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.

Pashinyan's Hate Speech, Threats, and the June 7 Election Climate | Ep 547, May 17, 2026 [EP547]

Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Election, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, NATO | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Trump, China, and Iran
  • Armenia-Russia “soft divorce”
  • Pashinyan’s violent campaign rhetoric
  • State resources and election pressure
  • Javakhk church vandalism concerns

Episode 547 | Recorded: May 18, 2026

#Pashinyan #ArmeniaElections #ArmenianPolitics #PoliticalViolence #HateSpeech #ArmeniaRussia #IranWar #SouthCaucasus

Pashinyan's Hate Speech, Threats, and the June 7 Election Climate | Ep 547, May 17, 2026 [EP547]

Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Election, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, NATO

Topics:

  • Trump, China, and Iran
  • Armenia-Russia “soft divorce”
  • Pashinyan’s violent campaign rhetoric
  • State resources and election pressure
  • Javakhk church vandalism concerns

Episode 547 | Recorded: May 18, 2026

#Pashinyan #ArmeniaElections #ArmenianPolitics #PoliticalViolence #HateSpeech #ArmeniaRussia #IranWar #SouthCaucasus

Transcript: Pashinyan's Hate Speech, Threats, and the June 7 Election Climate | Ep 547, May 17, 2026 [EP547]

Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Election, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, NATO, Transcript

This Week in Review covers a tense mix of global and Armenian political crises, from Trump’s summit with Xi Jinping and the deepening Iran war, to Armenia’s worsening relations with Russia and the risks to trade, energy, and security ties. Hovik and Asbed also examine Armenia’s heated election climate, including allegations of state pressure, abuse of administrative resources, selective law enforcement, Pashinyan’s violent campaign rhetoric against opposition leaders, and the muted response of international observers. The episode also looks at Robert Kocharyan’s call for major-power guarantees for peace with Azerbaijan, and the vandalism of the Sourp Nshan Armenian Church in Javakhk.

Arman Grigoryan - Revolutionary Recklessness: Armenia After the War | Ep 546, May 15, 2026 [EP546]

Posted on Friday, May 15, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Geopolitics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, NATO | Series: cog

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Revolutionary recklessness after 2020
  • Armenia’s pivot away from Russia
  • Artsakh’s surrender and strategic reorientation
  • TRIPP, Syunik, and security guarantees
  • Western backing, Armenian risk

Episode 546 | Recorded: May 13, 2026

#ArmanGrigoryan #Armenia #Russia #Pashinyan #Artsakh #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #Geopolitics

Arman Grigoryan - Revolutionary Recklessness: Armenia After the War | Ep 546, May 15, 2026 [EP546]

Posted on Friday, May 15, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Geopolitics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, NATO

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Revolutionary recklessness after 2020
  • Armenia’s pivot away from Russia
  • Artsakh’s surrender and strategic reorientation
  • TRIPP, Syunik, and security guarantees
  • Western backing, Armenian risk

Episode 546 | Recorded: May 13, 2026

#ArmanGrigoryan #Armenia #Russia #Pashinyan #Artsakh #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #Geopolitics

Transcript: Arman Grigoryan - Revolutionary Recklessness: Armenia After the War | Ep 546, May 15, 2026 [EP546]

Posted on Friday, May 15, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Geopolitics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, NATO, Transcript

Dr. Arman Grigoryan joins Groong to discuss Armenia’s post-2020 foreign policy and his argument that Pashinyan’s government has replaced one failed project, maximalist claims over Artsakh, with another: a risky strategic pivot away from Russia and toward the West. The conversation examines “revolutionary recklessness,” the roots of the 2020 war, Armenia’s worsening ties with Russia, the surrender of Artsakh, TRIPP and Syunik, Western encouragement, and the absence of firm security guarantees. Grigoryan also considers whether Armenia is gaining real sovereignty or exposing itself to greater pressure from Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Russia.

Week in Review - EPC in Armenia, Russia, Parliamentary Election, Swiss Peace Initiative | Ep 545, May 10, 2026 [EP545]

Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine, NATO, European Union, Human Rights | Series: wir

Topics:

  • EPC fallout and Russia response
  • Armenia-EU declaration controversies
  • Pashinyan’s Artsakh campaign narrative
  • Aliyev-Pashinyan tag-team messaging
  • Swiss Peace Initiative
  • Pollsters diverge on election forecasts

Episode 545 | Recorded: May 12, 2026

#WeekInReview #Armenia #SwissPeaceInitiative #NagornoKarabakh #Artsakh

Week in Review - EPC in Armenia, Russia, Parliamentary Election, Swiss Peace Initiative | Ep 545, May 10, 2026 [EP545]

Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine, NATO, European Union, Human Rights

Topics:

  • EPC fallout and Russia response
  • Armenia-EU declaration controversies
  • Pashinyan’s Artsakh campaign narrative
  • Aliyev-Pashinyan tag-team messaging
  • Swiss Peace Initiative
  • Pollsters diverge on election forecasts

Episode 545 | Recorded: May 12, 2026

#WeekInReview #Armenia #SwissPeaceInitiative #NagornoKarabakh #Artsakh

Transcript: Week in Review - EPC in Armenia, Russia, Parliamentary Election, Swiss Peace Initiative | Ep 545, May 10, 2026 [EP545]

Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine, NATO, European Union, Human Rights, Transcript

In this Week in Review, Asbed and Hovik discuss the fallout from the EPC summit in Yerevan, Armenia’s role as a platform for anti-Russian messaging, and Putin’s warning about a possible “separation” if Armenia moves toward the EU. They examine the Armenia-EU declaration, focusing on TRIPP, Ukraine, hybrid threats, security cooperation, visa liberalization, and the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. The episode then turns to Armenia’s election campaign, Pashinyan’s claim that Artsakh was “never ours,” Aliyev’s parallel messaging from occupied Artsakh, pressure on opposition figures, the Swiss Peace Initiative, and sharp divergence between election polls.

Anna Grigoryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 544, May 11, 2026 [EP544]

Posted on Monday, May 11, 2026 | Category: Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, European Union, Economy, NATO, Human Rights | Series: cog

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Election campaign and opposition strategy
  • EPC, EU-Armenia summit, and foreign influence
  • Foreign policy, security, and regional risks
  • Domestic priorities and election integrity

Episode 544 | Recorded: May 9, 2026

#AnnaGrigoryan #Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #ArmeniaElections #HayastanDashinq #EPCSummit #TRIPP #Artsakh

Anna Grigoryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 544, May 11, 2026 [EP544]

Posted on Monday, May 11, 2026 | Category: Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, European Union, Economy, NATO, Human Rights

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Election campaign and opposition strategy
  • EPC, EU-Armenia summit, and foreign influence
  • Foreign policy, security, and regional risks
  • Domestic priorities and election integrity

Episode 544 | Recorded: May 9, 2026

#AnnaGrigoryan #Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #ArmeniaElections #HayastanDashinq #EPCSummit #TRIPP #Artsakh

EU Interference and Armenia's 2026 Elections | Ep 543, May 10, 2026 [EP543]

Posted on Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, Human Rights, NATO, European Union | Series: cog, video

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • EU role in Armenia’s elections
  • Fact-checkers and political bias
  • Dissent labeled as disinformation
  • Lawsuits, pressure, and intimidation
  • Censorship and social media control

Episode 543 | Recorded: May 7, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #EU #Disinformation #FactChecking #Censorship #CivilSociety #FreeSpeech

EU Interference and Armenia's 2026 Elections | Ep 543, May 10, 2026 [EP543]

Posted on Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, Human Rights, NATO, European Union

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • EU role in Armenia’s elections
  • Fact-checkers and political bias
  • Dissent labeled as disinformation
  • Lawsuits, pressure, and intimidation
  • Censorship and social media control

Episode 543 | Recorded: May 7, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #EU #Disinformation #FactChecking #Censorship #CivilSociety #FreeSpeech

Transcript: Anna Grigoryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 544, May 11, 2026 [EP544]

Posted on Monday, May 11, 2026 | Category: Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, European Union, Economy, NATO, Human Rights, Transcript

Anna Grigoryan of Hayastan Dashinq (Armenia Alliance) joins Groong to discuss Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary election and the start of the official campaign. The conversation examines the EPC and Armenia-EU summits in Yerevan, EU political and financial support for Pashinyan, Aliyev’s remote demarche, and opposition protests around Artsakh rights, Armenian prisoners, and democratic backsliding. The episode also covers opposition coalition math, Hayastan Dashinq’s 8% bloc threshold, Strong Armenia’s lead among opposition forces, possible post-election governing formulas,  Read More

Tatevik Soghoyan - Who Failed the Children of Vedi | Ep 542, May 10, 2026 [EP542]

Posted on Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Human Rights, Nagorno Karabakh | Series: cog, video

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Vedi abuse case timeline
  • Law-enforcement delays and failures
  • Victim protection and privacy
  • Political responsibility and accountability
  • Child-protection system breakdown

Episode 542 | Recorded: May 9, 2026

#VediCase #ChildProtection #JusticeForChildren #RuleOfLaw #Accountability #Armenia #HumanRights #VictimsRights

Tatevik Soghoyan - Who Failed the Children of Vedi | Ep 542, May 10, 2026 [EP542]

Posted on Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Human Rights, Nagorno Karabakh

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Vedi abuse case timeline
  • Law-enforcement delays and failures
  • Victim protection and privacy
  • Political responsibility and accountability
  • Child-protection system breakdown

Episode 542 | Recorded: May 9, 2026

#VediCase #ChildProtection #JusticeForChildren #RuleOfLaw #Accountability #Armenia #HumanRights #VictimsRights

Transcript: EU Interference and Armenia's 2026 Elections | Ep 543, May 10, 2026 [EP543]

Posted on Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, Human Rights, NATO, European Union, Transcript

Hovhannes Ishkhanyan and Nare Navasardyan discuss the growing role of the EU, fact-checking networks, and counter-disinformation programs in Armenia’s 2026 election environment. The conversation examines claims of foreign interference, the use of “hybrid threats” and “disinformation” labels against domestic dissent, and the political bias of Armenia’s fact-checking ecosystem. The guests also share personal experiences with lawsuits, public confrontation, protest, and censorship, raising broader questions about free speech, election fairness, and the management of Armenia’s information space.

Transcript: Tatevik Soghoyan - Who Failed the Children of Vedi | Ep 542, May 10, 2026 [EP542]

Posted on Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Human Rights, Nagorno Karabakh, Transcript

This Conversations on Groong episode examines the Vedi abuse case, a disturbing story involving alleged sexual abuse of vulnerable minors and serious questions about Armenia’s law-enforcement response. Attorney Tatevik Soghoyan joins the program to discuss the known timeline, the delays between the first reports and arrests, the treatment of the victims, and the public statements by investigators and government officials. The discussion focuses on whether this was a local failure, a systemic breakdown, or a deeper case of political responsibility, while asking what Armenia’s justice and child-protection systems must do to prevent such cases from being ignored, delayed, or mishandled.

Anatol Lieven - Russia, Iran, Europe, and the Remaking of World Order | Ep 541, May 8, 2026 [EP541]

Posted on Friday, May 8, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Ukraine, Russia, European Union, Iran, Israel, China, Azerbaijan, Turkey | Series: cog

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Russia, Iran, Europe, multipolar order
  • Ukraine war and Russia-West tensions
  • Iran war and diplomatic offramps
  • Armenia, TRIPP, South Caucasus

Episode 541 | Recorded: May 5, 2026

#AnatolLieven #Russia #Iran #Europe #UkraineWar #SouthCaucasus

Anatol Lieven - Russia, Iran, Europe, and the Remaking of World Order | Ep 541, May 8, 2026 [EP541]

Posted on Friday, May 8, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Ukraine, Russia, European Union, Iran, Israel, China, Azerbaijan, Turkey

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Russia, Iran, Europe, multipolar order
  • Ukraine war and Russia-West tensions
  • Iran war and diplomatic offramps
  • Armenia, TRIPP, South Caucasus

Episode 541 | Recorded: May 5, 2026

#AnatolLieven #Russia #Iran #Europe #UkraineWar #SouthCaucasus

Transcript: Anatol Lieven - Russia, Iran, Europe, and the Remaking of World Order | Ep 541, May 8, 2026 [EP541]

Posted on Friday, May 8, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Ukraine, Russia, European Union, Iran, Israel, China, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, Dr. Anatol Lieven joins us to examine Russia’s place in a rapidly shifting global order. The discussion looks at the war in Ukraine, the state of Russia-EU relations after Viktor Orbán’s political defeat, and the uncertain trajectory of the war on Iran, including whether any real diplomatic offramp still exists. They also explore whether Russia’s relationship with Iran is truly strategic or mainly transactional, how China fits into the wider balance of power, and what all of this means for the South Caucasus, Armenia’s current path under Pashinyan, and Azerbaijan’s ambitions to turn wartime leverage into lasting regional influence.

Mikael Darbinian - Armenia’s Borders, TRIPP, and the Price of Weakness | Ep 540, May 6, 2026 [EP540]

Posted on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Geopolitics, Armenian News, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, NATO, Iran, Georgia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Strong Armenia security doctrine
  • Azerbaijani occupation of Armenian territory
  • TRIPP and Zangezur Corridor risks
  • Diplomacy from a position of strength
  • EPC optics and national insecurity

Episode 540 | Recorded: May 5, 2026

#Armenia #Artsakh #StrongArmenia #MikaelDarbinian #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #ArmenianSecurity #SouthCaucasus

Mikael Darbinian - Armenia’s Borders, TRIPP, and the Price of Weakness | Ep 540, May 6, 2026 [EP540]

Posted on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Geopolitics, Armenian News, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, NATO, Iran, Georgia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union

Guest:

Topics:

  • Strong Armenia security doctrine
  • Azerbaijani occupation of Armenian territory
  • TRIPP and Zangezur Corridor risks
  • Diplomacy from a position of strength
  • EPC optics and national insecurity

Episode 540 | Recorded: May 5, 2026

#Armenia #Artsakh #StrongArmenia #MikaelDarbinian #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #ArmenianSecurity #SouthCaucasus

Transcript: Mikael Darbinian - Armenia’s Borders, TRIPP, and the Price of Weakness | Ep 540, May 6, 2026 [EP540]

Posted on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Geopolitics, Armenian News, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, NATO, Iran, Georgia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, Transcript

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.

Trump’s Iran Ceasefire, Operation Kochari, and Armenia’s Election Fog | Ep 539, May 3, 2026 [EP539]

Posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian News, Israel, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, USA, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, Armenian Genocide, Iran, Russia, Georgia, Genocide, Human Rights | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Iran War
  • Mustafayev in Armenia
  • Destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral by Azerbaijan
  • Election politics

Episode 539 | Recorded: May 3, 2026

#Armenia #Azerbaijan #IranWar #TRIPP #Artsakh #Stepanakert #ArmenianElections #Groong

Trump’s Iran Ceasefire, Operation Kochari, and Armenia’s Election Fog | Ep 539, May 3, 2026 [EP539]

Posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian News, Israel, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, USA, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, Armenian Genocide, Iran, Russia, Georgia, Genocide, Human Rights

Topics:

  • Iran War
  • Mustafayev in Armenia
  • Destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral by Azerbaijan
  • Election politics

Episode 539 | Recorded: May 3, 2026

#Armenia #Azerbaijan #IranWar #TRIPP #Artsakh #Stepanakert #ArmenianElections #Groong

Transcript: Trump’s Iran Ceasefire, Operation Kochari, and Armenia’s Election Fog | Ep 539, May 3, 2026 [EP539]

Posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian News, Israel, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, USA, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, Armenian Genocide, Iran, Russia, Georgia, Genocide, Human Rights, Transcript

This Groong Week in Review covers Trump’s Iran ceasefire, failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad, the naval blockade, and Washington’s war politics. Asbed and Hovik also examine “Operation Kochari,” Shahin Mustafayev’s secret visit to Armenia, TRIPP, border demarcation, Armenia-Azerbaijan trade, Azerbaijan’s destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral, Pashinyan’s response, the MPG poll, opposition coalition math, election fraud risks, the EPC meeting, legal pressure, mass surveillance, and Armenia’s falling press freedom ranking.

Hrair Balian - From Karabakh to TRIPP: Armenia’s Security Dilemma | Ep 538, May 3, 2026 [EP538]

Posted on Sunday, May 3, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Lebanon, Armenian News, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Georgia, NATO, Human Rights | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Mr. Balian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Peacemaking-Nagorno-Karabakh-Opportunities-Rethinking/dp/3032124891

Topics:

  • US-Iran war and failed diplomacy
  • TRIPP and Armenia’s security risks
  • Karabakh negotiations and missed chances
  • Pashinyan’s Artsakh policy reversal
  • Armenia’s June elections and monitoring

Episode 538 | Recorded: April 30, 2026

#HrairBalian #Groong #Armenia #Artsakh #NagornoKarabakh #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #ArmenianElections

Hrair Balian - From Karabakh to TRIPP: Armenia’s Security Dilemma | Ep 538, May 3, 2026 [EP538]

Posted on Sunday, May 3, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Lebanon, Armenian News, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Georgia, NATO, Human Rights

Guest:

Mr. Balian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Peacemaking-Nagorno-Karabakh-Opportunities-Rethinking/dp/3032124891

Topics:

  • US-Iran war and failed diplomacy
  • TRIPP and Armenia’s security risks
  • Karabakh negotiations and missed chances
  • Pashinyan’s Artsakh policy reversal
  • Armenia’s June elections and monitoring

Episode 538 | Recorded: April 30, 2026

#HrairBalian #Groong #Armenia #Artsakh #NagornoKarabakh #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #ArmenianElections

Transcript: Hrair Balian - From Karabakh to TRIPP: Armenia’s Security Dilemma | Ep 538, May 3, 2026 [EP538]

Posted on Sunday, May 3, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Lebanon, Armenian News, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Georgia, NATO, Human Rights, Transcript

Hrair Balian joins us to discuss his book Anatomy of Peacemaking: Nagorno Karabakh Conflict & Missed Opportunities, the failure of diplomacy around Artsakh, and what Armenia should learn from the long collapse of the peace process. The conversation also looks at the Iran war, US and Israeli goals in the region, the TRIPP/Zangezur Corridor and its security impact on Armenia, and the role of outside powers in shaping outcomes in the South Caucasus. The episode closes with a discussion of Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, opposition repression, election monitoring, and whether international observers will judge the vote by facts on the ground or political convenience.

Arega Hovsepyan - June 2026 Parliamentary Election in Armenia | Ep 537, Apr 30, 2026 [EP537]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Human Rights, Armenian News, Russia, Iran | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Strong Armenia and election dynamics
  • New arrests and political pressure
  • Artsakh Armenians and their rights
  • TRIPP corridor and regional security

Episode 537 | Recorded: April 27, 2026

#Armenia #Artsakh #StrongArmenia #AregaHovsepyan #ArmenianPolitics #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #Geopolitics

Arega Hovsepyan - June 2026 Parliamentary Election in Armenia | Ep 537, Apr 30, 2026 [EP537]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Human Rights, Armenian News, Russia, Iran

Guest:

Topics:

  • Strong Armenia and election dynamics
  • New arrests and political pressure
  • Artsakh Armenians and their rights
  • TRIPP corridor and regional security

Episode 537 | Recorded: April 27, 2026

#Armenia #Artsakh #StrongArmenia #AregaHovsepyan #ArmenianPolitics #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #Geopolitics

Transcript: Arega Hovsepyan - June 2026 Parliamentary Election in Armenia | Ep 537, Apr 30, 2026 [EP537]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Human Rights, Armenian News, Russia, Iran, Transcript

In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Arega Hovsepyan of the Strong Armenia party about Armenia’s upcoming June 2026 parliamentary elections and the broader political climate. The discussion focuses on recent arrests targeting opposition figures, the situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians, competing narratives around “peace” with Azerbaijan, and the implications of the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor project. We also examine opposition unity, polling trends, and legal questions surrounding Strong Armenia’s political strategy.

Transcript: Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, June Parliamentary | Ep 536, Apr 26, 2026 [EP536]

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 28, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Iran, Azerbaijan, Israel, USA, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Armenian News, Artsakh Blockade, Genocide, Georgia, European Union, Transcript

We examine how the Iran war fallout and the extension of the ceasefire are reshaping Armenia’s geopolitical position. We break down the push for the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor and the claims of Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization, and assess how they tie to regional power dynamics involving Iran, Russia, Turkey, and the United States. The episode also covers Armenia’s 2026 elections and rising elite tensions. In addition, we discuss the global commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, contrasting international messaging with domestic narratives and linking it to ongoing debates around Artsakh and historical continuity.

Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, June Parliamentary | Ep 536, Apr 26, 2026 [EP536]

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 28, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Iran, Azerbaijan, Israel, USA, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Armenian News, Artsakh Blockade, Genocide, Georgia, European Union | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War and TRIPP
  • Armenian Genocide commemoration
  • Peace narrative vs corridor reality
  • Parliamentary election

Episode 536 | Recorded: April 27, 2026

Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, June Parliamentary | Ep 536, Apr 26, 2026 [EP536]

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 28, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Iran, Azerbaijan, Israel, USA, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Armenian News, Artsakh Blockade, Genocide, Georgia, European Union

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War and TRIPP
  • Armenian Genocide commemoration
  • Peace narrative vs corridor reality
  • Parliamentary election

Episode 536 | Recorded: April 27, 2026

Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - Monitoring the June 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Armenia | Ep 535, Apr 27, 2026 [EP535]

Posted on Monday, Apr 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Election, Armenian News, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Human Rights, Russia | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • IODA’s mission and election observation work
  • Armenia’s June 2026 parliamentary election risks
  • Questions around international observer impartiality
  • Suspect voter lists, fraud, and transparency concerns
  • Pressure on opposition figures and parties

Episode 535 | Recorded: April 24, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #Election2026 #IODA #OSCE #ODIHR #Geopolitics #Democracy

Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - Monitoring the June 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Armenia | Ep 535, Apr 27, 2026 [EP535]

Posted on Monday, Apr 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Election, Armenian News, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Human Rights, Russia

Guest:

Topics:

  • IODA’s mission and election observation work
  • Armenia’s June 2026 parliamentary election risks
  • Questions around international observer impartiality
  • Suspect voter lists, fraud, and transparency concerns
  • Pressure on opposition figures and parties

Episode 535 | Recorded: April 24, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #Election2026 #IODA #OSCE #ODIHR #Geopolitics #Democracy

Transcript: Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - Monitoring the June 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Armenia | Ep 535, Apr 27, 2026 [EP535]

Posted on Monday, Apr 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Election, Armenian News, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Human Rights, Russia, Transcript

Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan joined Groong to discuss the International Observatory for Democracy in Armenia (IODA), its work ahead of Armenia’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections, and the risks it sees in the pre-election environment. The conversation covered IODA’s mission, its first fact-finding trip to Armenia, concerns about judicial control and administrative resources, questions about OSCE/ODIHR and EU impartiality, and the pressure facing opposition figures and parties before election day.

Dmitry Suslov - War, Leverage, and Corridors, Russia’s View from All Fronts | Ep 534, Apr 25, 2026 [EP534]

Posted on Saturday, Apr 25, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Iran, World, Economy, Armenia, USA, China, Russia, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, BRICS, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, European Union, Turkey | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran war dynamics and Russia’s role
  • Ukraine war and Europe’s militarization
  • Armenia’s pivot and Russia’s response
  • Regional power balance

Episode 534 | Recorded: April 21, 2026

Dmitry Suslov - War, Leverage, and Corridors, Russia’s View from All Fronts | Ep 534, Apr 25, 2026 [EP534]

Posted on Saturday, Apr 25, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Iran, World, Economy, Armenia, USA, China, Russia, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, BRICS, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, European Union, Turkey

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran war dynamics and Russia’s role
  • Ukraine war and Europe’s militarization
  • Armenia’s pivot and Russia’s response
  • Regional power balance

Episode 534 | Recorded: April 21, 2026

Transcript: Dmitry Suslov - War, Leverage, and Corridors, Russia’s View from All Fronts | Ep 534, Apr 25, 2026 [EP534]

Posted on Saturday, Apr 25, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Iran, World, Economy, Armenia, USA, China, Russia, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, BRICS, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, European Union, Turkey, Transcript

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  Read More

Warwick Powell - ThermoEconomics, Iran, and the New Geopolitical Economy | Ep 533, Apr 23, 2026 [EP533]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 23, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Iran, World, Economy, Armenia, USA, China, Russia, BRICS, Israel, Middle East, NATO | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • ThermoEconomics and global power
  • Iran war and energy
  • De-dollarization and sovereignty
  • Armenia: AI data centers, SMRs, and imperialism

Episode 533 | Recorded: April 21, 2026

Warwick Powell - ThermoEconomics, Iran, and the New Geopolitical Economy | Ep 533, Apr 23, 2026 [EP533]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 23, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Iran, World, Economy, Armenia, USA, China, Russia, BRICS, Israel, Middle East, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • ThermoEconomics and global power
  • Iran war and energy
  • De-dollarization and sovereignty
  • Armenia: AI data centers, SMRs, and imperialism

Episode 533 | Recorded: April 21, 2026

Transcript: Warwick Powell - ThermoEconomics, Iran, and the New Geopolitical Economy | Ep 533, Apr 23, 2026 [EP533]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 23, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics, Iran, World, Economy, Armenia, USA, China, Russia, BRICS, Israel, Middle East, NATO, Transcript

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  Read More

Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War, Antalya Diplomatic Forum, Armenian Parliamentary Elections | Ep 532, Apr 19, 2026 [EP532]

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Politics, USA, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Georgia, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, China, NATO | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War Fears
  • June Parliamentary Elections
  • Attacks on the Armenian Church

Episode 532 | Recorded: April 20, 2026

#Armenia #Iran #IranWar #Hormuz #ArmeniaElections #SouthCaucasus

Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War, Antalya Diplomatic Forum, Armenian Parliamentary Elections | Ep 532, Apr 19, 2026 [EP532]

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Politics, USA, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Georgia, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, China, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War Fears
  • June Parliamentary Elections
  • Attacks on the Armenian Church

Episode 532 | Recorded: April 20, 2026

#Armenia #Iran #IranWar #Hormuz #ArmeniaElections #SouthCaucasus

Transcript: Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War, Antalya Diplomatic Forum, Armenian Parliamentary Elections | Ep 532, Apr 19, 2026 [EP532]

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Politics, USA, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Georgia, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, China, NATO, Transcript

In this Week in Review episode, Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian discusses the stalled Iran negotiations after the Islamabad talks, the renewed pressure around Hormuz and the naval blockade, Turkey’s posture toward Israel and the region; Armenia’s lower-profile participation in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum; Russia’s shifting rhetoric on TRIPP and the South Caucasus; and the June 7 parliamentary election in Armenia, including constitutional changes, border concessions, the gas pipeline rerouting issue, and the use of surveillance and arrests against opposition figures.

Hrant Mikaelian - US-Iran Talks, Orban Loses, Armenian Parliamentary Elections, MPG Polls | Ep 531, Apr 12, 2026 [EP531]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 16, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Election, Poll, Iran, Armenia, USA, Israel, Georgia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • US-Iran Talks in Pakistan
  • Orban Loses Hungary Elections
  • Armenian Parliamentary Elections
  • Polls: MPG, IRI, ARAR, EVN

Episode 531 | Recorded: April 14, 2026

#Armenia #IranWar #ArmenianPolitics #HungaryElections #ArmeniaPolls

Hrant Mikaelian - US-Iran Talks, Orban Loses, Armenian Parliamentary Elections, MPG Polls | Ep 531, Apr 12, 2026 [EP531]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 16, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Election, Poll, Iran, Armenia, USA, Israel, Georgia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union

Guest:

Topics:

  • US-Iran Talks in Pakistan
  • Orban Loses Hungary Elections
  • Armenian Parliamentary Elections
  • Polls: MPG, IRI, ARAR, EVN

Episode 531 | Recorded: April 14, 2026

#Armenia #IranWar #ArmenianPolitics #HungaryElections #ArmeniaPolls

Transcript: Hrant Mikaelian - US-Iran Talks, Orban Loses, Armenian Parliamentary Elections, MPG Polls | Ep 531, Apr 12, 2026 [EP531]

Posted on Thursday, Apr 16, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Election, Poll, Iran, Armenia, USA, Israel, Georgia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, Transcript

This Week in Review examines how foreign shocks and internal political pressures are converging for Armenia. We look at the breakdown of US-Iran talks and the threat of a new naval blockade, Viktor Orban’s defeat in Hungary and what it may mean for the region, and fresh polling in Armenia on security, war, free speech, voter participation, and party support ahead of the 2026 elections. The episode also explores whether the Abkhaz railway could offer Armenia a real alternative to routes that deepen dependence on Azerbaijan and Turkey, and what the latest polling says about the opposition’s position.

Hovik & Asbed - Iran War, April 2016 War, Armenia & Russia, Politics & Election | Ep 530, Apr 5, 2026 [EP530]

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 8, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Politics, Election, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, European Union, Russia, Georgia, Turkey | Series: cog, video

Topics:

  • Iran War Update
  • 2016 April War
  • Aftermath of Pashinyan in Moscow
  • Domestic Politics & Election

Episode 530 | Recorded: April 7, 2026

#Groong #Armenia

Hovik & Asbed - Iran War, April 2016 War, Armenia & Russia, Politics & Election | Ep 530, Apr 5, 2026 [EP530]

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 8, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Politics, Election, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, European Union, Russia, Georgia, Turkey

Topics:

  • Iran War Update
  • 2016 April War
  • Aftermath of Pashinyan in Moscow
  • Domestic Politics & Election

Episode 530 | Recorded: April 7, 2026

#Groong #Armenia

Transcript: Hovik & Asbed - Iran War, April 2016 War, Armenia & Russia, Politics & Election | Ep 530, Apr 5, 2026 [EP530]

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 8, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Politics, Election, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, European Union, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Transcript

In this Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discussed the escalating US-Israeli war on Iran and the danger of a wider regional catastrophe; we reflected on the tenth anniversary of the April 2016 Four-Day War and what it revealed about Armenia’s military and diplomatic posture; we examined the fallout from Pashinyan’s Moscow visit and the increasingly blunt Russian response, and reviewed the fast-moving Armenian election campaign, including pressure on the opposition, EU involvement, and the emerging strategies of major the various alliances.

Pietro Shakarian - Iran War, Armenia and Russia, June Parliamentary Elections | Ep 529, Apr 4, 2026 [EP529]

Posted on Saturday, Apr 4, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Israel, Nagorno Karabakh, BRICS, European Union, Ukraine, NATO | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • The Iran War and Its Global Impacts
  • Armenia-Russia Relations
  • Parliamentary Elections in Armenia

Episode 529 | Recorded on April 3, 2026

#IranIsraelWar #IsraelIranConflict #IsraelConflict #Armenia #MiddleEastCrisis #ArmeniaElections #PietroShakarian #TRIPP

Pietro Shakarian - Iran War, Armenia and Russia, June Parliamentary Elections | Ep 529, Apr 4, 2026 [EP529]

Posted on Saturday, Apr 4, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Israel, Nagorno Karabakh, BRICS, European Union, Ukraine, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • The Iran War and Its Global Impacts
  • Armenia-Russia Relations
  • Parliamentary Elections in Armenia

Episode 529 | Recorded on April 3, 2026

#IranIsraelWar #IsraelIranConflict #IsraelConflict #Armenia #MiddleEastCrisis #ArmeniaElections #PietroShakarian #TRIPP

Transcript: Pietro Shakarian - Iran War, Armenia and Russia, June Parliamentary Elections | Ep 529, Apr 4, 2026 [EP529]

Posted on Saturday, Apr 4, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Israel, Nagorno Karabakh, BRICS, European Union, Ukraine, NATO, Transcript

Dr. Pietro Shakarian joined us to discuss the state of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, the shrinking chances for a diplomatic off-ramp, and how the conflict is shifting wider Eurasian politics. The conversation then turned to Armenia, including the likely freezing of TRIPP amid the Iran war, Pashinyan’s contentious visit to Moscow, and the deeper low point in Armenia-Russia relations. The final section focused on Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, public sentiment toward Pashinyan, fears over election integrity, and the evolving opposition landscape.

Anna Karapetyan - Iran War, Pashinyan Fake Narratives, Fear-mongering, Silencing Talk of Artsakh | Ep 528, Mar 29, 2026 [EP528]

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Artsakh, Election, Nagorno Karabakh, USA, Azerbaijan, Armenian Genocide | Series: wir, video

Guest:

  • Anna Karapetyan Director of the Insight Analytical Center for Applied Policy and Research.

Topics:

  • Iran war escalation and spillover
  • Pashinyan’s Fake “peace” narrative
  • Elections built on fear-mongering
  • Silencing talk of Artsakh

Episode 528 | Recorded: March 30, 2026

Anna Karapetyan - Iran War, Pashinyan Fake Narratives, Fear-mongering, Silencing Talk of Artsakh | Ep 528, Mar 29, 2026 [EP528]

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Artsakh, Election, Nagorno Karabakh, USA, Azerbaijan, Armenian Genocide

Guest:

  • Anna Karapetyan Director of the Insight Analytical Center for Applied Policy and Research.

Topics:

  • Iran war escalation and spillover
  • Pashinyan’s Fake “peace” narrative
  • Elections built on fear-mongering
  • Silencing talk of Artsakh

Episode 528 | Recorded: March 30, 2026

Hovik & Asbed - Karekin II & Ilia II Funeral, Iran War, Armenia Elections | Ep 527, Mar 22, 2026 [EP527]

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Politics, Israel, USA, Turkey, Russia, China, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Economy, Lebanon | Series: cog, video

Topics:

  • Georgian Patriarch Ilia II passes away
  • Karekin II travel banned from funeral
  • Iran war update
  • June election in Armenia

Episode 527 | Recorded: March 23, 2026

#Groong #Armenia