Mikael Darbinian
Mikael Darbinian is a political scientist and former US diplomat, having served at the US embassies in Argentina and Russia as vice-Consul. He is the founder of Security Observer: Expert voices from the Global South, graduated from Madrid’s Complutense University, has lived and worked in eight countries.
Darbinian is currently (2026) a private security consultant for the Strong Armenia party with Samvel Karapetyan.
Key Topics
- 2026 Parliamentary Elections— The June 2026 Armenian parliamentary elections, the parties competing, campaign dynamics, electoral integrity concerns, and the stakes for Armenian democracy.
- Armenia-EU Relations— Armenia's partnership with the European Union, the CEPA trade agreement, the EU monitoring mission on the border, and prospects for closer integration.
- Armenia-France Relations— France's active diplomatic and military support for Armenia in international forums and bilateral engagement, driven by a large Armenian diaspora community.
- Armenia-NATO Relations— Armenia's relationship with NATO, including military exercises, interoperability programs, and the debate over whether deeper ties are feasible or desirable.
- Armenia-US Relations— U.S.-Armenia relations, including USAID programs, defense cooperation talks, Armenian-American lobby efforts, and Washington's South Caucasus policy.