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.

Guest(s):

ANN/Groong Week in Review - March 6, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 01:15 Ukraine War and Effects on Armenia
  • 19:04 Armenia Shuffles Generals
  • 25:15 Second Normalization Meeting
  • 33:06 Armenian Parliament Elects New President

Guest:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_Poghos

Host:

  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 126 | Recorded: Sunday, March 6, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220306.html

Guest(s):

ANN/Groong Week in Review - March 6, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 01:15 Ukraine War and Effects on Armenia
  • 19:04 Armenia Shuffles Generals
  • 25:15 Second Normalization Meeting
  • 33:06 Armenian Parliament Elects New President

Guest:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_Poghos

Host:

  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 126 | Recorded: Sunday, March 6, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220306.html

Guest(s):

ANN/Groong Week in Review - February 27, 2022

Topics:

  • Developments in the Ukraine Crisis
  • Donetsk, Luhansk. Artsakh?
  • Aliyev in Moscow
  • Euronest in Yerevan

Guest:

  • Pietro Shakarian
  • Yeghia Tashjian Host:
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq
  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan

Episode 125 | Recorded: Sunday, February 27, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220227.html

Guest(s):

ANN/Groong Week in Review - February 27, 2022

Topics:

  • Developments in the Ukraine Crisis
  • Donetsk, Luhansk. Artsakh?
  • Aliyev in Moscow
  • Euronest in Yerevan

Guest:

  • Pietro Shakarian
  • Yeghia Tashjian Host:
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq
  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan

Episode 125 | Recorded: Sunday, February 27, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220227.html

Armenia’s Regional Challenges - February 26, 2022 A Conversation with Tatev Hayrapetyan

Topics:

  • Tatev’s Background and Entrance into Politics
  • Armenia Going in the Wrong Direction?
  • Aliyev and his Regime after the 44-Day War
  • The Shushi and Moscow Agreements
  • Armenia’s Foreign Affairs Establishment

Guest:

  • Tatev Hayrapetyan is an expert in Azerbaijani studies and holds a PhD in History. She was an MP at the 7th convocation of Armenia’s National Assembly, a member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Armenian Delegation at the PACE. She is mainly focused on domestic
 Read More

Armenia’s Regional Challenges - February 26, 2022 A Conversation with Tatev Hayrapetyan

Topics:

  • Tatev’s Background and Entrance into Politics
  • Armenia Going in the Wrong Direction?
  • Aliyev and his Regime after the 44-Day War
  • The Shushi and Moscow Agreements
  • Armenia’s Foreign Affairs Establishment

Guest:

  • Tatev Hayrapetyan is an expert in Azerbaijani studies and holds a PhD in History. She was an MP at the 7th convocation of Armenia’s National Assembly, a member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Armenian Delegation at the PACE. She is mainly focused on domestic
 Read More

Roundup on the Ukraine Crisis - February 22, 2022

Topics:

  • Why did Putin Recognize Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts as Independent Republics?
  • Is Putin Trying to Recreate the USSR?
  • Is “The West” a Homogeneous Political Bloc?
  • What are the Objectives of the US?

Guest:

  • Dr. Pietro Shakarian, who is a Lecturer in History at the American University of Armenia in Yerevan. His research focuses on the history of Soviet Armenia and the Caucasus.

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 123 | Recorded on Friday, February 22, 2022 Show notes: https://groong.org/podcasts/CoG-20220222.html

Roundup on the Ukraine Crisis - February 22, 2022

Topics:

  • Why did Putin Recognize Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts as Independent Republics?
  • Is Putin Trying to Recreate the USSR?
  • Is “The West” a Homogeneous Political Bloc?
  • What are the Objectives of the US?

Guest:

  • Dr. Pietro Shakarian, who is a Lecturer in History at the American University of Armenia in Yerevan. His research focuses on the history of Soviet Armenia and the Caucasus.

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 123 | Recorded on Friday, February 22, 2022 Show notes: https://groong.org/podcasts/CoG-20220222.html

2021-ի «Շուշիի Հռչակագիրը» - The 2021 “Shushi Declaration” by Azerbaijan and Turkey

A Conversation in Armenian with Mihran Hakobyan (in Armenian)

Topics:

  • 2րդ Արցախեան պատերազմի Õ°Õ«Õ´Õ¶Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶ պատճառները
  • ՀՀ Ô´Õ«Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Õ¡Õ£Õ«Õ¿Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶/Ռազմավարական ձախողումները
  • Շուշիի համաձայնագրի Õ°Õ«Õ´Õ¶Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶ բաղադրիչները և սպառնալիքներ
  • Ռուսաստանի և Իրանի երկարաժամկետ շրջանային եւ աշխարհաքաղաքական նպատակները
  • The
 Read More

2021-ի «Շուշիի Հռչակագիրը» - The 2021 “Shushi Declaration” by Azerbaijan and Turkey

A Conversation in Armenian with Mihran Hakobyan (in Armenian)

Topics:

  • 2րդ Արցախեան պատերազմի Õ°Õ«Õ´Õ¶Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶ պատճառները
  • ՀՀ Ô´Õ«Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Õ¡Õ£Õ«Õ¿Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶/Ռազմավարական ձախողումները
  • Շուշիի համաձայնագրի Õ°Õ«Õ´Õ¶Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶ բաղադրիչները և սպառնալիքներ
  • Ռուսաստանի և Իրանի երկարաժամկետ շրջանային եւ աշխարհաքաղաքական նպատակները
  • The
 Read More

ANN/Groong Week in Review - February 20, 2022

Topics:

  • Ukraine: Biden’s Tunnel of Crisis
  • Azeri Commission to Destroy Armenian Heritage
  • Artsakh Law on Occupied Territories
  • Azerbaijan Wants to Arrest Artsakh President
  • IRI Poll Results Revisited

Guests:

  • Hrant Mikaelian TW/@hrant_m

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 121 | Recorded: Sunday, February 20, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220220.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - February 20, 2022

Topics:

  • Ukraine: Biden’s Tunnel of Crisis
  • Azeri Commission to Destroy Armenian Heritage
  • Artsakh Law on Occupied Territories
  • Azerbaijan Wants to Arrest Artsakh President
  • IRI Poll Results Revisited

Guests:

  • Hrant Mikaelian TW/@hrant_m

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 121 | Recorded: Sunday, February 20, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220220.html

Political Topics with Edmon Marukyan - February 18, 2022

Topics:

  • Constitutional Change Commission
  • Artsakh Law on Occupied Territories
  • State of Bright Armenia Party
  • Turkish-Armenian Normalization

Guest:

  • Edmon Marukyan, who is a lawyer by profession and the leader of the Bright Armenia party (Լուսավոր Հայաստան). He was a member of the fifth, sixth and seventh convocations of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia from 2012 till 2021. He’s also a member of the newly formed commission to amend the constitution.

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan
 Read More

Political Topics with Edmon Marukyan - February 18, 2022

Topics:

  • Constitutional Change Commission
  • Artsakh Law on Occupied Territories
  • State of Bright Armenia Party
  • Turkish-Armenian Normalization

Guest:

  • Edmon Marukyan, who is a lawyer by profession and the leader of the Bright Armenia party (Լուսավոր Հայաստան). He was a member of the fifth, sixth and seventh convocations of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia from 2012 till 2021. He’s also a member of the newly formed commission to amend the constitution.

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan
 Read More

ANN/Groong Week in Review - February 13, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00:00 Introduction
  • 00:02:43 8 More POWs Released, But What At What Cost?
  • 00:20:40 Parliamentary Commission on the 44-Day War Established
  • 00:33:42 The Degrading Norms of Democracy in Armenia
  • 00:46:42 Who Needs Armenia?
  • 01:06:32 Latest MPG Poll Results in Yerevan
  • 01:18:51 Rants

Guest:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 119 | Recorded: Sunday, February 14, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220213.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - February 13, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00:00 Introduction
  • 00:02:43 8 More POWs Released, But What At What Cost?
  • 00:20:40 Parliamentary Commission on the 44-Day War Established
  • 00:33:42 The Degrading Norms of Democracy in Armenia
  • 00:46:42 Who Needs Armenia?
  • 01:06:32 Latest MPG Poll Results in Yerevan
  • 01:18:51 Rants

Guest:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 119 | Recorded: Sunday, February 14, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220213.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - February 6, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 01:10 The Continuing Ukraine Crisis
    • Putin in Beijing, Erdogan in Kyiv, Pashinyan at Olympic Diplomacy?
  • 23:44 Civil Contract Nominates Vahagn Khachatryan for President
  • 41:21 New IRI Poll Results
  • 58:57 Rants

Guests:

  • Dr. Pietro Shakarian

Guest(s):

Hosts:

Episode 118 | Recorded: Sunday, February 8, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220206.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - February 6, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 01:10 The Continuing Ukraine Crisis
    • Putin in Beijing, Erdogan in Kyiv, Pashinyan at Olympic Diplomacy?
  • 23:44 Civil Contract Nominates Vahagn Khachatryan for President
  • 41:21 New IRI Poll Results
  • 58:57 Rants

Guests:

  • Dr. Pietro Shakarian

Guest(s):

Hosts:

Episode 118 | Recorded: Sunday, February 8, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220206.html

Guest(s):

Legal & Human Rights Developments in Armenia A Conversation with Ruben Melikyan

Ruben Melikyan was formerly Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman, and prior to that he was rector of the Justice Academy of Armenia. In 2019, Melikyan co-founded and currently leads the “Path of Law” NGO. Իրավական ուղի in Armenian.

Topics:

  • Introduction
  • Decisions of the International Court of Justice
  • Turkish-Armenian “Normalization”
  • More Constitutional Changes
  • Civil Contract Appoints new HR Ombudsman for Armenia
  • Continuing Harassment of Opposition Leaders
 Read More

Guest(s):

Legal & Human Rights Developments in Armenia A Conversation with Ruben Melikyan

Ruben Melikyan was formerly Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman, and prior to that he was rector of the Justice Academy of Armenia. In 2019, Melikyan co-founded and currently leads the “Path of Law” NGO. Իրավական ուղի in Armenian.

Topics:

  • Introduction
  • Decisions of the International Court of Justice
  • Turkish-Armenian “Normalization”
  • More Constitutional Changes
  • Civil Contract Appoints new HR Ombudsman for Armenia
  • Continuing Harassment of Opposition Leaders
 Read More

ANN/Groong Week in Review - January 30, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 00:43 Game of Chicken over Ukraine
  • 08:17 Antalya Diplomatic Forum
  • 22:54 Army Day in Armenia
  • 27:54 Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • 31:11 Rants/Announcements

Guests:

Guest(s):

Hosts:

Episode 116 | Recorded: Sunday, January 30, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220130.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - January 30, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 00:43 Game of Chicken over Ukraine
  • 08:17 Antalya Diplomatic Forum
  • 22:54 Army Day in Armenia
  • 27:54 Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • 31:11 Rants/Announcements

Guests:

Guest(s):

Hosts:

Episode 116 | Recorded: Sunday, January 30, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220130.html

Armenian Songs for Children Bedros Afeyan talks with Isabel Bayrakdarian

Topics:

  • Journey Back to Armenian Music
  • Musical Harmony Between Armenian Music and Classical Canon
  • Researching, Teaching and Choosing Songs
  • Isabel’s Favorites and Influences

Guest:

Host:

Song Excerpts list & timestamps: (Note: All excerpts used with permission)

  • 00:00 Komitas - Sleep My Child - Lullaby
  • 01:35 Komitas - Six Children’s Songs
  • 27:03 Ganachian - The Swallow / Tsitsernak
  • 29:06 Komitas - Little Wooden
 Read More

Armenian Songs for Children Bedros Afeyan talks with Isabel Bayrakdarian

Topics:

  • Journey Back to Armenian Music
  • Musical Harmony Between Armenian Music and Classical Canon
  • Researching, Teaching and Choosing Songs
  • Isabel’s Favorites and Influences

Guest:

Host:

Song Excerpts list & timestamps: (Note: All excerpts used with permission)

  • 00:00 Komitas - Sleep My Child - Lullaby
  • 01:35 Komitas - Six Children’s Songs
  • 27:03 Ganachian - The Swallow / Tsitsernak
  • 29:06 Komitas - Little Wooden
 Read More

ANN/Groong Week in Review - January 23, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 01:04 President Armen Sarkissian Resigns
  • 20:46 Russia-NATO Standoff over Ukraine
  • 47:55 Vahan Kerobyan, Minister of Comedy

Guests:

  • Dr. Pietro Shakarian

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan twitter.com/HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian twitter.com/qubriq

Episode 114 | Recorded: Sunday, January 25, 2022

ANN/Groong Week in Review - January 23, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 01:04 President Armen Sarkissian Resigns
  • 20:46 Russia-NATO Standoff over Ukraine
  • 47:55 Vahan Kerobyan, Minister of Comedy

Guests:

  • Dr. Pietro Shakarian

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan twitter.com/HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian twitter.com/qubriq

Episode 114 | Recorded: Sunday, January 25, 2022

ANN/Groong Week in Review - January 16, 2022

Topics:

  • Major incident on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Line of Contact
  • Turkish-Armenian meeting in Moscow

Guests:

  • Edgar Elbakyan TW/@ElbakyanEdgar

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq
  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan

Episode 113 | Recorded: Sunday, January 17, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220116.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - January 16, 2022

Topics:

  • Major incident on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Line of Contact
  • Turkish-Armenian meeting in Moscow

Guests:

  • Edgar Elbakyan TW/@ElbakyanEdgar

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq
  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan

Episode 113 | Recorded: Sunday, January 17, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220116.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - January 9, 2022

Topics:

  • Color Me Kazakhstan
  • Turkish-Armenian Normalization Meeting on January 14

Guests:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_Poghos
  • Pietro Shakarian

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq
  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan

Episode 112 | Recorded: Sunday, January 9, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220109.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - January 9, 2022

Topics:

  • Color Me Kazakhstan
  • Turkish-Armenian Normalization Meeting on January 14

Guests:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_Poghos
  • Pietro Shakarian

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq
  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan

Episode 112 | Recorded: Sunday, January 9, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220109.html

Turkish-Armenian Normalization Negotiations A Conversation with Harut Sassounian

  • Harut Sassounian has been the publisher of The California Courier newspaper since 1983. He is also the President of the Armenia Artsakh Fund, a non-profit organization which has delivered to Armenia and Artsakh $947 million of humanitarian assistance since 1989. He is currently engaged in forming the Diaspora Armenian Parliament through local elections.

Topics:

  • History of Turkish-Armenian Attempts at Negotiations
  • Who are The Players?
  • Why Now? What’s on the Agenda?
  • What are the Pitfalls and Opportunities?
 Read More

Turkish-Armenian Normalization Negotiations A Conversation with Harut Sassounian

  • Harut Sassounian has been the publisher of The California Courier newspaper since 1983. He is also the President of the Armenia Artsakh Fund, a non-profit organization which has delivered to Armenia and Artsakh $947 million of humanitarian assistance since 1989. He is currently engaged in forming the Diaspora Armenian Parliament through local elections.

Topics:

  • History of Turkish-Armenian Attempts at Negotiations
  • Who are The Players?
  • Why Now? What’s on the Agenda?
  • What are the Pitfalls and Opportunities?
 Read More

ANN/Groong Week in Review - December 26, 2021

Topics:

  • Nikol Pashinyan holds a press conference
  • Robert Kocharyan holds a press conference
  • The Yerevan Mayor Saga

Guests:

  • Tevan Poghosyan TW/@ TevanPoghosyan

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 110 | Recorded: Sunday, December 27, 2021

Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20211226.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - December 26, 2021

Topics:

  • Nikol Pashinyan holds a press conference
  • Robert Kocharyan holds a press conference
  • The Yerevan Mayor Saga

Guests:

  • Tevan Poghosyan TW/@ TevanPoghosyan

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 110 | Recorded: Sunday, December 27, 2021

Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20211226.html

Thirty Years After the USSR

  • Dr. Pietro Shakarian is a Lecturer in history at the American University of Armenia in Yerevan. His research focuses on the history of Eastern Armenia and the Caucasus, especially Soviet Armenia during the era of Nikita Khrushchev’s Thaw. His analyses on Russia and the former Soviet region have appeared in The Nation, The Plain Dealer, the Russian International Affairs Council, Hetq, and more.

Topics:

  • How did the USSR Dissolve, who were the personalities behind it?
  • Did Ethnic Nationalism Have a Hand in it?
  • Did Ronald Reagan Defeat the Soviet Union?
  • What are the
 Read More

Thirty Years After the USSR

  • Dr. Pietro Shakarian is a Lecturer in history at the American University of Armenia in Yerevan. His research focuses on the history of Eastern Armenia and the Caucasus, especially Soviet Armenia during the era of Nikita Khrushchev’s Thaw. His analyses on Russia and the former Soviet region have appeared in The Nation, The Plain Dealer, the Russian International Affairs Council, Hetq, and more.

Topics:

  • How did the USSR Dissolve, who were the personalities behind it?
  • Did Ethnic Nationalism Have a Hand in it?
  • Did Ronald Reagan Defeat the Soviet Union?
  • What are the
 Read More

ANN/Groong Week in Review - December 19, 2021

Topics:

  • Turkish-Armenian normalization
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Armen Grigoryan in Washington DC
  • The Armenian Project - US Tour
  • Analyst Rants

Guest:

Episode 108 | Recorded: December 20, 2021

ANN/Groong Week in Review - December 19, 2021

Topics:

  • Turkish-Armenian normalization
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Armen Grigoryan in Washington DC
  • The Armenian Project - US Tour
  • Analyst Rants

Guest:

Episode 108 | Recorded: December 20, 2021

Anar Valiyev and Benyamin Poghosyan discuss stumbling blocks in post-war negotiations

Guests:

  • Dr. Anar Valiyev, Associate Professor at Azerbaijani Diplomatic Academy (ADA) University in Baku.
  • Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, Chairman of Yerevan-based think tank Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.

Topics:

  • Artsakh Status (@4:54)
  • Is the conflict really “solved” (@11:04)
  • Opening of Communications (@38:52)
  • Corridor for Corridor (@46:32)
  • “Unimpeded” Access (@50:15)
  • Russia’s regional role (@53:16)
  • Turkey’s regional role (@58:48)
  • 3+3 or 3+2 Format
 Read More

Anar Valiyev and Benyamin Poghosyan discuss stumbling blocks in post-war negotiations

Guests:

  • Dr. Anar Valiyev, Associate Professor at Azerbaijani Diplomatic Academy (ADA) University in Baku.
  • Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, Chairman of Yerevan-based think tank Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.

Topics:

  • Artsakh Status (@4:54)
  • Is the conflict really “solved” (@11:04)
  • Opening of Communications (@38:52)
  • Corridor for Corridor (@46:32)
  • “Unimpeded” Access (@50:15)
  • Russia’s regional role (@53:16)
  • Turkey’s regional role (@58:48)
  • 3+3 or 3+2 Format
 Read More

ANN/Groong Week in Review - December 12, 2021

Topics:

  • Zoom for Democracy
  • Domestic Politics
  • Regional Politics
  • Artsakh Independence at 30
  • Analyst Rants

Guests:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@benyamin_poghos
  • Pietro Shakarian

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 106 | Recorded: Sunday, December 12, 2021

ANN/Groong Week in Review - December 12, 2021

Topics:

  • Zoom for Democracy
  • Domestic Politics
  • Regional Politics
  • Artsakh Independence at 30
  • Analyst Rants

Guests:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@benyamin_poghos
  • Pietro Shakarian

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 106 | Recorded: Sunday, December 12, 2021

ANN/Groong Week in Review - December 5, 2021

Topics:

  • Regional Geopolitics @1:07
  • Turkmenistan / Iran Gas Swap Deal @46:58
  • Opposition Fizzles Out. Again @58:18

Guests:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@benyamin_poghos

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 105 | Recorded: Sunday, December 5, 2021 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20211205.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - December 5, 2021

Topics:

  • Regional Geopolitics @1:07
  • Turkmenistan / Iran Gas Swap Deal @46:58
  • Opposition Fizzles Out. Again @58:18

Guests:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@benyamin_poghos

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 105 | Recorded: Sunday, December 5, 2021 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20211205.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - November 28, 2021

Topics:

  • Pashinyan Live on Facebook
  • Trilateral in Sochi, Bilateral in Brussels
  • Turkish-Armenian “Normalization”
  • Russian-Turkish “Co-opetition” in Eurasia

Guests:

  • Hrant Mikaelian TW/@hrant_m
  • Yeghia Tashjian TW/@yeghig

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 104 | Recorded: Sunday, November 28, 2021 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20211128.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - November 28, 2021

Topics:

  • Pashinyan Live on Facebook
  • Trilateral in Sochi, Bilateral in Brussels
  • Turkish-Armenian “Normalization”
  • Russian-Turkish “Co-opetition” in Eurasia

Guests:

  • Hrant Mikaelian TW/@hrant_m
  • Yeghia Tashjian TW/@yeghig

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 104 | Recorded: Sunday, November 28, 2021 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20211128.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - November 21, 2021

Topics:

  • Russia-NATO escalation
  • Border escalation
  • Goodbye Moscow, Hello Brussels!
  • Protests in Yerevan

Guest: Pietro Shakarian

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 103 | Recorded: Monday, November 22, 2021 Show notes: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20211121.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - November 21, 2021

Topics:

  • Russia-NATO escalation
  • Border escalation
  • Goodbye Moscow, Hello Brussels!
  • Protests in Yerevan

Guest: Pietro Shakarian

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 103 | Recorded: Monday, November 22, 2021 Show notes: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20211121.html

Guest:

Topics:

  • 2022 Budget and Economic Growth @1:24
    • Did Armenian economy recover already? @3:55
    • Does the structure of growth mirror worldwide growth @8:55
    • What happens if growth doesn’t meet target @14:25
    • Why did the IMF underestimate Armenian growth initially @17:38
  • Growth Sectors in Budget @23:41
    • Are prices for Copper/Aluminum extremely inflated? @25:50
  • Inflation @32:48
    • Effect on wages, income inequality, poverty & other socioeconomic markers? @41:36
 Read More

Guest:

Topics:

  • 2022 Budget and Economic Growth @1:24
    • Did Armenian economy recover already? @3:55
    • Does the structure of growth mirror worldwide growth @8:55
    • What happens if growth doesn’t meet target @14:25
    • Why did the IMF underestimate Armenian growth initially @17:38
  • Growth Sectors in Budget @23:41
    • Are prices for Copper/Aluminum extremely inflated? @25:50
  • Inflation @32:48
    • Effect on wages, income inequality, poverty & other socioeconomic markers? @41:36
 Read More

ANN/Groong Week in Review - November 7, 2021

Topics:

  • Armenia under wide scale attacks by Azerbaijan @0:55
  • Border Politics @7:20
  • Azerbaijan Returns to the OSCE MG @29:49
  • Municipal elections Over the Past Weekend @44:38

Guests:

  • Arthur Martirosyan TW/@ArtMart96

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 101 | Recorded: Monday, November 16, 2021 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20211114.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - November 7, 2021

Topics:

  • Armenia under wide scale attacks by Azerbaijan @0:55
  • Border Politics @7:20
  • Azerbaijan Returns to the OSCE MG @29:49
  • Municipal elections Over the Past Weekend @44:38

Guests:

  • Arthur Martirosyan TW/@ArtMart96

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 101 | Recorded: Monday, November 16, 2021 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20211114.html

Talking with Alison Tahmizian Meuse - TW/@AliTahmizian - November 17, 2021

  • Alison Tahmizian Meuse is a graduate of the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. She is a French and Arabic speaker, and a veteran Middle East journalist, having worked over the past decade as a producer, correspondent and editor for major international publications including Agence France-Presse, NPR, and the Asia Times. She currently serves as a strategic advisor for the New Delhi-based consultancy DeepStrat and is newly based in Yerevan.

Topics:

  • The drive to cover dangerous
 Read More

Talking with Alison Tahmizian Meuse - TW/@AliTahmizian - November 17, 2021

  • Alison Tahmizian Meuse is a graduate of the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. She is a French and Arabic speaker, and a veteran Middle East journalist, having worked over the past decade as a producer, correspondent and editor for major international publications including Agence France-Presse, NPR, and the Asia Times. She currently serves as a strategic advisor for the New Delhi-based consultancy DeepStrat and is newly based in Yerevan.

Topics:

  • The drive to cover dangerous
 Read More

ANN/Groong Week in Review - November 7, 2021

Topics:

  • The War in Artsakh, One Year Later
  • Erika Olson visits the South Caucasus
  • Internal political developments

Guests:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_Poghos

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 99 | Recorded: Monday, November 8, 2021 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20211107.html

ANN/Groong Week in Review - November 7, 2021

Topics:

  • The War in Artsakh, One Year Later
  • Erika Olson visits the South Caucasus
  • Internal political developments

Guests:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_Poghos

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 99 | Recorded: Monday, November 8, 2021 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20211107.html

The State of Affairs in Lebanon A Conversation with Dr. Ohannes Geukjian and Vera Yacoubian

Topics:

  • A year after the Beirut Explosion, what’s the state of investigations?
  • Has Anyone been held Accountable?
  • Who are the Internal and External Players in Lebanon?
  • What’s the State and Future of the Armenian Community in Lebanon?

Guests:

  • Dr. Ohannes Geukjian
  • Vera Yacoubian

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq
  • Katia Peltekian TW/@KatiaPeltekian

Episode 98: Recorded on Saturday, November 6, 2021 Show notes: https://groong.org/podcasts/CoG-20211108.html

The State of Affairs in Lebanon A Conversation with Dr. Ohannes Geukjian and Vera Yacoubian

Topics:

  • A year after the Beirut Explosion, what’s the state of investigations?
  • Has Anyone been held Accountable?
  • Who are the Internal and External Players in Lebanon?
  • What’s the State and Future of the Armenian Community in Lebanon?

Guests:

  • Dr. Ohannes Geukjian
  • Vera Yacoubian

Guest(s):

Hosts:

  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq
  • Katia Peltekian TW/@KatiaPeltekian

Episode 98: Recorded on Saturday, November 6, 2021 Show notes: https://groong.org/podcasts/CoG-20211108.html

Guest(s):

Save Armenian Monuments A Conversation with Virginia Davies and Heghnar Watenpaugh

Topics:

  • One year after the War in Artsakh, the State of Armenian Monuments in Lands turned over to Azerbaijan
  • What is Save Armenian Monuments?
  • The Significance of Pilgrimage and Holy Sites
  • Armenia and Azerbaijan at the International Court of Justice: Is Intentional Cultural Destruction a form of Racial Discrimination?
  • What Next Steps?

Guests:

  • Virginia Davies TW/@vdaviesnyc
  • Heghnar Watenpaugh TW/@HeghnarW

Host:

  • Simon Maghakyan TW/@simonforco

Episode 97 |

 Read More

Guest(s):

Save Armenian Monuments A Conversation with Virginia Davies and Heghnar Watenpaugh

Topics:

  • One year after the War in Artsakh, the State of Armenian Monuments in Lands turned over to Azerbaijan
  • What is Save Armenian Monuments?
  • The Significance of Pilgrimage and Holy Sites
  • Armenia and Azerbaijan at the International Court of Justice: Is Intentional Cultural Destruction a form of Racial Discrimination?
  • What Next Steps?

Guests:

  • Virginia Davies TW/@vdaviesnyc
  • Heghnar Watenpaugh TW/@HeghnarW

Host:

  • Simon Maghakyan TW/@simonforco

Episode 97 |

 Read More