Simon Saradzhyan
Dr. Simon Saradzhyan is the founding director of the Russia Matters Project at Harvard Kennedy Schoolâs Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, and also helps advance the centerâs U.S.-Russia Initiative to Prevent Nuclear Terrorism. His research interests include national power, military interventions, arms control, counterterrorism, and the foreign, defense, and security policies of Russia and other post-Soviet states and their relations with great powers. Prior to joining Harvard, Dr. Saradzhyan worked as a researcher, consultant, and journalist in Russia for 15 years, including as an editor of The Moscow Times.
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-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.
- Armenian News— Groong's weekly round-up of the latest news from Armenia, Artsakh, and the Armenian diaspora, covering politics, society, and international affairs.
- Armenian Politics— Armenia's domestic political landscape, including the government, opposition parties, civil society movements, and democratic governance debates.