</strong></li> <li><strong>Has Pashinyan agreed to deliverables that aren’t in the document?</strong></li> <li><strong>Are Azerbaijan’s preconditions a stalling tactic to delay signing while extracting more concessions?</strong></li> </ul> <h3 id="ukraine-war--global-geopolitics"><strong>Ukraine War &amp; Global Geopolitics</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>What was the outcome of the Jeddah negotiations?</strong></li> <li><strong>How does the Ukraine war impact the South Caucasus?</strong></li> <li><strong>Will Trump’s direct negotiations with Putin lead to a breakthrough?</strong></li> <li><strong>What does European militarization mean for the future of the conflict?</strong></li> </ul> <h3 id="witkoffs-visit--bakus-role-in-global-affairs"><strong>Witkoff’s Visit &amp; Baku’s Role in Global Affairs</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Why would Steve Witkoff visit Baku after Moscow?</strong></li> <li><strong>Could this be related to Azerbaijan-Israel cooperation?</strong></li> <li><strong>Is Azerbaijan preparing for involvement in a broader Middle East conflict?</strong></li> <li><strong>How does Baku’s strategic position influence global diplomacy?</strong></li> </ul> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show"><strong>Links Referenced During The Show</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://armenianweekly.com/2025/03/14/opposition-warns-against-capitulation-as-armenia-and-azerbaijan-finalize-text-of-treaty/">Armenian Weekly - Treaty Announcement</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://oc-media.org/what-happened-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan-last-week/">OC Media - Ceasefire Accusations</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/azerbaijan-accused-armenia-of-shelling-yerevan-1742132212.html">RBC Ukraine - Azerbaijan Accuses Armenia of Ceasefire Violations</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.wsj.com/world/trump-says-he-will-talk-with-putin-tuesday-on-ending-ukraine-war-2f4ed5e4/">Wall Street Journal - Trump-Putin Call Announcement</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-765432">Jerusalem Post - Azerbaijan &amp; Israel’s Gas Deal</a></strong></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/423-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-capitulation-ukraine-war-trump-putin-talks-witkoff-baku-israel-iran-geopolitics/Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/423-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-capitulation-ukraine-war-trump-putin-talks-witkoff-baku-israel-iran-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia-Azerbaijan &ldquo;Treaty&rdquo;: Concessions, secrecy, opposition backlash. Preconditions for Peace: OSCE Minsk dissolution, constitutional changes. Ukraine War Talks: Jeddah negotiations, UAV attacks, Trump-Putin call. Witkoff’s Baku Stop: Mysterious visit raising geopolitical questions.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/423/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/422-arthur-martirosyan-ukraine-ceasefire-jeddah-talks-russia-response-negotiations/Thu, 13 Mar 2025 02:52:31 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/422-arthur-martirosyan-ukraine-ceasefire-jeddah-talks-russia-response-negotiations/<p>Today we’re talking with negotiations expert Arthur G. Martirosyan about the recently announced Ukraine-U.S. ceasefire proposal from the Jeddah talks. While Kyiv and Washington have reached an agreement, Russia has yet to respond—leaving major questions about the deal’s viability. What does each side stand to gain? What are the risks? And is this a real step toward peace or just another pause in the conflict? Let’s dive in.</p> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Overview of the <strong>Ukraine-U.S. ceasefire proposal</strong> negotiated in Jeddah</li> <li><strong>Russia’s pending response</strong> and its implications</li> <li><strong>Negotiation strategies and leverage</strong> at play in the ceasefire deal</li> <li><strong>Enforcement challenges and risks</strong> if the ceasefire is implemented</li> <li><strong>International posturing and diplomatic pressure</strong> from the U.S., EU, and Ukraine</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>What are the key terms of the <strong>Ukraine-U.S. ceasefire proposal</strong>?</li> <li>What are the <strong>negotiation strategies</strong> behind the deal, and what leverage does each side hold?</li> <li><strong>If Russia refuses the proposal, what are its best alternatives (BATNA)?</strong></li> <li>How does public <strong>posturing</strong> from the U.S., Ukraine, and EU affect Russia’s decision-making?</li> <li>What are the biggest <strong>risks and challenges</strong> of enforcing this ceasefire?</li> <li>Can the U.S. <strong>walk away from this deal</strong>, or is it too invested?</li> <li><strong>Is this a real step toward peace, or just another temporary pause?</strong></li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://www.state.gov/joint-statement-on-the-united-states-ukraine-meeting-in-jeddah/">U.S. State Department Joint Statement on Jeddah Talks</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/11/ukraine-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-following-the-ukraine-us-meeting-in-saudi-arabia/">EU’s response to the ceasefire proposal</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us-ukraine-meet-saudi-arabia-after-disastrous-white-house-talks-2025-03-11/">Marco Rubio’s statement on Russia’s responsibility</a></strong></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/422-arthur-martirosyan-ukraine-ceasefire-jeddah-talks-russia-response-negotiations/Thu, 13 Mar 2025 02:52:31 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/422-arthur-martirosyan-ukraine-ceasefire-jeddah-talks-russia-response-negotiations/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Today we’re talking with negotiations expert Arthur G. Martirosyan about the recently announced Ukraine-U.S. ceasefire proposal from the Jeddah talks. While Kyiv and Washington have reached an agreement, Russia has yet to respond—leaving major questions about the deal’s viability. What does each side stand to gain? What are the risks? And is this a real step toward peace or just another pause in the conflict? Let’s dive in.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/421-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-news-artsakh-abkhazia-elections-armenian-pows-yerevan-protests-azerbaijan-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-stalled-peace-talks-opposition-infighting-badra-gunba-adgur-ardzinba-baku-trials/Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/421-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-news-artsakh-abkhazia-elections-armenian-pows-yerevan-protests-azerbaijan-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-stalled-peace-talks-opposition-infighting-badra-gunba-adgur-ardzinba-baku-trials/<p>In this episode, we discuss the latest developments in Abkhazia’s presidential elections, the ongoing plight of Armenian hostages in Baku, and the protests in Yerevan calling for stronger government action. We also cover the stalled Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations and deepening divisions within Armenia’s opposition.</p> <hr> <h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Abkhaz Elections &amp; Regional Implications</strong> – The impact of mass protests, Badra Gunba’s victory, and its geopolitical consequences.</li> <li><strong>Armenian Hostages in Baku</strong> – Reports of torture, Ruben Vardanyan’s hunger strike, and shifting Armenian government rhetoric.</li> <li><strong>Protests in Yerevan Over POWs</strong> – Civil society-led demonstrations demanding stronger action and international intervention.</li> <li><strong>Azerbaijan Rejects Armenia’s Proposals</strong> – The stalled peace negotiations and whether Ukraine-Russia diplomacy plays a role.</li> <li><strong>Opposition Infighting</strong> – Escalating tensions among Armenian opposition factions following Robert Kocharyan’s latest remarks.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ol> <li>What were the key issues at stake in the Abkhaz elections, and what do the results mean for Russia’s influence?</li> <li>How significant are the protests in Yerevan? Do they reflect a shift in public sentiment or political calculations?</li> <li>Why is the Armenian government changing its approach on Armenian hostages in Azerbaijan?</li> <li>What is the right strategy for securing the release of Armenian POWs?</li> <li>Why did Azerbaijan reject Armenia’s latest railway corridor proposal? Is the broader geopolitical context playing a role?</li> <li>What is fueling the growing divisions in the Armenian opposition, and what does it mean for 2026 elections?</li> </ol> <hr> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h2> <h3 id="abkhaz-elections">Abkhaz Elections</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/abkhazia-s-acting-leader-wins-presidential-election-state-media-say/7994512.html">VOA: Abkhazia’s Acting Leader Wins Presidential Election</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="armenian-hostages--yerevan-protests">Armenian Hostages &amp; Yerevan Protests</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://jam-news.net/freedom-for-ruben-vardanyan-and-others-protests-in-armenia/">Jam News: Protests in Armenia for Ruben Vardanyan and POWs</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2025/02/28/International-community-call/3120130">Panorama: International Call for Medical Examination of Armenian Hostages</a></li> <li><a href="https://arka.am/en/news/politics/mfa-azerbaijan-uses-staged-trial-of-armenians-as-instrument-of-political-pressure-on-armenia/">ARKA: Armenian MFA Condemns Azerbaijani Trials as Political Pressure</a></li> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/reports-of-beatings-failing-health-prompt-appeal-for-intervention-in-ruben-vardanyans-case/">Asbarez: Beatings and Failing Health in Baku’s Prisons</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="azerbaijan-rejects-armenias-proposal">Azerbaijan Rejects Armenia’s Proposal</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1210864">Armenpress: Azerbaijan Rejects Railway Proposal</a></li> <li><a href="https://jam-news.net/nikol-pashinyans-statements-on-arms-control-not-up-for-discussion-azerbaijani-experts-on-armenian-pms-remarks/">Jam News: Pashinyan’s Statements on Arms Control Rejected by Azerbaijan</a></li> <li><a href="https://168.am/2025/02/27/2174940.html">168.am: Analysis of Stalled Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="opposition-infighting">Opposition Infighting</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/armen.ashotyan/posts/pfbid0Wu7o9W6f7utCKvK3DZb8Jak4bdumgKpkb4zSWSsqB8K1E8YJHM8gbBfbr8qyPHDl">Facebook: Armen Ashotyan on Opposition Divisions</a></li> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/NdOIQTMHh9g">YouTube: Kocharyan’s Press Conference on Opposition Unity</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="sumgait-pogroms-anniversary">Sumgait Pogroms Anniversary</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://arka.am/en/news/politics/on-sumgait-pogroms-anniversary-armenian-foreign-ministry-calls-for-overcoming-enmity-to-prevent-repe/">ARKA: Armenian MFA Statement on Sumgait &amp; Ethnic Cleansing</a></li> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/yerevan-said-bakus-state-sponsored-pogroms-continued-to-2023/">Asbarez: State-Sponsored Violence from Sumgait to 2023</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/421-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-news-artsakh-abkhazia-elections-armenian-pows-yerevan-protests-azerbaijan-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-stalled-peace-talks-opposition-infighting-badra-gunba-adgur-ardzinba-baku-trials/Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/421-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-news-artsakh-abkhazia-elections-armenian-pows-yerevan-protests-azerbaijan-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-stalled-peace-talks-opposition-infighting-badra-gunba-adgur-ardzinba-baku-trials/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, we discuss the latest developments in Abkhazia’s presidential elections, the ongoing plight of Armenian hostages in Baku, and the protests in Yerevan calling for stronger government action. We also cover the stalled Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations and deepening divisions within Armenia’s opposition.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/421/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/420-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-us-foreign-policy-trump-cabinet-usaid-reform-us-armenia-geopolitics-intelligence-reform-national-security-ukraine-russia-regime-change/Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:08:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/420-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-us-foreign-policy-trump-cabinet-usaid-reform-us-armenia-geopolitics-intelligence-reform-national-security-ukraine-russia-regime-change/<h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h2> <ul> <li><strong>US Foreign Policy Under Trump</strong> – The Trump administration&rsquo;s approach to reshaping U.S. foreign policy, including potential reforms or dissolution of USAID and the implications for global NGOs, particularly in Armenia.</li> <li><strong>Transactional Foreign Policy</strong> – Trump&rsquo;s strategic, business-style approach to foreign relations, including proposed deals for Gaza, Ukraine, tariffs, and territorial acquisitions such as Greenland and Panama.</li> <li><strong>Trump’s Cabinet &amp; Policy Shifts</strong> – Analysis of key figures in Trump’s cabinet, such as Tulsi Gabbard, Marco Rubio, and Pete Hegseth, and their expected influence on defense, intelligence, and foreign policy.</li> <li><strong>US-Armenia Relations</strong> – Examination of the US-Armenia &ldquo;strategic partnership&rdquo; agreement, its lack of a defense component, and its implications amid regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and Azerbaijan.</li> <li><strong>Intelligence and National Security</strong> – The role of intelligence agencies under the Trump administration, potential restructuring, and the balance between national security and government overreach.</li> <li><strong>US-Russia Relations &amp; the Global Order</strong> – How Trump’s engagement with Russia and critiques of the &ldquo;rules-based international order&rdquo; signal a shift towards a multipolar world.</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>What is the future of USAID under Trump, and how does its potential dismantling affect international influence?</li> <li>How does Trump’s transactional foreign policy impact U.S. global standing and alliances?</li> <li>What are the strategic implications of Trump’s cabinet picks, particularly concerning intelligence and defense policies?</li> <li>What does the US-Armenia strategic partnership mean for Armenia’s national security and its positioning in the South Caucasus?</li> <li>How does the U.S.-Russia dynamic evolve under Trump, and what does this mean for global power realignments?</li> <li>What challenges does Armenia face amid growing regional instability, particularly in relation to Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkey?</li> <li>How is the intelligence community being reshaped, and what are the consequences for surveillance, privacy, and national security?</li> <li>What role does Ukraine play in U.S. strategic calculations, and how does Trump’s approach differ from previous administrations?</li> </ul> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Groong Podcast</a></li> <li><a href="https://groong.substack.com/">Groong Substack</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/420-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-us-foreign-policy-trump-cabinet-usaid-reform-us-armenia-geopolitics-intelligence-reform-national-security-ukraine-russia-regime-change/Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:08:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/420-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-us-foreign-policy-trump-cabinet-usaid-reform-us-armenia-geopolitics-intelligence-reform-national-security-ukraine-russia-regime-change/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US Foreign Policy Under Trump. Transactional Foreign Policy. Trump’s Cabinet &amp; Policy Shifts. US-Armenia Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/420/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/419-crimes-hate-tremors-jean-daniel-ruch-diplomacy-geopolitics-war-justice-armenia-artsakh-switzerland-international-law-osce-minsk-group-nagorno-karabakh-icc-war-crimes-middle-east-ukraine-russia-european-union-turkey-azerbaijan/Sun, 02 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/419-crimes-hate-tremors-jean-daniel-ruch-diplomacy-geopolitics-war-justice-armenia-artsakh-switzerland-international-law-osce-minsk-group-nagorno-karabakh-icc-war-crimes-middle-east-ukraine-russia-european-union-turkey-azerbaijan/<p>In this episode, we sit down with <strong>Ambassador Jean-Daniel Ruch</strong>, a former Swiss diplomat and author of <em>Crimes, Hate, and Tremors</em>, to discuss <strong>global power shifts, diplomacy, and international justice</strong>. Our conversation explores the <strong>fallout from his resignation, the impact of US hegemony, Western democracy promotion, and the role of international justice in conflicts like Ukraine and Armenia.</strong></p> <p>🔹 <strong>What led Ruch to write <em>Crimes, Hate, and Tremors</em>?</strong> 🔹 <strong>What do global shifts mean for smaller nations like Armenia and Switzerland?</strong> 🔹 <strong>How do international courts serve geopolitics rather than justice?</strong> 🔹 <strong>What happened behind the scenes of Ruch’s resignation?</strong></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/419-crimes-hate-tremors-jean-daniel-ruch-diplomacy-geopolitics-war-justice-armenia-artsakh-switzerland-international-law-osce-minsk-group-nagorno-karabakh-icc-war-crimes-middle-east-ukraine-russia-european-union-turkey-azerbaijan/Sun, 02 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/419-crimes-hate-tremors-jean-daniel-ruch-diplomacy-geopolitics-war-justice-armenia-artsakh-switzerland-international-law-osce-minsk-group-nagorno-karabakh-icc-war-crimes-middle-east-ukraine-russia-european-union-turkey-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, we sit down with Ambassador Jean-Daniel Ruch, a former Swiss diplomat and author of Crimes, Hate, and Tremors, to discuss global power shifts, diplomacy, and international justice. Our conversation explores the fallout from his resignation, the impact of US hegemony, Western democracy promotion, and the role of international justice in conflicts like Ukraine and Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/419/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/416-dziunik-aghajanian-peace-plan-2019-corridor-talk-armenia-domestic-politics-world-politics/Wed, 19 Feb 2025 03:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/416-dziunik-aghajanian-peace-plan-2019-corridor-talk-armenia-domestic-politics-world-politics/<h2 id="topics-covered"><strong>Topics Covered</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Plan, or No Plan?</strong> - Pashinyan’s acknowledgment of the 2019 OSCE MG peace plan and its implications for Armenia’s geopolitical strategy.</li> <li><strong>Corridor Talk</strong> - Armenia-Azerbaijan transit negotiations, Azerbaijan&rsquo;s expectations, and Armenia&rsquo;s stance on the corridor.</li> <li><strong>Domestic Politics</strong> - Robert Kocharyan’s press conference, his political future, and potential opposition movements.</li> <li><strong>World Politics</strong> - US-Russia relations, shifts in NATO strategies, European reactions, and diplomatic consequences.</li> <li><strong>Middle East Developments</strong> - Trump’s controversial Gaza proposal, renewed sanctions on Iran, and regional realignments.</li> <li><strong>Russia-Azerbaijan Relations</strong> - Diplomatic and economic tensions, Moscow’s response to Aliyev’s moves, and possible retaliatory measures.</li> <li><strong>Economic Pressures</strong> - The impact of regional instability on Armenia&rsquo;s economy, trade relations, and foreign investments.</li> <li><strong>Global Military Realignments</strong> - Shifts in defense policies, emerging military alliances, and strategic positioning.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <h3 id="plan-or-no-plan"><strong>Plan, or No Plan?</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Why did Pashinyan acknowledge the 2019 peace plan now?</li> <li>How does the 2019 proposal compare to the current situation for Artsakh Armenians?</li> <li>Why did Pashinyan refuse to continue negotiations under the OSCE framework?</li> <li>What political ramifications does this shift bring for Armenia and its regional allies?</li> <li>How does this impact Armenia&rsquo;s negotiating power?</li> </ul> <h3 id="corridor-talk"><strong>Corridor Talk</strong></h3> <ul> <li>What does the Armenian government’s contradictory stance on the ‘Zangezur corridor’ suggest?</li> <li>If Azerbaijan is being granted &ldquo;unhindered transit,&rdquo; why is there no peace treaty yet?</li> <li>How do international stakeholders view the corridor negotiations?</li> <li>What are the potential consequences for Armenia’s sovereignty?</li> <li>Can alternative diplomatic solutions be proposed?</li> </ul> <h3 id="domestic-politics"><strong>Domestic Politics</strong></h3> <ul> <li>What were the key takeaways from Robert Kocharyan’s press conference?</li> <li>Is this the start of a political comeback for the former president?</li> <li>How might Russia and Iran signal their support for Armenian opposition forces?</li> <li>How has public sentiment shifted in response to Kocharyan’s statements?</li> <li>What does this mean for upcoming parliamentary elections?</li> </ul> <h3 id="world-politics"><strong>World Politics</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Is Trump pursuing transactional diplomacy or rethinking US-Russia relations?</li> <li>Could European NATO allies realistically increase their defense budgets?</li> <li>Is the EU at a crossroads given the geopolitical shifts?</li> <li>How does the US, Russia, and China dynamic affect global stability?</li> <li>What are the long-term security consequences of these developments?</li> </ul> <h3 id="middle-east"><strong>Middle East</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Will Jordan and Egypt support Trump’s Gaza ‘Riviera’ proposal?</li> <li>What does the return of &ldquo;maximum pressure&rdquo; on Iran mean for regional stability?</li> <li>How does Turkey&rsquo;s involvement in Syria influence Middle Eastern politics?</li> <li>What is the likelihood of renewed conflict escalation in the region?</li> <li>How does Israel&rsquo;s strategic positioning play into these developments?</li> </ul> <h3 id="russia-azerbaijan-relations"><strong>Russia-Azerbaijan Relations</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Is the worsening Moscow-Baku relationship about the AZAL flight crash, or are there deeper geopolitical factors?</li> <li>How do Azerbaijan&rsquo;s recent political maneuvers affect its standing with Russia?</li> <li>Could Russia impose economic sanctions or military deterrents against Azerbaijan?</li> <li>What role does Iran play in shifting Russia-Azerbaijan dynamics?</li> <li>How could these developments impact Armenia&rsquo;s regional position?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show"><strong>Links Referenced During The Show</strong></h2> <h3 id="us-russia-relations"><strong>US-Russia Relations:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/rcxt2-JQMTE?t=2380">Hegseth NATO Speech</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCOsgfINdKg">JD Vance at Munich Security Conference</a></li> <li><a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113991956474899296">Trump-Putin Truth Social Post</a></li> <li><a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113992264519415084">Trump-Zelensky Truth Social Post</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="middle-east--iran"><strong>Middle East &amp; Iran:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.outlookbusiness.com/economy-and-policy/trump-ends-sanctions-waivers-on-chabahar-port-ahead-of-pm-modis-us-trip-whats-the-impact-on-india">Trump Ends Sanctions Waivers on Chabahar Port</a></li> <li><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/16/world/video/marco-rubio-iran-threat-jerusalem-press-conference-digvid">Marco Rubio on Iran at Jerusalem Press Conference</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="armenia--azerbaijan"><strong>Armenia &amp; Azerbaijan:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33313937.html">Pashinyan’s 2019 Peace Plan Acknowledgment</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thecaliforniacourier.com/moscow-cracks-down-on-azerbaijani-migrants-after-rift-with-baku/">Russia Tightens Immigration Controls on Azerbaijanis</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.intellinews.com/caucasus-blog-is-it-the-end-of-the-honeymoon-between-azerbaijan-and-russia-363926">End of the Russia-Azerbaijan Honeymoon?</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.geopoliticaleconomy.com/articles/iran-armenia-strategic-alliance">Iran-Armenia Relations Analysis</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="internal-politics"><strong>Internal Politics:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP1M--C32ZU">Robert Kocharyan’s Press Conference</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.politico.com/armenia-political-landscape-2025">Public Sentiment on Armenian Political Landscape</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/416-dziunik-aghajanian-peace-plan-2019-corridor-talk-armenia-domestic-politics-world-politics/Wed, 19 Feb 2025 03:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/416-dziunik-aghajanian-peace-plan-2019-corridor-talk-armenia-domestic-politics-world-politics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>World Politics. Plan, or No Plan? Corridor Talk. Domestic Politics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/416/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li> <p><strong>A New Détente? Russia-US relations and evolving global dynamics</strong><br> Do the recent shifts in US foreign policy, particularly under the Trump administration, indicate a move toward a new détente between Washington and Moscow? Lukyanov analyzed the broader geopolitical landscape, including US domestic politics, NATO’s role, and how different power centers perceive the idea of global stability.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>The Trump-Putin Call and its implications for Ukraine</strong><br> During the highly anticipated Trump-Putin phone call key US policy positions on Ukraine were subtly adjusted. Trump’s remarks on Ukraine’s NATO prospects, the feasibility of a negotiated settlement, and whether Russia perceives this as a sincere effort toward peace or merely a political maneuver. Also, the possibility of sanctions relief and the role of European actors in any future negotiations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>A New Détente? The Trump-Putin Call. Russia’s Strategic Choices. Russo-Armenian Relations. Russo-Azerbaijani Relations. Georgia’s Pragmatism.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/414/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250216-transcript-414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250216-transcript-414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/414/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Fyodor Lukyanov - Russia, the US, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, and the New Global Order | Ep 414, Feb. 16, 2025</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - February 16, 2025</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2025-02-16</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 414</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/414">https://podcasts.groong.org/414</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/55f4iBCIAGY">https://youtu.be/55f4iBCIAGY</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/flukyanov">Fyodor Lukyanov</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/flukyanov">Fyodor Lukyanov</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/Sat, 07 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/<h1 id="topics">Topics</h1> <h2 id="introducing-karen-kwiatkowski">Introducing Karen Kwiatkowski</h2> <p>Although this is your first time on our podcast, your reputation certainly precedes you. You’re a widely respected expert on military intelligence and a vocal critic of flawed U.S. foreign policies over the years. As a founding member of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS), you’ve worked to expose the misuse of intelligence to justify war.</p> <p>During your distinguished Air Force career, you served as a Pentagon desk officer and worked with the National Security Agency (NSA). But it was your bold critiques—especially your essays exposing political corruption in military intelligence leading up to the 2003 Iraq War—that cemented your place as an important voice in this field.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/Sat, 07 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Turkey’s Role in the 44-Day War. NATO and Intelligence Sharing. Global Power Rivalries. Lessons from U.S. Intelligence Practices.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/392/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20241207-transcript-392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/Sat, 07 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20241207-transcript-392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/<h1 id="topics">Topics</h1> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/392/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Karen Kwiatkowski on Turkey, NATO, and the 44-Day War | Ep 392 - Dec 7, 2024</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2024-12-07</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 392</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/392">https://podcasts.groong.org/392</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/4lTacGx0yzM">https://youtu.be/4lTacGx0yzM</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/kkwiatkowski">Ltc. Karen U. Kwiatkowski</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/kkwiatkowski">Karen Kwiatkowski</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Asbed:</strong> Hello and welcome to this episode of Conversations on Groong. Today we&rsquo;re diving into regional developments in the greater Middle East and beyond with intelligence expert, author and scholar, Lieutenant Colonel Karen Kwiatkowski, retired. We&rsquo;ll also explore the role of Turkey as a NATO member in the 44-day war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/372-vahram-ter-matevosyan-the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus/Sat, 05 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/372-vahram-ter-matevosyan-the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus/<h1 id="the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus">The Dynamics of Identity and Geopolitics in the South Caucasus</h1> <p>In your recent paper, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08865655.2023.2200782">From Transcaucasia to the South Caucasus: Structural and Discursive Predicaments in Armenia’s Regional Integration</a> (June 2023), you document the perception of Armenia within the wider geopolitical region over time. Over the past 200 years, the constant is that Armenia has largely perceived its destiny to be linked with Russia. Yet, with the outcome of the 2020 war in Artsakh and other larger geopolitical shifts, this perception is currently in the process of being challenged.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/372-vahram-ter-matevosyan-the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus/Sat, 05 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/372-vahram-ter-matevosyan-the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Identity and Integration in the South Caucasus. On the Nature and Thinking of the Armenian Constitution. Relations with Russia Through Time. The Geopolitics Around the South Caucasus.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/372/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/361-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-shuts-zangezur-corridor-talk-trade-routes-accountability-in-foreign-intel-service-georgia-azerbaijan-elections/Thu, 12 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/361-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-shuts-zangezur-corridor-talk-trade-routes-accountability-in-foreign-intel-service-georgia-azerbaijan-elections/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="iran-shuts-down-zangezur-corridor-dreams">Iran Shuts Down “Zangezur Corridor Dreams”</h2> <h3 id="iran-warns-russia-to-back-off">Iran Warns Russia to Back Off</h3> <p>Following Putin’s visit to Baku a couple of weeks ago, Russia’s <a href="https://asbarez.com/lavrov-accuses-yerevan-of-sabotaging-deal-to-open-transit-routes/">rhetoric</a> became very harsh about Armenia blocking transportation links through Syunik, which Azerbaijan and Turkey call the “Zangezur Corridor”. We also know that there is significant pressure from the West (whether it is the EU or the US) on Armenia and Azerbaijan to open up Armenia to Turkish-Azeri connectivity.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/361-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-shuts-zangezur-corridor-talk-trade-routes-accountability-in-foreign-intel-service-georgia-azerbaijan-elections/Thu, 12 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/361-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-shuts-zangezur-corridor-talk-trade-routes-accountability-in-foreign-intel-service-georgia-azerbaijan-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran Shuts Down Talk of “Zangezur Corridor”. Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Iran Armenia Trade / BRICS. Foreign Intelligence Service. Georgian and Azerbaijani Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/361/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/319-tatul-manaseryan-armenia-economic-diversification-systemic-corruption-bank-secrecy/Sat, 23 Mar 2024 08:48:51 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/319-tatul-manaseryan-armenia-economic-diversification-systemic-corruption-bank-secrecy/<h1 id="tatul-manaseryan-on-economic-topics">Tatul Manaseryan on Economic Topics</h1> <p>Before we get started, we’d like to remind you to support us and help us expand our reach. First, you can share this link with your friends and if you feel extra generous please go to our donate page, podcasts.groong.org / donate. Thanks in advance!</p> <p>Dr. Manaseryan, as this is your first time on our show, would you tell us about yourself, so that our listeners may get to know you a little bit?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/319-tatul-manaseryan-armenia-economic-diversification-systemic-corruption-bank-secrecy/Sat, 23 Mar 2024 08:48:51 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/319-tatul-manaseryan-armenia-economic-diversification-systemic-corruption-bank-secrecy/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Economic Diversification. Systemic Corruption. Bank Secrecy Scrapped.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/319/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/228-suren-sargsyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-72/Tue, 21 Feb 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/228-suren-sargsyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-72/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="munich-security-conference">Munich Security Conference</h3> <p>Over this past weekend the annual Munich Security Conference took place and both Pashinyan and Aliyev attended. Each of them met with EU co-president Charles Michel, and they also had a trilateral meeting with US secretary of state Anthony Blinken.</p> <p>For Armenians, the conference was highlighted by the fact that there was a trilateral meeting held between US Secretary of State Blinken, Pashinyan and Aliyev.</p> <p>Following the meeting, a panel discussion was held on security in the South Caucasus. In the initial <a href="https://securityconference.org/assets/user_upload/230216_MSC2023_Agenda_WS.pdf">agenda</a> (as of Feb 16) Pashinyan’s name was missing from this session, but the agenda was modified <a href="https://securityconference.org/assets/user_upload/230217_MSC2023_Agenda_WS.pdf">last minute</a> to include Pashinyan. Note, this was the first time since the 44-day war that the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, who fought a war with each other 3 years ago, had a discussion in public.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/228-suren-sargsyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-72/Tue, 21 Feb 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/228-suren-sargsyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-72/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/228/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/166-armenian-news-network-groong-week-in-review-oct-2-2022/Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:25:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/166-armenian-news-network-groong-week-in-review-oct-2-2022/<h2 id="us---armenia-relations">US - Armenia Relations</h2> <p><strong><em>Segment with Aram Suren Hamparian (Recorded: 10/01/2022)</em></strong></p> <p>Over the past weeks, we have seen an unprecedented intensification of contacts Between Armenia and the West, specifically the United States. First, earlier in September, Suren Papikyan made a much-publicized trip to the States, even though at the time it seemed that the trip wasn’t very successful since he didn’t even manage to meet his counterpart, the Secretary of Defense.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/166-armenian-news-network-groong-week-in-review-oct-2-2022/Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:25:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/166-armenian-news-network-groong-week-in-review-oct-2-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US-Armenia Relations. Azerbaijan&rsquo;s Maps and Claims. Azerbaijan Continues to Occupy Armenia. Internal Politics in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/166/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/Mon, 12 Sep 2022 23:05:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/Mon, 12 Sep 2022 23:05:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Latest MPG and IRI Poll Results. What&rsquo;s Up with the Armenian Economy? US Armenia Relations. Geopolitical Developments.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/163/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/Tue, 06 Sep 2022 00:24:07 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/Tue, 06 Sep 2022 00:24:07 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>September 2: Artsakh Independence Day. September 2 is a public holiday commemorating the day 31 years ago when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic declared independence from the USSR. Before. Developments in Geopolitics. There were two major meetings this week between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On August 30, the deputy PMs met in Moscow, then on August 31, Pashinyan. &ldquo;Normalization&rdquo; with Turkey.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/162/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:49:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:49:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Surmalu Blast. What happened in Surmalu market? Why did Pashinyan jump the gun to declare that it&rsquo;s not terrorism? Russian note of protest on anti-Russian sentiments in information sphere. A mayoral campaign in the midst of tragedy?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/156/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/140-russia-geopolitics-armenia-russia-rels-israeli-and-armenia-ep-140-may-29-2022/Wed, 01 Jun 2022 04:28:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/140-russia-geopolitics-armenia-russia-rels-israeli-and-armenia-ep-140-may-29-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/140-russia-geopolitics-armenia-russia-rels-israeli-and-armenia-ep-140-may-29-2022/Wed, 01 Jun 2022 04:28:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/140-russia-geopolitics-armenia-russia-rels-israeli-and-armenia-ep-140-may-29-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Russia&rsquo;s Geopolitics. Armenia-Russia Relations. Israeli Interests and Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/140/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/136-anca-advocacy-agenda-2022-with-aram-hamparian-ep-136-may-13-2022/Fri, 13 May 2022 04:31:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/136-anca-advocacy-agenda-2022-with-aram-hamparian-ep-136-may-13-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/136-anca-advocacy-agenda-2022-with-aram-hamparian-ep-136-may-13-2022/Fri, 13 May 2022 04:31:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/136-anca-advocacy-agenda-2022-with-aram-hamparian-ep-136-may-13-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The US/Turkey F-35/F-16 Fallout. US Aid to Armenia and Artsakh. The Armenian Genocide Education Bill. Dr. Oz is Mehmet Oz. The US Election Cycles of 2022 and 2024.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/136/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/135-mass-protests-growing-fm-mirzoyan-in-dc-normalization-round-3-ep-135-may-8-2022/Tue, 10 May 2022 14:48:45 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/135-mass-protests-growing-fm-mirzoyan-in-dc-normalization-round-3-ep-135-may-8-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/135-mass-protests-growing-fm-mirzoyan-in-dc-normalization-round-3-ep-135-may-8-2022/Tue, 10 May 2022 14:48:45 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/135-mass-protests-growing-fm-mirzoyan-in-dc-normalization-round-3-ep-135-may-8-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Mass Protests Growing in Yerevan. FM Mirzoyan in Washington DC. Normalization Round 3.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/135/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:50:44 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:50:44 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Opposition Protests in Yerevan. Buying Bread from a Man in Brussels. Working for the man. War and the Armenian Economic Outlook. New MPG polls on Ukraine, Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/132/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/126-ukraine-dismissing-generals-2nd-normalization-meeting-new-president-ep-126-mar-6-2022/Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:01:49 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/126-ukraine-dismissing-generals-2nd-normalization-meeting-new-president-ep-126-mar-6-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/126-ukraine-dismissing-generals-2nd-normalization-meeting-new-president-ep-126-mar-6-2022/Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:01:49 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/126-ukraine-dismissing-generals-2nd-normalization-meeting-new-president-ep-126-mar-6-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Ukraine War and Effects on Armenia. Armenia Shuffles Generals. Second Normalization Meeting. Armenian Parliament Elects New President.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/126/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/125-ukraine-donetsk-luhansk-artsakh-aliyev-in-moscow-euronest-in-yerevan-ep-125-feb-27-2022/Mon, 28 Feb 2022 02:46:24 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/125-ukraine-donetsk-luhansk-artsakh-aliyev-in-moscow-euronest-in-yerevan-ep-125-feb-27-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/125-ukraine-donetsk-luhansk-artsakh-aliyev-in-moscow-euronest-in-yerevan-ep-125-feb-27-2022/Mon, 28 Feb 2022 02:46:24 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/125-ukraine-donetsk-luhansk-artsakh-aliyev-in-moscow-euronest-in-yerevan-ep-125-feb-27-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Developments in the Ukraine Crisis. Donetsk, Luhansk. Artsakh? Aliyev in Moscow. Euronest in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/125/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/122-2021-shushi-declaration-2021-ep-122-feb-21-2022/Mon, 21 Feb 2022 02:11:05 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/122-2021-shushi-declaration-2021-ep-122-feb-21-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/122-2021-shushi-declaration-2021-ep-122-feb-21-2022/Mon, 21 Feb 2022 02:11:05 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/122-2021-shushi-declaration-2021-ep-122-feb-21-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Fundamental Drivers of the 2nd War in Artsakh. The Armenian Government&rsquo;s Diplomatic and Strategic Failures. The Key Components and Threats of the Shushi Declaration. The Long-term Regional and Geopolitical Goals of Russia and Iran.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/122/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/112-color-me-kazakhstan-first-normalization-meeting-on-friday-ep-112-jan-9-2022/Tue, 11 Jan 2022 20:58:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/112-color-me-kazakhstan-first-normalization-meeting-on-friday-ep-112-jan-9-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/112-color-me-kazakhstan-first-normalization-meeting-on-friday-ep-112-jan-9-2022/Tue, 11 Jan 2022 20:58:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/112-color-me-kazakhstan-first-normalization-meeting-on-friday-ep-112-jan-9-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Color Me Kazakhstan. Turkish-Armenian Normalization Meeting on January 14.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/112/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/107-armenian-and-azerbaijani-expert-perspectives-on-negotiations-ep-107-dec-15-2021/Wed, 15 Dec 2021 20:35:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/107-armenian-and-azerbaijani-expert-perspectives-on-negotiations-ep-107-dec-15-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/107-armenian-and-azerbaijani-expert-perspectives-on-negotiations-ep-107-dec-15-2021/Wed, 15 Dec 2021 20:35:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/107-armenian-and-azerbaijani-expert-perspectives-on-negotiations-ep-107-dec-15-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Artsakh Status (). Is the conflict really &ldquo;solved&rdquo; (). Opening of Communications (). Corridor for Corridor (). &ldquo;Unimpeded&rdquo; Access ().</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/107/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/106-zoom-for-democracy-domestic-regional-politics-artsakh-independence-at-30-ep-106-dec-12-2021/Mon, 13 Dec 2021 03:15:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/106-zoom-for-democracy-domestic-regional-politics-artsakh-independence-at-30-ep-106-dec-12-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/106-zoom-for-democracy-domestic-regional-politics-artsakh-independence-at-30-ep-106-dec-12-2021/Mon, 13 Dec 2021 03:15:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/106-zoom-for-democracy-domestic-regional-politics-artsakh-independence-at-30-ep-106-dec-12-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Zoom for Democracy. Domestic Politics. Regional Politics. Artsakh Independence at 30. Analyst Rants.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/106/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/105-regional-geopolitics-turkmen-iran-gas-armenian-opposition-fizzles-out-ep-105-dec-5-2021/Mon, 06 Dec 2021 04:23:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/105-regional-geopolitics-turkmen-iran-gas-armenian-opposition-fizzles-out-ep-105-dec-5-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/105-regional-geopolitics-turkmen-iran-gas-armenian-opposition-fizzles-out-ep-105-dec-5-2021/Mon, 06 Dec 2021 04:23:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/105-regional-geopolitics-turkmen-iran-gas-armenian-opposition-fizzles-out-ep-105-dec-5-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Regional Geopolitics. Turkmenistan / Iran Gas Swap Deal. Opposition Fizzles Out. Again.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/105/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/104-pashinyan-live-trilateral-in-sochi-bilateral-in-brussels-turkish-armenian-normalization-russian-turkish-co-opetition-ep-104-nov-28-2021/Mon, 29 Nov 2021 03:25:55 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/104-pashinyan-live-trilateral-in-sochi-bilateral-in-brussels-turkish-armenian-normalization-russian-turkish-co-opetition-ep-104-nov-28-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/104-pashinyan-live-trilateral-in-sochi-bilateral-in-brussels-turkish-armenian-normalization-russian-turkish-co-opetition-ep-104-nov-28-2021/Mon, 29 Nov 2021 03:25:55 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/104-pashinyan-live-trilateral-in-sochi-bilateral-in-brussels-turkish-armenian-normalization-russian-turkish-co-opetition-ep-104-nov-28-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan Live on Facebook. Trilateral in Sochi, Bilateral in Brussels. Turkish-Armenian &ldquo;Normalization&rdquo;. Russian-Turkish &ldquo;Co-opetition&rdquo; in Eurasia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/104/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/103-russia-nato-escalation-border-escalation-goodbye-moscow-hello-brussels-protests-in-yerevan-ep-101-nov-14-2021/Mon, 22 Nov 2021 17:54:38 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/103-russia-nato-escalation-border-escalation-goodbye-moscow-hello-brussels-protests-in-yerevan-ep-101-nov-14-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/103-russia-nato-escalation-border-escalation-goodbye-moscow-hello-brussels-protests-in-yerevan-ep-101-nov-14-2021/Mon, 22 Nov 2021 17:54:38 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/103-russia-nato-escalation-border-escalation-goodbye-moscow-hello-brussels-protests-in-yerevan-ep-101-nov-14-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Russia-NATO escalation. Border escalation. Goodbye Moscow, Hello Brussels! Protests in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/103/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/Wed, 17 Nov 2021 03:08:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/Wed, 17 Nov 2021 03:08:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia under wide scale attacks by Azerbaijan. Border Politics. Azerbaijan Returns to the OSCE MG. Municipal elections Over the Past Weekend.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/101/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/96-georgian-runoffs-turkish-drones-in-donbas-iran-turkey-g20-palooza-ep-96-oct-31-2021/Mon, 01 Nov 2021 23:14:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/96-georgian-runoffs-turkish-drones-in-donbas-iran-turkey-g20-palooza-ep-96-oct-31-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/96-georgian-runoffs-turkish-drones-in-donbas-iran-turkey-g20-palooza-ep-96-oct-31-2021/Mon, 01 Nov 2021 23:14:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/96-georgian-runoffs-turkish-drones-in-donbas-iran-turkey-g20-palooza-ep-96-oct-31-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Georgia&rsquo;s Runoff Elections. Turkish Drones in Donbas. Iran-Turkey Tensions. The G20 Palooza.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/96/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/91-saakashvili-in-georgia-putin-erdogan-in-sochi-osce-mg-in-artsakh-tonoyan-in-jail-hovik-in-stepanakert-ep-91-oct-3-2021/Mon, 04 Oct 2021 01:31:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/91-saakashvili-in-georgia-putin-erdogan-in-sochi-osce-mg-in-artsakh-tonoyan-in-jail-hovik-in-stepanakert-ep-91-oct-3-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/91-saakashvili-in-georgia-putin-erdogan-in-sochi-osce-mg-in-artsakh-tonoyan-in-jail-hovik-in-stepanakert-ep-91-oct-3-2021/Mon, 04 Oct 2021 01:31:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/91-saakashvili-in-georgia-putin-erdogan-in-sochi-osce-mg-in-artsakh-tonoyan-in-jail-hovik-in-stepanakert-ep-91-oct-3-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Saakashvili Back in Georgia. Putin, Erdogan, in Sochi. OSCE Minsk Group in Artsakh? Tonoyan, Galstyan in Jail. Hovik in Stepanakert.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/91/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/Sat, 31 Jul 2021 15:30:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/Sat, 31 Jul 2021 15:30:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Calls for a Commission to Analyze the Defeat in the 2020 Artsakh War. A Conversation with Dr. Simon Saradzhyan, Arthur G. Martirosyan, and Tevan Poghosyan. The disastrous outcome of the 2020 War in Artsakh has left Armenians in Armenia and around the world with many unanswered questions. Many long-time held beliefs about the.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/82/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/81-escalation-in-yeraskh-gunpoint-diplomacy-armenian-emigration-guests-trip-report-ep-81-july-25-2021/Tue, 27 Jul 2021 12:03:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/81-escalation-in-yeraskh-gunpoint-diplomacy-armenian-emigration-guests-trip-report-ep-81-july-25-2021/<h2 id="escalation-in-yeraskh">Escalation in Yeraskh</h2> <p>Last week when the border instability around Yeraskh started and were heating up, Aliyev went to Moscow for a one on one meeting with Putin. The message that we read right before, during and after that meeting from the three OSCE Minsk group co-chairs was that “a lasting and comprehensive” peace needs to be hammered out. Aliyev returned to Baku and said that he had already solved the Artsakh issue, that other paths to peace would be “wrong and risky”. The news reported that Putin had told Aliyev to seek a compromise solution. Pashinyan has rejected that the Artsakh issue is resolved.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/81-escalation-in-yeraskh-gunpoint-diplomacy-armenian-emigration-guests-trip-report-ep-81-july-25-2021/Tue, 27 Jul 2021 12:03:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/81-escalation-in-yeraskh-gunpoint-diplomacy-armenian-emigration-guests-trip-report-ep-81-july-25-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Escalation in Yeraskh. “Peace Treaty” at Gunpoint. Emigration out of Armenia. Trip Report from Our Guests.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/81/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/60-armenia-russia-iran-russia-iran-armenia-election-latest-polls-sargsyan-ep-60-may-2-2021/Mon, 03 May 2021 01:27:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/60-armenia-russia-iran-russia-iran-armenia-election-latest-polls-sargsyan-ep-60-may-2-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/60-armenia-russia-iran-russia-iran-armenia-election-latest-polls-sargsyan-ep-60-may-2-2021/Mon, 03 May 2021 01:27:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/60-armenia-russia-iran-russia-iran-armenia-election-latest-polls-sargsyan-ep-60-may-2-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia-Russia Relations and the New Cold War. Iran-Russia and Iran-Armenia Relations. Election Politics and the Latest MPG Polls. Serge Sargsyan&rsquo;s Interview.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/60/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:52:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:52:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Syunik Confidential. Developments in Artsakh. Snap elections flip flop.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/49/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/47-constitutional-amendment-opp-rising-zarif-tour-virus-update-armenia-fund-the-dram-ep-47/Tue, 02 Feb 2021 00:17:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/47-constitutional-amendment-opp-rising-zarif-tour-virus-update-armenia-fund-the-dram-ep-47/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/47-constitutional-amendment-opp-rising-zarif-tour-virus-update-armenia-fund-the-dram-ep-47/Tue, 02 Feb 2021 00:17:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/47-constitutional-amendment-opp-rising-zarif-tour-virus-update-armenia-fund-the-dram-ep-47/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Another Constitutional Amendment? Opposition Rising: New Bottle, Old Wine? Iran&rsquo;s FM Zarif on a Tour de Six. State of the Virus in Armenia. Armenia Fund Used to Shore up the Dram?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/47/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/33-renewed-fighting-the-osce-mg-border-demarcation-fate-of-sotq-diplomatic-relations-ep-33/Mon, 14 Dec 2020 04:53:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/33-renewed-fighting-the-osce-mg-border-demarcation-fate-of-sotq-diplomatic-relations-ep-33/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/33-renewed-fighting-the-osce-mg-border-demarcation-fate-of-sotq-diplomatic-relations-ep-33/Mon, 14 Dec 2020 04:53:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/33-renewed-fighting-the-osce-mg-border-demarcation-fate-of-sotq-diplomatic-relations-ep-33/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Renewed Fighting &amp; the OSCE MG visit. Expedited Border Demarcation? What will happen to Sotq? Diplomatic Relations with Azerbaijan? Asbed Bedrossian.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/33/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/30-turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting-armenia-s-political-opposition-uniting-does-putin-support-pashinyan-robert-kocharyan-interview-ep-30/Mon, 07 Dec 2020 03:07:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/30-turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting-armenia-s-political-opposition-uniting-does-putin-support-pashinyan-robert-kocharyan-interview-ep-30/<h2 id="turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting">Turkey and Azerbaijan Connecting</h2> <p>In The Statement of November 10, it looked like Point 9 was a late addition which Turkey and Azerbaijan decided that, in a moment when Armenia was at a gunpoint and out of options, they would throw in everything and the kitchen sink in the agreement. It reads:</p> <pre><code>* All economic activity and transport links in the region are to be unrestricted. The Republic of Armenia guarantees the safety of transport links between western regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in order to organize the unimpeded movement of citizens, vehicles and cargo in both directions. Transport control is carried out by the bodies of the Border Service of the FSB of Russia. By agreement of the Parties, the construction of new infrastructure linking the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with regions of Azerbaijan is to take place. </code></pre> <p><strong>Question:</strong> What are the goals of this point?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/30-turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting-armenia-s-political-opposition-uniting-does-putin-support-pashinyan-robert-kocharyan-interview-ep-30/Mon, 07 Dec 2020 03:07:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/30-turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting-armenia-s-political-opposition-uniting-does-putin-support-pashinyan-robert-kocharyan-interview-ep-30/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Turkey and Azerbaijan Connecting. Armenia’s Political Opposition Uniting. Does Putin support Pashinyan? Robert Kocharyan Interview.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/30/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20-stepanakert-cluster-bombed-turkey-s-role-russia-quiet-what-s-next-october-4-2020/Mon, 05 Oct 2020 17:05:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20-stepanakert-cluster-bombed-turkey-s-role-russia-quiet-what-s-next-october-4-2020/<h2 id="war-azerbaijan-attacks-artsakh">War: Azerbaijan attacks Artsakh!</h2> <p>This episode of the podcast was fully devoted to the war in Artsakh. It was recorded on the morning of Saturday, Oct 3 Pacific time while one of our guests, Varuzhan Geghamyan was in Stepanakert as the city was undergoing constant bombardment.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the air assault on Stepanakert and other civilian areas of Artsakh seems to have only intensified with more active use of cluster bombs, long-range missiles and suicide drones. As of early Monday morning (Pacific time) we have confirmed that Varuzhan is OK though he communicated that the situation is dangerous as the city is still under constant bombardment.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/20-stepanakert-cluster-bombed-turkey-s-role-russia-quiet-what-s-next-october-4-2020/Mon, 05 Oct 2020 17:05:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/20-stepanakert-cluster-bombed-turkey-s-role-russia-quiet-what-s-next-october-4-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Stepanakert under persistent bombardment using banned cluster bombs. Turkey’s role in the war. Why is Russia quiet? What can we expect next?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/20/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/19-jirair-libaridian-thomas-de-waal-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-in-regional-context/Sat, 03 Oct 2020 23:03:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/19-jirair-libaridian-thomas-de-waal-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-in-regional-context/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/19-jirair-libaridian-thomas-de-waal-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-in-regional-context/Sat, 03 Oct 2020 23:03:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/19-jirair-libaridian-thomas-de-waal-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-in-regional-context/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>It has now been 7 days since Azerbaijan initiated a wide-scale attack against Armenia and Artsakh. The tragic news of deaths and destruction continue to stream in every hour. In today&rsquo;s conversation on Groong, we talk to Jirair Libaridian and Thomas DeWaal about the regional geopolitics that helped create a ripe environment for renewed fighting and. Questions explored.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/19/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/11-ann-groong-wir-11-aug-30-2020/Sun, 30 Aug 2020 20:17:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/11-ann-groong-wir-11-aug-30-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/11-ann-groong-wir-11-aug-30-2020/Sun, 30 Aug 2020 20:17:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/11-ann-groong-wir-11-aug-30-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian POW Gurgen Alaverdyan. Armenia&rsquo;s Humanitarian Aid to Aleppo. Serge Sargsyan&rsquo;s Interview and the Four-Day War Deliberations. National Awards. Vagharshak Harutyunyan&rsquo;s Appointment as Chief Advisor to Pashinyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/11/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/2-tavush-border-skirmish-azerbaijan-propaganda-mingechaur-threat-to-anpp-with-missiles/Sun, 19 Jul 2020 16:11:57 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/2-tavush-border-skirmish-azerbaijan-propaganda-mingechaur-threat-to-anpp-with-missiles/<h2 id="clashes-on-the-tavush-border">Clashes on the Tavush border</h2> <h3 id="overview">Overview</h3> <p>Around noon on Sunday, July 12, Azerbaijani forces attempted to infiltrate the Armenian border in the Tavush region of Armenia. Upon initial shots by Armenian armed forces, Azerbaijani soldiers abandoned their vehicle and retreated, only to attack the Armenian army border post again and be repulsed after suffering nearly half a dozen deaths.</p> <p>Later on Sunday evening Azerbaijan started intensive shelling along the Armenian border, and by Monday morning there were reports of drone attacks, shelling, and sniper fire. Azerbaijan also went on a PR and Cyber offensive. Armenian government sites were hacked, and both Azerbaijan and Turkey were trying to pin responsibility for the fighting on Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/2-tavush-border-skirmish-azerbaijan-propaganda-mingechaur-threat-to-anpp-with-missiles/Sun, 19 Jul 2020 16:11:57 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/2-tavush-border-skirmish-azerbaijan-propaganda-mingechaur-threat-to-anpp-with-missiles/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Clashes on the Tavush Border. Azerbaijani Propaganda around Armenian Threats to the Mingechaur Reservoid. Azerbaijan’s threat to strike Armenia’s Nuclear Power Plant with missiles.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/2/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/3-areg-danagoulian-azerbaijan-missile-threat-to-armenian-nuclear-power-plant/Fri, 17 Jul 2020 02:52:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/3-areg-danagoulian-azerbaijan-missile-threat-to-armenian-nuclear-power-plant/<h2 id="the-threat-on-the-armenian-nuclear-power-plant">The Threat on the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant</h2> <p>In this segment <strong>Asbed Kotchikian</strong> discusses a wide variety of aspects of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) at Metsamor with <strong>Areg Danagulian</strong>. The ANPP’s significance to Armenia’s economy, energy security, and independence cannot be overstated. The power plant was shut down in 1989 following the devastating earthquake in Spitak, and when it was brought back online in 1995 after being shut down since 1989 it served as a lifeline and helped fuel Armenia’s economic growth for the next two decades.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/3-areg-danagoulian-azerbaijan-missile-threat-to-armenian-nuclear-power-plant/Fri, 17 Jul 2020 02:52:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/3-areg-danagoulian-azerbaijan-missile-threat-to-armenian-nuclear-power-plant/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan&rsquo;s threat to attack the NPP. Overall safety and security of the plant. Safe handling of nuclear fuel. Renewable energy alternatives to nuclear. Maintenance and upgrades to the NPP.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/3/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>