Armenia

Last updated: June 10, 2026

Armenia is a landlocked nation in the South Caucasus region of Western Asia, bordered by Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey. With a population of approximately 3 million, Armenia is one of the world’s oldest Christian civilizations, having adopted Christianity as its state religion in 301 CE—the first country to do so. The capital and largest city is Yerevan, located in the central part of the country. Armenia’s geography is characterized by the Armenian Highlands, a mountainous region with an average elevation exceeding 1,600 meters. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, including ancient churches, monasteries, and archaeological sites. Armenia is a member of numerous international organizations including the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and the Eurasian Economic Union.

In the context of Groong’s coverage, Armenia is a landlocked South Caucasus republic facing an acute strategic and political crisis. Since the 2020 44-Day War , the country has lost control of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) and hundreds of square kilometers of territory to Azerbaijan, undergone the complete ethnic cleansing of more than 150,000 Armenian inhabitants from Artsakh, and seen its borders redrawn under duress. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his Civil Contract party have governed through this catastrophe while pursuing what opponents describe as a capitulation strategy: signing ceasefire agreements, negotiating territorial concessions, and attempting to normalize relations with Turkey despite no reciprocal gesture. The government frames this course as realism and peace-building; critics argue it surrenders Armenian sovereignty without securing the rights or security of displaced Artsakhtsis. Armenia’s relationship with its traditional security guarantor Russia has deteriorated sharply, while its pivot toward the European Union and United States remains hesitant and incomplete, leaving the country in a precarious middle position between Moscow and the West.

Domestic politics in Armenia since 2021 have been dominated by the opposition’s demand for Pashinyan’s resignation and accountability for the war’s loss. The Established Opposition parties—Strong Armenia , Armenia Alliance (Hayastan Dashinq) , Prosperous Armenia , and the Republican Party of Armenia —have held street protests, mounted electoral challenges, and attempted to build coalitions for the June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections. Civil Contract’s supermajority in parliament has allowed it to pass constitutional amendments, strip opposition figures of immunity, and advance its agenda despite sustained criticism over corruption, misuse of administrative resources, and alleged election irregularities. The government has also escalated confrontation with the Armenian Church , arresting clergy, seizing church property, and pressuring the Catholicos , actions that have alarmed international observers and divided public opinion. Simultaneously, Pashinyan has consolidated control over state institutions, including the judiciary and security services, raising concerns about democratic backsliding and rule of law.

Armenia’s economy remains fragile. Growth statistics mask structural weaknesses: the country is heavily dependent on remittances and Russian trade, faces declining foreign investment, carries rising national debt, and has seen its ties to Iran—a key trade and energy partner—complicated by U.S. pressure over TRIPP, the so-called Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity . The project aims to open transport corridors through Armenian territory in Syunik province, a move that would connect Azerbaijan to Turkey via Armenian land and raise questions about Armenian sovereignty over the route and control of its security. Russia has shifted from enthusiastic support of the corridor to public ambivalence, while Iran has issued explicit warnings that it will not accept any arrangement that bypasses or threatens its interests. The competing pressures from Washington, Moscow, Tehran, and Baku leave Armenia’s leadership navigating impossible choices between security guarantees that do not yet exist and economic partnerships that require territorial and strategic concessions it is reluctant to make permanent. The 2026 election will determine whether Armenian voters remain committed to Pashinyan’s course or whether opposition forces can forge a unified alternative around themes of security, sovereignty, and the rights of displaced Artsakhtsis to return home.

Groong episodes that include this tag

Below are all Groong episodes tagged with Armenia.

Hrant Mikaelian - Analysis of Recent MPG and IRI Poll Results| Ep 317 - Feb 17, 2024 [EP317]

Posted on Monday, Mar 18, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, NATO, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Economy, European Union, China, Genocide, Georgia, Israel, Syria, India | Series: cog, video

Topics:

  • IRI Poll, December 2023
  • MPG Poll, February 2024

Guest:

Topics:

Episode 317 | Recorded: March 16, 2024

Hrant Mikaelian - Analysis of Recent MPG and IRI Poll Results| Ep 317 - Feb 17, 2024 [EP317]

Posted on Monday, Mar 18, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, NATO, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Economy, European Union, China, Genocide, Georgia, Israel, Syria, India

Topics:

  • IRI Poll, December 2023
  • MPG Poll, February 2024

Guest:

Topics:

Episode 317 | Recorded: March 16, 2024

Amb. Andrew Turner - Establishment of Canadian Embassy in Armenia | EU Monitoring Mission | Political Prisoners | Canadian Mil. Supplies to Turkey | Ep 316 - Mar 16, 2024 [EP316]

Posted on Saturday, Mar 16, 2024 | Category: Canada, Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Genocide, Artsakh Blockade, NATO, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Iran, Genocide, Syria, Middle East, Georgia, Human Rights, China, Economy, European Union | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Establishment of Canadian Embassy in Armenia
  • EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA)
  • Political Prisoners
  • Canadian Military Supplies to Turkey

Episode 316 | Recorded: March 15, 2024

Amb. Andrew Turner - Establishment of Canadian Embassy in Armenia | EU Monitoring Mission | Political Prisoners | Canadian Mil. Supplies to Turkey | Ep 316 - Mar 16, 2024 [EP316]

Posted on Saturday, Mar 16, 2024 | Category: Canada, Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Genocide, Artsakh Blockade, NATO, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Iran, Genocide, Syria, Middle East, Georgia, Human Rights, China, Economy, European Union

Guest:

Topics:

  • Establishment of Canadian Embassy in Armenia
  • EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA)
  • Political Prisoners
  • Canadian Military Supplies to Turkey

Episode 316 | Recorded: March 15, 2024

Pashinyan regime's EU aspirations

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 13, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Clip, Transcript | Series: Blog

In this clip from episode #313 , we discuss Pashinyan’s bold move towards EU membership is risking its relationships with key allies like Russia and neighboring Iran. Recent statements hint at Armenia’s serious consideration of joining the EU, alongside actions like freezing activity in the CSTO and inviting Russian forces out of an airport.

Join us as we navigate the risks and uncertainties surrounding Armenia’s daring foreign policy decisions.

Archil Sikharulidze - Georgia, Armenia, Partnership & Politics in the South Caucasus | Ep 315 - Mar 13, 2024 [EP315]

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 13, 2024 | Category: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, India, European Union, NATO, Ukraine, Iran, Genocide, Economy, Human Rights | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Georgian Nationalism and Identity
  • Georgia, Armenia, post 2018
  • Accession to the EU
  • Strategic Partnership

Episode 315 | Recorded: March 12, 2024

Archil Sikharulidze - Georgia, Armenia, Partnership & Politics in the South Caucasus | Ep 315 - Mar 13, 2024 [EP315]

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 13, 2024 | Category: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, India, European Union, NATO, Ukraine, Iran, Genocide, Economy, Human Rights

Guest:

Topics:

  • Georgian Nationalism and Identity
  • Georgia, Armenia, post 2018
  • Accession to the EU
  • Strategic Partnership

Episode 315 | Recorded: March 12, 2024

Ehsan Movahedian - Iran Parliamentary Elections | Geopolitical U-Turn in Armenia? | Iran Armenia Relations | Anti-Iranian Propaganda from NGOs| Ep 314 - Mar 12, 2024 [EP314]

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 13, 2024 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Middle East, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, India, Georgia, NATO, Israel, Economy, European Union, Geopolitics, Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran Parliamentary Elections
  • Geopolitical U-turn in Armenia?
  • Iran Armenia Relations
  • Anti-Iranian Propaganda from NGOs

Episode 314 | Recorded: March 11, 2024

Ehsan Movahedian - Iran Parliamentary Elections | Geopolitical U-Turn in Armenia? | Iran Armenia Relations | Anti-Iranian Propaganda from NGOs| Ep 314 - Mar 12, 2024 [EP314]

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 13, 2024 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Middle East, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, India, Georgia, NATO, Israel, Economy, European Union, Geopolitics, Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran Parliamentary Elections
  • Geopolitical U-turn in Armenia?
  • Iran Armenia Relations
  • Anti-Iranian Propaganda from NGOs

Episode 314 | Recorded: March 11, 2024

Dziunik Aghajanian - Vazgen Sargsyan | Stalled With Enemies and Allies | Looking for New Friends | Ep 313 - Mar 10, 2024 [EP313]

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, European Union, Israel, Ukraine, Economy, Georgia, NATO | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia Stalled
    • Stalled with Enemies
    • Stalled with Allies
  • Economic Diversification
  • Fish Rots from the Head

Episode 313 | Recorded: Mar 11, 2024

Dziunik Aghajanian - Vazgen Sargsyan | Stalled With Enemies and Allies | Looking for New Friends | Ep 313 - Mar 10, 2024 [EP313]

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, European Union, Israel, Ukraine, Economy, Georgia, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia Stalled
    • Stalled with Enemies
    • Stalled with Allies
  • Economic Diversification
  • Fish Rots from the Head

Episode 313 | Recorded: Mar 11, 2024

Transcript: In the South Caucasus, “The West“ means Turkey

Posted on Friday, Mar 8, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Clip, Transcript | Series: Blog

The dialogue at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum illuminates a critical facet of EU’s geopolitical calculus: when they speak of “The West” in the context of the South Caucasus, they implicitly refer to Turkey. We dissect Armenia’s diplomatic challenges, laying bare the stark realities of power dynamics in the region. Against the backdrop of Turkey’s strategic significance, the debate underscores the profound implications of EU’s reliance on Ankara to assert its dominance and open communication channels in the region. We shed light on the urgent need for Armenia to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape where alliances and allegiances are constantly shifting.

Transcript: On Interview with Jean-Christophe Buisson (Deputy Editor of Le Figaro)

Posted on Friday, Mar 8, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Clip, Transcript | Series: Blog

In this clip from episode 312, Arthur Khachikyan discusses his recent interview with Jean-Christophe Buisson, deputy editor of Le Figaro, a highly influential French newspaper with close ties to Macron and other French leaders. Arthur, the interviewer, highlights the deputy editor’s strong support for the Armenian people but underscores France’s unwillingness to intervene militarily in conflicts involving Armenia due to domestic and geopolitical constraints.

Transcript: Expert Discussions on Russian-Armenian Relations

Posted on Thursday, Mar 7, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Russia, Politics, Clip, Transcript | Series: Blog

In this clip from episode #312 , we discuss a recent Russian-Armenian experts dialogue held in Yerevan, discussions delved into the state of relations between the two nations. Our guest Arthur Khachikyan was one of the participants.

The expert dialogue sparked significant reactions in Armenia, with some media channels expressing negativity towards the candid exchanges that took place. The Russian side was nota bly frank, warning of potential consequences for Armenia’s Western reorientation, referencing past events like Karabakh and suggesting future territorial concerns. The dialogue

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Transcript: Russian Warnings: Assessing Armenia's Geopolitical Choices

Posted on Sunday, Mar 3, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Clip, Transcript | Series: Blog

On February 24, a group of Russian and Armenian experts met in Congress hotel in Yerevan to discuss the state of Armenia-Russia relations. The discussion was friendly but tough and frank. Our guest from episode #311 was one of the participants in that discussion.

Transcript: A honeymoon in Paris or discord in South Caucasus? Russia's Reaction to French Weapon Deliveries!

Posted on Sunday, Mar 3, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Clip, Transcript | Series: Blog

The following is a transcript of a clip from episode 311 , where we address the blooming romance (at least as it appears externally) between the Armenia and France, NATO and the collective West.

Arthur Khachikyan - Russian-Armenian Experts Dialog | Exit from CSTO? | Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations | Edmon Marukyan Resigns | Ep 312 - Mar 3, 2024 [EP312]

Posted on Sunday, Mar 3, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, NATO, Genocide, Iran, Israel | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Remembering Sumgait Pogroms
  • Russian-Armenian Experts Dialog
  • Exit from CSTO?
  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Edmon Marukyan Resigns

Episode 312 | Recorded: Mar 3, 2024

Arthur Khachikyan - Russian-Armenian Experts Dialog | Exit from CSTO? | Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations | Edmon Marukyan Resigns | Ep 312 - Mar 3, 2024 [EP312]

Posted on Sunday, Mar 3, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, NATO, Genocide, Iran, Israel

Guest:

Topics:

  • Remembering Sumgait Pogroms
  • Russian-Armenian Experts Dialog
  • Exit from CSTO?
  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Edmon Marukyan Resigns

Episode 312 | Recorded: Mar 3, 2024

Are the US CIA and UK MI6 helping overseeing the creation of the new Armenian External Intelligence Service?

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 28, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Clip | Series: Blog

In episode 310 , we talked about the potential that the US CIA and the UK MI6 are overseeing the creation of Armenia’s new intelligence service.

Sergei Melkonian - French Connection | Russian-Armenian Experts Dialog | Negotiations & Risk of War | Ep 311 - Feb 25, 2024 [EP311]

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 27, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh, Armenian Genocide, Iran, Turkey, Ukraine, Georgia, NATO, Middle East, Economy, Genocide, Geopolitics, Israel, Syria, India | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • French Connection
  • Russian-Armenian Dialog
  • Negotiations and Risk of War

Episode 311 | Recorded: February 27, 2024

Sergei Melkonian - French Connection | Russian-Armenian Experts Dialog | Negotiations & Risk of War | Ep 311 - Feb 25, 2024 [EP311]

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 27, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh, Armenian Genocide, Iran, Turkey, Ukraine, Georgia, NATO, Middle East, Economy, Genocide, Geopolitics, Israel, Syria, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • French Connection
  • Russian-Armenian Dialog
  • Negotiations and Risk of War

Episode 311 | Recorded: February 27, 2024

Benyamin Poghosyan - Armenia Security in Danger | Munich Security Conference | Relations with Regional Allies | Ep 310 - Feb 18, 2024 [EP310]

Posted on Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, NATO, Turkey, Ukraine, Geopolitics, China, Economy, European Union, Middle East, India | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia’s Security in Danger
  • Munich Security Conference
  • Relations with Regional Allies

Episode 310 | Recorded: February 18, 2024

Benyamin Poghosyan - Armenia Security in Danger | Munich Security Conference | Relations with Regional Allies | Ep 310 - Feb 18, 2024 [EP310]

Posted on Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, NATO, Turkey, Ukraine, Geopolitics, China, Economy, European Union, Middle East, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia’s Security in Danger
  • Munich Security Conference
  • Relations with Regional Allies

Episode 310 | Recorded: February 18, 2024

Hrant Mikaelian - Yerevan Politics | Aliyev “Elections”| Armenia & Georgia | MPG Polls | Ep 309 - Feb 11, 2024 [EP309]

Posted on Sunday, Feb 11, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Russia, Iran, Georgia, Ukraine, Turkey, China, Economy, European Union, Middle East, NATO, India | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Yerevan City Politics
  • Aliyev “Elections”
  • Armenia-Georgia Strategic Partnership
  • Latest MPG Poll Review

Episode 309 | Recorded: Feb 11, 2024

Hrant Mikaelian - Yerevan Politics | Aliyev “Elections”| Armenia & Georgia | MPG Polls | Ep 309 - Feb 11, 2024 [EP309]

Posted on Sunday, Feb 11, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Russia, Iran, Georgia, Ukraine, Turkey, China, Economy, European Union, Middle East, NATO, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • Yerevan City Politics
  • Aliyev “Elections”
  • Armenia-Georgia Strategic Partnership
  • Latest MPG Poll Review

Episode 309 | Recorded: Feb 11, 2024

David Darchiashvili - Georgia's Search for a Modern National Identity | Strategic Partnership with Armenia | Ep 308, Feb. 8, 2024 [EP308]

Posted on Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 | Category: Georgia, Armenia, Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, NATO, European Union, Iran, Economy, Geopolitics, Israel | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Georgia’s search for a modern national identity
  • Politics in Context
  • EU accession process and outlook
  • Armenia-Georgia Strategic Partnership

Episode 308 | Recorded: February 7, 2024

David Darchiashvili - Georgia's Search for a Modern National Identity | Strategic Partnership with Armenia | Ep 308, Feb. 8, 2024 [EP308]

Posted on Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 | Category: Georgia, Armenia, Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, NATO, European Union, Iran, Economy, Geopolitics, Israel

Guest:

Topics:

  • Georgia’s search for a modern national identity
  • Politics in Context
  • EU accession process and outlook
  • Armenia-Georgia Strategic Partnership

Episode 308 | Recorded: February 7, 2024

Michael Goorjian - Amerikatsi: Michael A. Goorjian's Odyssey | Ep 307, Feb. 6, 2024 [EP307]

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 7, 2024 | Category: Arts, Armenia, Russia, Genocide, India, Syria, Georgia, Iran, Turkey | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Amerikatsi: Motifs, Aspects and Character of the Film
  • Goorjian’s Style, Influences, and Interests
  • The Oscar Shortlisting journey
  • Bedros & Asbed Afterthoughts on the Conversation

Episode 307 | Recorded: February 5, 2024

Michael Goorjian - Amerikatsi: Michael A. Goorjian's Odyssey | Ep 307, Feb. 6, 2024 [EP307]

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 7, 2024 | Category: Arts, Armenia, Russia, Genocide, India, Syria, Georgia, Iran, Turkey

Guest:

Topics:

  • Amerikatsi: Motifs, Aspects and Character of the Film
  • Goorjian’s Style, Influences, and Interests
  • The Oscar Shortlisting journey
  • Bedros & Asbed Afterthoughts on the Conversation

Episode 307 | Recorded: February 5, 2024

Varuzhan Geghamyan - Armenian Azerbaijani Talks | Raisi Erdogan meet in Ankara | Politics | Ep 306 - Feb 4, 2024 [EP306]

Posted on Sunday, Feb 4, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Iran, Nagorno Karabakh, Turkey, Russia, European Union, Middle East, Syria, Israel, Ukraine, Georgia, Economy, Genocide, NATO, India | Series: wir

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - Feb 4, 2024

Guest:

Topics:

  • Diplomatic Flurry
    • Raisi in Ankara
    • Raisi in Moscow
    • Putin in Ankara
  • Aliyev’s Constitution for Armenia
  • How can the Opposition become a consequential force?

Episode 306 | Recorded: February 3, 2024

Varuzhan Geghamyan - Armenian Azerbaijani Talks | Raisi Erdogan meet in Ankara | Politics | Ep 306 - Feb 4, 2024 [EP306]

Posted on Sunday, Feb 4, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Iran, Nagorno Karabakh, Turkey, Russia, European Union, Middle East, Syria, Israel, Ukraine, Georgia, Economy, Genocide, NATO, India

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - Feb 4, 2024

Guest:

Topics:

  • Diplomatic Flurry
    • Raisi in Ankara
    • Raisi in Moscow
    • Putin in Ankara
  • Aliyev’s Constitution for Armenia
  • How can the Opposition become a consequential force?

Episode 306 | Recorded: February 3, 2024

Anna Karapetyan - Armenian Azerbaijani Talks | Is Armenia Rearming? | Pashinyan and the Constitution | Ep 305 - Jan 28, 2024 [EP305]

Posted on Monday, Jan 29, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, India, Artsakh Blockade, Armenian Genocide, Russia, Iran, Turkey, Ukraine, NATO, Israel, Genocide | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations
  • Is Armenia Rearming itself?
  • Pashinyan and the Constitution

Episode 305 | Recorded: January 29, 2024

Anna Karapetyan - Armenian Azerbaijani Talks | Is Armenia Rearming? | Pashinyan and the Constitution | Ep 305 - Jan 28, 2024 [EP305]

Posted on Monday, Jan 29, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, India, Artsakh Blockade, Armenian Genocide, Russia, Iran, Turkey, Ukraine, NATO, Israel, Genocide

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations
  • Is Armenia Rearming itself?
  • Pashinyan and the Constitution

Episode 305 | Recorded: January 29, 2024

Yeghia Tashjian - World in Conflict | Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations | 2024 Outlook | Ep. 304 - Jan 21, 2024 [EP304]

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 23, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Israel, Middle East, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Armenian Genocide, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Georgia, China, Lebanon, Genocide, NATO, Syria, India | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • World in Conflict
    • Ukraine, Israel-Gaza, Middle East
  • Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations
  • Prognosis for 2024
  • Thoughts from the Participants

Episode 304 | Recorded: January 22, 2024

Yeghia Tashjian - World in Conflict | Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations | 2024 Outlook | Ep. 304 - Jan 21, 2024 [EP304]

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 23, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Israel, Middle East, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Armenian Genocide, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Georgia, China, Lebanon, Genocide, NATO, Syria, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • World in Conflict
    • Ukraine, Israel-Gaza, Middle East
  • Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations
  • Prognosis for 2024
  • Thoughts from the Participants

Episode 304 | Recorded: January 22, 2024

Pietro Shakarian - An Armenian in St. Petersburg | Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Artsakh in Geopolitical Context | Ep 303, Jan 22, 2024 [EP303]

Posted on Monday, Jan 22, 2024 | Category: Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Church, Iran, China, Israel, Turkey, Georgia, NATO, Economy, Lebanon, Middle East, European Union, India | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • An Armenian in St. Petersburg, Russia
  • Russian Perceptions and Outlook on the War in Ukraine
  • Perceptions of Armenia and Artsakh in Russia
  • World Events that might Affect Outcome of the War in Ukraine
  • Where do Armenia and Artsakh Figure in a New World Order?

Episode 303 | Recorded: January 22, 2024

Pietro Shakarian - An Armenian in St. Petersburg | Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Artsakh in Geopolitical Context | Ep 303, Jan 22, 2024 [EP303]

Posted on Monday, Jan 22, 2024 | Category: Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Church, Iran, China, Israel, Turkey, Georgia, NATO, Economy, Lebanon, Middle East, European Union, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • An Armenian in St. Petersburg, Russia
  • Russian Perceptions and Outlook on the War in Ukraine
  • Perceptions of Armenia and Artsakh in Russia
  • World Events that might Affect Outcome of the War in Ukraine
  • Where do Armenia and Artsakh Figure in a New World Order?

Episode 303 | Recorded: January 22, 2024

Karen Vrtanesyan - Illusion of Normalcy | Political Prisoners & Judicial Harassment | Negotiations | Military Capacity | What Next | Ep 302 - January 14, 2024 [EP302]

Posted on Monday, Jan 15, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Armenian Genocide, Genocide, Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Human Rights, Iran, NATO, India | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • “Forced Illusion of Normalcy”
  • Political Prisoners and Judicial Harassment
  • Negotiations and “Peace Treaty”
  • Armenia’s Military Capacity
  • What Need to be Done?
  • Thoughts from the Participants

Episode 302 | Recorded: January 14, 2024

Karen Vrtanesyan - Illusion of Normalcy | Political Prisoners & Judicial Harassment | Negotiations | Military Capacity | What Next | Ep 302 - January 14, 2024 [EP302]

Posted on Monday, Jan 15, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Armenian Genocide, Genocide, Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Human Rights, Iran, NATO, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • “Forced Illusion of Normalcy”
  • Political Prisoners and Judicial Harassment
  • Negotiations and “Peace Treaty”
  • Armenia’s Military Capacity
  • What Need to be Done?
  • Thoughts from the Participants

Episode 302 | Recorded: January 14, 2024

Tevan Poghosyan - Crossroads of Peace | Iran | Russia | French Weapons | Artsakh | Ep 301 - January 7, 2023 [EP301]

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 9, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, European Union, Russia, Iran, Turkey, China, Middle East, NATO, Ukraine | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Public TV Cancels Catholicos New Year’s Address
  • Governor Hunting Season
  • “Zangezur corridor” redux; “Peace treaty”
  • Thoughts from the Participants
    • Podcasts, labels, and language of division

Episode 301 | Recorded: January 8, 2023

Tevan Poghosyan - Crossroads of Peace | Iran | Russia | French Weapons | Artsakh | Ep 301 - January 7, 2023 [EP301]

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 9, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, European Union, Russia, Iran, Turkey, China, Middle East, NATO, Ukraine

Guest:

Topics:

  • Public TV Cancels Catholicos New Year’s Address
  • Governor Hunting Season
  • “Zangezur corridor” redux; “Peace treaty”
  • Thoughts from the Participants
    • Podcasts, labels, and language of division

Episode 301 | Recorded: January 8, 2023

Benyamin Poghosyan - Shahramanyan Annuls Artsakh Dissolution | Insecurity without Borders | Pashinyan in St. Petersburgh | Year-end Predictions | Ep 300, Dec 31, 2023 [EP300]

Posted on Saturday, Dec 30, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, European Union, NATO, Turkey, Economy, Geopolitics, Israel, India | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh President Annuls Dissolution of Republic
  • Insecurity without Borders
  • Pashinyan in St. Petersburg
  • Year-end 2023 Predictions Review
  • Predictions for 2024

Episode 300 | Recorded: December 31, 2023

Benyamin Poghosyan - Shahramanyan Annuls Artsakh Dissolution | Insecurity without Borders | Pashinyan in St. Petersburgh | Year-end Predictions | Ep 300, Dec 31, 2023 [EP300]

Posted on Saturday, Dec 30, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, European Union, NATO, Turkey, Economy, Geopolitics, Israel, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh President Annuls Dissolution of Republic
  • Insecurity without Borders
  • Pashinyan in St. Petersburg
  • Year-end 2023 Predictions Review
  • Predictions for 2024

Episode 300 | Recorded: December 31, 2023

Arthur G Martirosyan - Negotiations | Point Zero | Western Interests | Israel Gaza Conflict | Ep 299 - Dec 17, 2023 [EP299]

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 19, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Israel, European Union, Ukraine, Economy, China, Lebanon, Middle East, NATO, Syria | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Negotiations
    • Strategy, Prisoner Exchange, “Point Zero”
  • The West’s Interests
  • Israel-Gaza Conflict

Episode 299 | Recorded: December 18, 2023

Arthur G Martirosyan - Negotiations | Point Zero | Western Interests | Israel Gaza Conflict | Ep 299 - Dec 17, 2023 [EP299]

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 19, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Israel, European Union, Ukraine, Economy, China, Lebanon, Middle East, NATO, Syria

Guest:

Topics:

  • Negotiations
    • Strategy, Prisoner Exchange, “Point Zero”
  • The West’s Interests
  • Israel-Gaza Conflict

Episode 299 | Recorded: December 18, 2023

Aghasi Yenokian - Ruling Party Power Grabs | Early Elections | Judiciary Concerns | Ալտերնատիվ պատմություն Հայոց | Ep 298, Dec. 14, 2023 [EP298]

Posted on Thursday, Dec 14, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Iran, NATO | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ruling Party Power Grabs
    • Why is Civil Contract so Adamant on Total Municipal Control
    • Political Prisoners
  • Early/Snap Elections?
  • Armenia’s Controlled Judiciary
  • About Yenokian’s new book: Ալտերնատիվ պատմություն Հայոց

Episode 298 | Recorded: December 13, 2023

Aghasi Yenokian - Ruling Party Power Grabs | Early Elections | Judiciary Concerns | Ալտերնատիվ պատմություն Հայոց | Ep 298, Dec. 14, 2023 [EP298]

Posted on Thursday, Dec 14, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Iran, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ruling Party Power Grabs
    • Why is Civil Contract so Adamant on Total Municipal Control
    • Political Prisoners
  • Early/Snap Elections?
  • Armenia’s Controlled Judiciary
  • About Yenokian’s new book: Ալտերնատիվ պատմություն Հայոց

Episode 298 | Recorded: December 13, 2023

Sergei Melkonian - 'No Peace' Negotiations | Aliyev Snap Elections | Russia Armenia Relations | Ukraine War | Ep 297, Dec 10, 2023 [EP297]

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Genocide, Ukraine, Turkey, European Union, Iran, Economy, India, Georgia, Human Rights, China, Geopolitics, Israel, Middle East | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • “No Peace” Treaty Negotiations
    • Turkish-Azeri goal: Demilitarized Armenia (aka Batumi Treaty 2.0)
    • Humiliating Swap of Azeri Criminals for Armenian Hostages
  • Aliyev Calls for Snap Elections
  • Russia-Armenian Relations
  • Russia-Ukraine War

Episode 297 | Recorded: December 10, 2023

Sergei Melkonian - 'No Peace' Negotiations | Aliyev Snap Elections | Russia Armenia Relations | Ukraine War | Ep 297, Dec 10, 2023 [EP297]

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Genocide, Ukraine, Turkey, European Union, Iran, Economy, India, Georgia, Human Rights, China, Geopolitics, Israel, Middle East

Guest:

Topics:

  • “No Peace” Treaty Negotiations
    • Turkish-Azeri goal: Demilitarized Armenia (aka Batumi Treaty 2.0)
    • Humiliating Swap of Azeri Criminals for Armenian Hostages
  • Aliyev Calls for Snap Elections
  • Russia-Armenian Relations
  • Russia-Ukraine War

Episode 297 | Recorded: December 10, 2023

Benyamin Poghosyan - Status of Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations | Armenian Diplomacy in the West | Relations with Russia | Ep 296, Dec 3, 2023 [EP296]

Posted on Monday, Dec 4, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, USA, Iran, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, Georgia, NATO, China, Israel, Ukraine, Geopolitics, Genocide, India, Middle East, Economy | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Armenian Diplomacy in the West
  • Relations with Russia

Episode 296 | Recorded: December 3, 2023

Benyamin Poghosyan - Status of Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations | Armenian Diplomacy in the West | Relations with Russia | Ep 296, Dec 3, 2023 [EP296]

Posted on Monday, Dec 4, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, USA, Iran, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, Georgia, NATO, China, Israel, Ukraine, Geopolitics, Genocide, India, Middle East, Economy

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Armenian Diplomacy in the West
  • Relations with Russia

Episode 296 | Recorded: December 3, 2023

Hrant Mikaelian - Armenian Foreign Policy Vectors | MPG Poll Results | Economy and 2024 Budget | Ep 295 - Nov 12, 2023 [EP295]

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 15, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Genocide, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, Economy, Israel, Ukraine, Georgia, China, India, NATO | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Foreign Policy Vectors
  • Latest MPG Poll Result Analysis
  • Armenian Economy and 2024 Budget

Episode 295 | Recorded: Nov 15, 2023

Hrant Mikaelian - Armenian Foreign Policy Vectors | MPG Poll Results | Economy and 2024 Budget | Ep 295 - Nov 12, 2023 [EP295]

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 15, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Genocide, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, Economy, Israel, Ukraine, Georgia, China, India, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Foreign Policy Vectors
  • Latest MPG Poll Result Analysis
  • Armenian Economy and 2024 Budget

Episode 295 | Recorded: Nov 15, 2023

Aram Orbelyan - The Confused Status of Artskah Refugees in Armenia and Consequences| Ep 294 - Nov 14, 2023 [EP294]

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh, Genocide, NATO, Russia, Turkey | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • What are the different status options?
  • Armenian Passport and Citizenship
  • What is Authority Code 070, how is it being treated?
  • What Hurdles are Artsakhtsis facing in Armenia and Why?
  • What is the Armenian Government’s Posture on all this?
  • Aliyev’s Deadline and What Armenian Should do about it
  • Does the Rome Statute Help?

Episode 294 | Recorded: November 13, 2023

Aram Orbelyan - The Confused Status of Artskah Refugees in Armenia and Consequences| Ep 294 - Nov 14, 2023 [EP294]

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh, Genocide, NATO, Russia, Turkey

Guest:

Topics:

  • What are the different status options?
  • Armenian Passport and Citizenship
  • What is Authority Code 070, how is it being treated?
  • What Hurdles are Artsakhtsis facing in Armenia and Why?
  • What is the Armenian Government’s Posture on all this?
  • Aliyev’s Deadline and What Armenian Should do about it
  • Does the Rome Statute Help?

Episode 294 | Recorded: November 13, 2023

Aram Orbelyan - The 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration | Ep 293 - Nov 14, 2023 [EP293]

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh, Russia, Genocide, Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine, China, Human Rights, Iran | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • What is the 1991 Alma Ata Declaration?
  • What is the CIS Based on?
  • About Borders, Treaties, and Declarations
  • Armenia’s explicit reservation affecting Artsakh in the Treaty
  • Why would Pashinyan ignore the Reservations?
  • Territorial Integrity and Use of Force
  • What Autonomy was LTP Envisioning?
  • Where does 2023 Leave the Cause of Artsakh?
  • How should Armenia Pursue it on the International Scene?

Episode 293 | Recorded: November 13, 2023

Aram Orbelyan - The 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration | Ep 293 - Nov 14, 2023 [EP293]

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh, Russia, Genocide, Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine, China, Human Rights, Iran

Guest:

Topics:

  • What is the 1991 Alma Ata Declaration?
  • What is the CIS Based on?
  • About Borders, Treaties, and Declarations
  • Armenia’s explicit reservation affecting Artsakh in the Treaty
  • Why would Pashinyan ignore the Reservations?
  • Territorial Integrity and Use of Force
  • What Autonomy was LTP Envisioning?
  • Where does 2023 Leave the Cause of Artsakh?
  • How should Armenia Pursue it on the International Scene?

Episode 293 | Recorded: November 13, 2023

Setrag Balian & Hagop Djernazian - Jerusalem Patriarchate and Armenian Quarters under Threat by Israeli Investors and Armed Settlers | Ep. 292 - Nov 9, 2023 [EP292]

Posted on Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 | Category: Diaspora, Israel, Jerusalem, Middle East, Armenia | Series: cog

Setrag Balian & Hagop Djernazian - Jerusalem Patriarchate and Armenian Quarters under Threat by Israeli Investors and Armed Settlers

Guest:

Topics:

  • Violent Events following Patriarch’s Letter of Cancellation of Lease Agreement on November 1
  • Further Issues on November 9
  • Are the Lease Agreement and its Cancellation Legal?
  • What do Israeli Settlers have to do with the Lease Deal?
  • What Next?

Episode 292 | Recorded on Wednesday, November 9 2023

Setrag Balian & Hagop Djernazian - Jerusalem Patriarchate and Armenian Quarters under Threat by Israeli Investors and Armed Settlers | Ep. 292 - Nov 9, 2023 [EP292]

Posted on Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 | Category: Diaspora, Israel, Jerusalem, Middle East, Armenia

Setrag Balian & Hagop Djernazian - Jerusalem Patriarchate and Armenian Quarters under Threat by Israeli Investors and Armed Settlers

Guest:

Topics:

  • Violent Events following Patriarch’s Letter of Cancellation of Lease Agreement on November 1
  • Further Issues on November 9
  • Are the Lease Agreement and its Cancellation Legal?
  • What do Israeli Settlers have to do with the Lease Deal?
  • What Next?

Episode 292 | Recorded on Wednesday, November 9 2023

Tevan Poghosyan - Crossroads of Peace | Iran | Russia | French Weapons | Artsakh | Ep 291 - October 29, 2023 [EP291]

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 31, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Russia, Turkey, India, China, Economy, NATO, Ukraine, Genocide | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Crossroads of Peace
  • 3+3=5 in Tehran
  • Relations with Russia
  • Defense Deal with France
  • Artsakh Status

Episode 291 | Recorded: October 31, 2023