Civil Contract

Last updated: May 29, 2026

Civil Contract is the ruling political party of Armenia, founded and led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan . It rose to power following the 2018 so-called “Velvet Revolution” (which critics term a “regime change”) and obtained parliamentary majority in the 2021 snap elections, giving it the supermajority that has defined Armenia’s legislative landscape for the past several years. The opposition challenged the results of the election as unfair.

With more than 80 episodes referencing the party, Groong’s coverage of Civil Contract is extensive. Topics include the government’s handling of the 2020 Nagorno Karabakh war and its aftermath, the peace negotiation process with Azerbaijan, Armenia’s pivot away from Russia and toward the European Union and the United States, the crackdown on opposition and civic institutions, the 2025 confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church , and the party’s campaign positioning ahead of the June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections.

Critics of Civil Contract covered in Groong episodes argue that the party has used its supermajority to consolidate power, weaken state institutions, suppress political opposition, and pursue a foreign policy that has left Armenia isolated and vulnerable. Supporters counter that it represents a genuine break from the corruption and military adventurism of previous governments.

Groong episodes that include this tag

Below are all Groong episodes tagged with Civil Contract.

Anna Grigoryan - Armenia’s Political Crisis | Ep 507, Jan 17, 2026 [EP507]

Posted on Saturday, Jan 17, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Elections, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkey, European Union, Economy, Syria, Human Rights, Georgia, Israel, Ukraine | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Return of Four Hostages
  • Pashinyan vs. Church
  • TRIPP
  • Armenia Parliamentary Election

Episode 507 | Recorded: January 16, 2026

#AnnaGrigoryan #Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #TRIPP #ArmenianChurch #POWs

Anna Grigoryan - Armenia’s Political Crisis | Ep 507, Jan 17, 2026 [EP507]

Posted on Saturday, Jan 17, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Elections, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkey, European Union, Economy, Syria, Human Rights, Georgia, Israel, Ukraine

Guest:

Topics:

  • Return of Four Hostages
  • Pashinyan vs. Church
  • TRIPP
  • Armenia Parliamentary Election

Episode 507 | Recorded: January 16, 2026

#AnnaGrigoryan #Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #TRIPP #ArmenianChurch #POWs

Dziunik Aghajanian - EU Ukraine Rift, Church Siege, and TRIPP Power Games | Ep 498, Dec 21, 2025 [EP498]

Posted on Thursday, Dec 25, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Iran, Economy, Georgia, European Union, China, Middle East, NATO | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine War and EU Rift
  • Siege on Etchmiadzin and the Church
  • Peace Dividend or Political Theater
  • TRIPP and Competing Power Claims

Episode 498 | Recorded: December 23, 2025

#ArmenianChurch #Etchmiadzin #TRIPP #ArmeniaPolitics #Groong

Dziunik Aghajanian - EU Ukraine Rift, Church Siege, and TRIPP Power Games | Ep 498, Dec 21, 2025 [EP498]

Posted on Thursday, Dec 25, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Iran, Economy, Georgia, European Union, China, Middle East, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine War and EU Rift
  • Siege on Etchmiadzin and the Church
  • Peace Dividend or Political Theater
  • TRIPP and Competing Power Claims

Episode 498 | Recorded: December 23, 2025

#ArmenianChurch #Etchmiadzin #TRIPP #ArmeniaPolitics #Groong

Spotlight on Silence: InJustice in Armenia | Ep 497, Dec 18, 2025 [EP497]

Posted on Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Spotlight on Silence, Political Prisoners, Armenian Church, Human Rights, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Ukraine | Series: video, sos

Guest:

Follow ACPR on Facebook: Քաղաքական իրավունքների հայկական կենտրոն - ՔԻՀԿ / ACPR

Topics:

  • Criminalization of Speech and Dissent in Armenia
  • Legal Pressure on Lawyers, Journalists, and Clergy
  • Selective Justice and Coordinated Propaganda
  • Article 236 and the Policing of Protest

Episode 497 | Recorded: December 14, 2025

#SpotlightOnSilence #ArmeniaJustice #PoliticalPrisoners #FreedomOfSpeech #RuleOfLaw #HumanRights #Groong

 Read More

Spotlight on Silence: InJustice in Armenia | Ep 497, Dec 18, 2025 [EP497]

Posted on Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Spotlight on Silence, Political Prisoners, Armenian Church, Human Rights, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Ukraine

Guest:

Follow ACPR on Facebook: Քաղաքական իրավունքների հայկական կենտրոն - ՔԻՀԿ / ACPR

Topics:

  • Criminalization of Speech and Dissent in Armenia
  • Legal Pressure on Lawyers, Journalists, and Clergy
  • Selective Justice and Coordinated Propaganda
  • Article 236 and the Policing of Protest

Episode 497 | Recorded: December 14, 2025

#SpotlightOnSilence #ArmeniaJustice #PoliticalPrisoners #FreedomOfSpeech #RuleOfLaw #HumanRights #Groong

 Read More

Arthur Khachikyan - OSCE MG Dissolved, Libaridian on Submission, New Constitution, Armenian Church, Prayer Breakfast, Border Commissions meet in Baku | Ep 493, Nov 30, 2025 [EP493]

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Genocide, Armenian Church, Turkey, Russia, Genocide, Iran, Israel, Middle East, China, NATO | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • OSCE MG Dissolved
  • Libaridian on Submitting to Turkey and Azerbaijan
  • News Constitution to be Drafted by March 2026
  • Archbishops, Letters, Attacks on the Church
  • Border Commissions Meet in Baku
  • Comments from Jacob Pursley

Episode 493 | Recorded: December 2, 2025

Arthur Khachikyan - OSCE MG Dissolved, Libaridian on Submission, New Constitution, Armenian Church, Prayer Breakfast, Border Commissions meet in Baku | Ep 493, Nov 30, 2025 [EP493]

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Genocide, Armenian Church, Turkey, Russia, Genocide, Iran, Israel, Middle East, China, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • OSCE MG Dissolved
  • Libaridian on Submitting to Turkey and Azerbaijan
  • News Constitution to be Drafted by March 2026
  • Archbishops, Letters, Attacks on the Church
  • Border Commissions Meet in Baku
  • Comments from Jacob Pursley

Episode 493 | Recorded: December 2, 2025

Joel Veldkamp - Armenia’s Prayer Breakfast and the Crackdown on the Church | Ep 490, Nov 27, 2025 [EP490]

Posted on Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Azerbaijan, China, Genocide | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Clergy Arrests in Armenia
  • Church Under Pressure
  • Prayer Breakfast Controversy
  • Western Silence on Repression
  • CSI’s Findings in Yerevan

Episode 490 | Recorded: November 25, 2025

#ArmenianChurch #ReligiousFreedom #ClergyArrests #ChristianSolidarityInternational #HumanRightsInArmenia

Joel Veldkamp - Armenia’s Prayer Breakfast and the Crackdown on the Church | Ep 490, Nov 27, 2025 [EP490]

Posted on Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Artsakh Blockade, Russia, Azerbaijan, China, Genocide

Guest:

Topics:

  • Clergy Arrests in Armenia
  • Church Under Pressure
  • Prayer Breakfast Controversy
  • Western Silence on Repression
  • CSI’s Findings in Yerevan

Episode 490 | Recorded: November 25, 2025

#ArmenianChurch #ReligiousFreedom #ClergyArrests #ChristianSolidarityInternational #HumanRightsInArmenia

Hrant Mikaelian - Ukraine Talks, Armenia’s Crackdowns, and Rising Tensions | Ep 488, Nov 23, 2025 [EP488]

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 26, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, China, Economy, Iran, Middle East, Artsakh, Human Rights, Genocide, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, NATO | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • High-Stakes Ukraine Talks
  • Armenia’s Growing Political Detentions
  • Pashinyan Honored In Kazakhstan
  • Rising Pressure On The Church
  • Impeachment vs. Elections
  • Pashinyan Seizes Power Grid

Episode 488 | Recorded: November 24, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - Ukraine Talks, Armenia’s Crackdowns, and Rising Tensions | Ep 488, Nov 23, 2025 [EP488]

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 26, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, China, Economy, Iran, Middle East, Artsakh, Human Rights, Genocide, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • High-Stakes Ukraine Talks
  • Armenia’s Growing Political Detentions
  • Pashinyan Honored In Kazakhstan
  • Rising Pressure On The Church
  • Impeachment vs. Elections
  • Pashinyan Seizes Power Grid

Episode 488 | Recorded: November 24, 2025

Hayk Mamijanyan - Freedom of Expression at Risk in Armenia, Vagharshapat, RPA Strategy | Ep 487, Nov 19, 2025 [EP487]

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Political Prisoners, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Church, Geopolitics, European Union, Iran | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Freedom of Expression at Risk in Armenia
  • Vagharshapat Municipal Outcomes
  • Republican Party Election Strategy
  • Stand in Support of Independent Media and Journalism in Armenia

Episode 487 | Recorded: November 18, 2025

Hayk Mamijanyan - Freedom of Expression at Risk in Armenia, Vagharshapat, RPA Strategy | Ep 487, Nov 19, 2025 [EP487]

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Political Prisoners, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Church, Geopolitics, European Union, Iran

Guest:

Topics:

  • Freedom of Expression at Risk in Armenia
  • Vagharshapat Municipal Outcomes
  • Republican Party Election Strategy
  • Stand in Support of Independent Media and Journalism in Armenia

Episode 487 | Recorded: November 18, 2025

Sergei Melkonian - Ukraine, Iran & Israel, C5+1 in DC, Vagharshapat Municipal Outcome | Ep 486, Nov 16, 2025 [EP486]

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Church, Syria, Ukraine, China, Middle East, NATO, Economy, European Union, Geopolitics, India | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine and Iran-Israel Conflicts
  • C5+1 in Washington DC
  • Vagharshapat/Etchmiadzin Municipal

Episode 486 | Recorded: November 17, 2025

Sergei Melkonian - Ukraine, Iran & Israel, C5+1 in DC, Vagharshapat Municipal Outcome | Ep 486, Nov 16, 2025 [EP486]

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Church, Syria, Ukraine, China, Middle East, NATO, Economy, European Union, Geopolitics, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine and Iran-Israel Conflicts
  • C5+1 in Washington DC
  • Vagharshapat/Etchmiadzin Municipal

Episode 486 | Recorded: November 17, 2025

Arthur Martirosyan - 44 Day War, Ukraine, Iran-Israel, Sargsyan and Kocharyan Interviews, Narek Karapetyan on Tucker Carlson | Ep 484, Nov 9, 2025 [EP484]

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Israel, Ukraine, Middle East, NATO, Georgia, European Union | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Nov 9: 44-Day War 5 years Hence
  • Ukraine and Iran-Israel Conflicts
  • Pres. Serge Sargsyan’s Interview
  • Pres. Robert Kocharyan’s Interview
  • Narek Karapetyan on Tucker Carlson

Episode 484 | Recorded: November 10, 2025

Arthur Martirosyan - 44 Day War, Ukraine, Iran-Israel, Sargsyan and Kocharyan Interviews, Narek Karapetyan on Tucker Carlson | Ep 484, Nov 9, 2025 [EP484]

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Israel, Ukraine, Middle East, NATO, Georgia, European Union

Guest:

Topics:

  • Nov 9: 44-Day War 5 years Hence
  • Ukraine and Iran-Israel Conflicts
  • Pres. Serge Sargsyan’s Interview
  • Pres. Robert Kocharyan’s Interview
  • Narek Karapetyan on Tucker Carlson

Episode 484 | Recorded: November 10, 2025

Benyamin  Poghosyan - Ukraine War update, Pashinyan’s Persecution of Church and Opposition intensifies | Ep 483, Nov 2, 2025 [EP483]

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 4, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, USA, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, China, Economy, Genocide, India, Iran, Middle East, NATO | Series: video, wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine war status and U.S.–Russia dynamics
  • Church–state tensions and religious prosecutions
  • Opposition arrests, trials, and civil liberties
  • Border demarcation, enclaves

Episode 483 | Recorded: November 3, 2025

Benyamin  Poghosyan - Ukraine War update, Pashinyan’s Persecution of Church and Opposition intensifies | Ep 483, Nov 2, 2025 [EP483]

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 4, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, USA, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, China, Economy, Genocide, India, Iran, Middle East, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine war status and U.S.–Russia dynamics
  • Church–state tensions and religious prosecutions
  • Opposition arrests, trials, and civil liberties
  • Border demarcation, enclaves

Episode 483 | Recorded: November 3, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan - Euronest, Aliyev Transit Move, Gyumri Mayor Arrest, Pashinyan vs. Church | Ep 481, Oct 26, 2025 [EP481]

Posted on Friday, Oct 31, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, Ukraine, NATO | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Euronest session takeaways
  • Aliyev’s transit move and TRIPP
  • Gyumri mayor arrest fallout
  • Pashinyan’s push to control the Church

Episode 481 | Recorded: October 29, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan - Euronest, Aliyev Transit Move, Gyumri Mayor Arrest, Pashinyan vs. Church | Ep 481, Oct 26, 2025 [EP481]

Posted on Friday, Oct 31, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, Ukraine, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Euronest session takeaways
  • Aliyev’s transit move and TRIPP
  • Gyumri mayor arrest fallout
  • Pashinyan’s push to control the Church

Episode 481 | Recorded: October 29, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Ajapahyan Sentenced, Moldova, EPC, Peace Act, Dismantling the Armenian Military | Ep 477, Oct 5, 2025 [EP477]

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 8, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Israel, European Union, Turkey, China, Economy | Series: video, wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ajapahyan Sentenced: 2 Years in Jail for speaking out!
  • Moldova Election Lessons
  • EPC in Copenhagen, WSF in Warsaw
  • PEACE Act politics
  • Dismantling the Armenian Military

Episode 477 | Recorded: October 6, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Ajapahyan Sentenced, Moldova, EPC, Peace Act, Dismantling the Armenian Military | Ep 477, Oct 5, 2025 [EP477]

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 8, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Israel, European Union, Turkey, China, Economy

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ajapahyan Sentenced: 2 Years in Jail for speaking out!
  • Moldova Election Lessons
  • EPC in Copenhagen, WSF in Warsaw
  • PEACE Act politics
  • Dismantling the Armenian Military

Episode 477 | Recorded: October 6, 2025

44-Day War, A Tale of Betrayal | Ep 476, Sep 28, 2025 [EP476]

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 1, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Genocide, NATO, Ukraine, Georgia, Iran, China | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Pashinyan’s rise and Western backing
  • Breakdown of talks and secret meetings
  • Failures and propaganda during the war
  • Aftermath, revisionism, and political responsibility

Episode 476 | Recorded: September 28, 2025

44-Day War, A Tale of Betrayal | Ep 476, Sep 28, 2025 [EP476]

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 1, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Genocide, NATO, Ukraine, Georgia, Iran, China

Topics:

  • Pashinyan’s rise and Western backing
  • Breakdown of talks and secret meetings
  • Failures and propaganda during the war
  • Aftermath, revisionism, and political responsibility

Episode 476 | Recorded: September 28, 2025

Archil Sikharulidze - Georgian Municipal Elections 2025 | Ep 475, Sep 30, 2025 [EP475]

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, European Union, Iran, Ukraine, Turkey, Middle East, NATO, Human Rights | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Municipal Elections & Tbilisi Politics
  • Foreign Agent Law, One Year Later
  • Georgian Perspectives on TRIPP

Episode 475 | Recorded: September 28, 2025

Archil Sikharulidze - Georgian Municipal Elections 2025 | Ep 475, Sep 30, 2025 [EP475]

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, European Union, Iran, Ukraine, Turkey, Middle East, NATO, Human Rights

Guest:

Topics:

  • Municipal Elections & Tbilisi Politics
  • Foreign Agent Law, One Year Later
  • Georgian Perspectives on TRIPP

Episode 475 | Recorded: September 28, 2025

Arthur Martirosyan - Sep 19, Civil Contract, Opposition Inaction, Electric Network | Ep 474, Sep 21, 2025 [EP474]

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 23, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Genocide, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, China, Georgia, Israel, Middle East | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Sep. 19: Day of Artsakh’s Ethnic Cleansing
  • Civil Contract’s 7th Congress
  • Opposition (In)Action
  • Electric Network of Armenia

Episode 474 | Recorded: September 22, 2025

Arthur Martirosyan - Sep 19, Civil Contract, Opposition Inaction, Electric Network | Ep 474, Sep 21, 2025 [EP474]

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 23, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Genocide, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, China, Georgia, Israel, Middle East

Guest:

Topics:

  • Sep. 19: Day of Artsakh’s Ethnic Cleansing
  • Civil Contract’s 7th Congress
  • Opposition (In)Action
  • Electric Network of Armenia

Episode 474 | Recorded: September 22, 2025

Armen Ashotyan - Pashinyan Vote of No Confidence, Opposition Strategies | Ep 473, Sep 19, 2025 [EP473]

Posted on Friday, Sep 19, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Economy | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • TRIPP / Trump Route / Zangezur Corridor
  • Vote of No Confidence
  • “Pashinyan or War”?

Episode 473 | Recorded on September 17, 2025

Armen Ashotyan - Pashinyan Vote of No Confidence, Opposition Strategies | Ep 473, Sep 19, 2025 [EP473]

Posted on Friday, Sep 19, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Economy

Guest:

Topics:

  • TRIPP / Trump Route / Zangezur Corridor
  • Vote of No Confidence
  • “Pashinyan or War”?

Episode 473 | Recorded on September 17, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - War on Iran, Russia on TRIPP, New MPG Poll in Armenia, Economy | Ep 471, Sep 7, 2025 [EP471]

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Poll, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Economy, Georgia, Israel, Genocide, China, Ukraine, India | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • War in Iran, Chapter 2?
  • Russia’s Stance on TRIPP
  • New MPG Poll in Armenia
  • Armenian Economy in H1/2025

Episode 471 | Recorded: September 8, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - War on Iran, Russia on TRIPP, New MPG Poll in Armenia, Economy | Ep 471, Sep 7, 2025 [EP471]

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Poll, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Economy, Georgia, Israel, Genocide, China, Ukraine, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • War in Iran, Chapter 2?
  • Russia’s Stance on TRIPP
  • New MPG Poll in Armenia
  • Armenian Economy in H1/2025

Episode 471 | Recorded: September 8, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Public Trust in Freefall, Church on the Rise, and Corridor Pressures Mount | Ep 456, Jul 27, 2025 [EP456]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Russia, Iran, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, Middle East, Israel, China, India, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, Economy, Syria | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Corridor Logic
  • Crackdown Logic
  • IRI Poll
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations

Episode 456 | Recorded: July 28, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Public Trust in Freefall, Church on the Rise, and Corridor Pressures Mount | Ep 456, Jul 27, 2025 [EP456]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Russia, Iran, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, Middle East, Israel, China, India, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, Economy, Syria

Guest:

Topics:

  • Corridor Logic
  • Crackdown Logic
  • IRI Poll
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations

Episode 456 | Recorded: July 28, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan - Artsakh Negotiations, Armenian Domestic Politics | Ep 455, Jul 27, 2025 [EP455]

Posted on Sunday, Jul 27, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Armenia, Russia, Turkey, Human Rights, Ukraine, Genocide | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh Negotiations
  • Armenian Domestic Politics

Episode 455 | Recorded: July 25, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan - Artsakh Negotiations, Armenian Domestic Politics | Ep 455, Jul 27, 2025 [EP455]

Posted on Sunday, Jul 27, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Armenia, Russia, Turkey, Human Rights, Ukraine, Genocide

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh Negotiations
  • Armenian Domestic Politics

Episode 455 | Recorded: July 25, 2025

Pashinyan Meets Aliyev as Armenia Cracks Down on Opposition and Church | Ep 453, Jul 13, 2025 [EP453]

Posted on Sunday, Jul 13, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Iran, Economy, Israel, NATO, Middle East, Ukraine | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Pashinyan meets Aliyev in Abu Dhabi
  • Continued Persecution of Church and Opposition

Episode 453 | Recorded: July 13, 2025

Pashinyan Meets Aliyev as Armenia Cracks Down on Opposition and Church | Ep 453, Jul 13, 2025 [EP453]

Posted on Sunday, Jul 13, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Iran, Economy, Israel, NATO, Middle East, Ukraine

Topics:

  • Pashinyan meets Aliyev in Abu Dhabi
  • Continued Persecution of Church and Opposition

Episode 453 | Recorded: July 13, 2025

Arthur Martirosyan - Constitution, Western Controlled Syunik, Church Crackdown | Ep 452, Jul 6, 2025 [EP452]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 8, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Ukraine, NATO, China, Economy, Genocide | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Constitution Day
  • Western Controlled Syunik?
  • What was Kallas Doing in Yerevan?
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations
  • Coup d’Etat? Or Coup d’Église?
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 452 | Recorded: July 7, 2025

Arthur Martirosyan - Constitution, Western Controlled Syunik, Church Crackdown | Ep 452, Jul 6, 2025 [EP452]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 8, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Ukraine, NATO, China, Economy, Genocide

Guest:

Topics:

  • Constitution Day
  • Western Controlled Syunik?
  • What was Kallas Doing in Yerevan?
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations
  • Coup d’Etat? Or Coup d’Église?
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 452 | Recorded: July 7, 2025

Spotlight on Silence: Surveillance State: Armenia’s Biometric Crackdown | Ep 446, Jun 15, 2025 [EP446]

Posted on Sunday, Jun 15, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Privacy, Human Rights, Georgia, Russia, Economy, Ukraine, China | Series: sos, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia legalizes round-the-clock surveillance.
  • Law enables political targeting, critics warn.
  • No oversight, no privacy laws.
  • Silence from Armenia’s new geopolitical allies.

Episode 446 | Recorded: June 12, 2025

Spotlight on Silence: Surveillance State: Armenia’s Biometric Crackdown | Ep 446, Jun 15, 2025 [EP446]

Posted on Sunday, Jun 15, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Privacy, Human Rights, Georgia, Russia, Economy, Ukraine, China

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia legalizes round-the-clock surveillance.
  • Law enables political targeting, critics warn.
  • No oversight, no privacy laws.
  • Silence from Armenia’s new geopolitical allies.

Episode 446 | Recorded: June 12, 2025

Transcript: Spotlight on Silence: Surveillance State: Armenia’s Biometric Crackdown | Ep 446, Jun 15, 2025 [EP446]

Posted on Sunday, Jun 15, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Privacy, Human Rights, Georgia, Russia, Economy, Ukraine, China, Transcript

In this episode of Groong: Spotlight on Silence, we speak with Rafael Ishkhanyan of the Armenian Center for Political Rights about Armenia’s sweeping new surveillance law. Passed quietly in March 2025, the law grants police 24/7 access to camera networks across public institutions and allows for real-time facial recognition, raising deep concerns about privacy, political targeting, and unchecked state power. We explore what the law says, what it leaves out, and why international silence—despite clear risks to civil liberties—has been so striking.

Hrant Mikaelian - Poland’s Shift, RPA’s Nominee, Economy, Demographics | Ep 444, June 8, 2025 [EP444]

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 11, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Russia, Geopolitics, India, Armenian Church, Georgia, Economy, Turkey, NATO, Iran | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine’s War, Poland’s Pivot?
  • Status Check on the Economy
  • RPA Names PM Candidate
  • Armenia’s Demographic Threats
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 444 | Recorded: June 9, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - Poland’s Shift, RPA’s Nominee, Economy, Demographics | Ep 444, June 8, 2025 [EP444]

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 11, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Russia, Geopolitics, India, Armenian Church, Georgia, Economy, Turkey, NATO, Iran

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine’s War, Poland’s Pivot?
  • Status Check on the Economy
  • RPA Names PM Candidate
  • Armenia’s Demographic Threats
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 444 | Recorded: June 9, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Ukraine and US-Iran, Fidan in Moscow, Lachin, Azerbaijan and Pashinyan attack Armenian Church, Impeachment vs. Elections | Ep 442, June 1, 2025 [EP442]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 3, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Ukraine, India, Israel, China, Syria, Economy, European Union | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Status of Ukraine and US-Iran Crises
  • Hakan Fidan in Moscow
  • Erdogan, Aliyev, Sharif in Lachin
  • Azerbaijan and Pashinyan Attack the Armenian Church
  • Impeachment vs. Elections
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 442 | Recorded: June 2, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Ukraine and US-Iran, Fidan in Moscow, Lachin, Azerbaijan and Pashinyan attack Armenian Church, Impeachment vs. Elections | Ep 442, June 1, 2025 [EP442]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 3, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Ukraine, India, Israel, China, Syria, Economy, European Union

Guest:

Topics:

  • Status of Ukraine and US-Iran Crises
  • Hakan Fidan in Moscow
  • Erdogan, Aliyev, Sharif in Lachin
  • Azerbaijan and Pashinyan Attack the Armenian Church
  • Impeachment vs. Elections
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 442 | Recorded: June 2, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan – Republic Day, EU Drama, and Constitutional Chaos | Ep 441, May 25, 2025 [EP441]

Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh Blockade, Armenian Genocide, Genocide, Iran, Human Rights, Economy | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • May 28, Republic Day
  • Armenia’s EU-Russia policy confusion
  • Constitutional changes for “peace”
  • Impeachment vs. election dilemma
  • Azeri invasion threat and silence

Episode 441 | Recorded: May 28, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan – Republic Day, EU Drama, and Constitutional Chaos | Ep 441, May 25, 2025 [EP441]

Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh Blockade, Armenian Genocide, Genocide, Iran, Human Rights, Economy

Guest:

Topics:

  • May 28, Republic Day
  • Armenia’s EU-Russia policy confusion
  • Constitutional changes for “peace”
  • Impeachment vs. election dilemma
  • Azeri invasion threat and silence

Episode 441 | Recorded: May 28, 2025

Էդգար Ղազարյան – Խոսքի ազատության գործը և մամուլի վիճակը Հայաստանում | Ep 440, May 28, 2025 [EP440]

Posted on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, In Armenian, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Human Rights, India, European Union | Series: cog, video

INTERVIEW IN ARMENIAN / ՀԱՐՑԱԶՐՈՒՅՑ ՀԱՅԵՐԵՆ

Guest:

Topics:

  • Criminal charges used to silence Edgar Ghazaryan / Քրեական մեղադրանքներ՝ Էդգար Ղազարյանին լռեցնելու համար
  • Media freedom in Armenia under Pashinyan’s rule / Մամուլի ազատությունը Հայաստանում Փաշինյանի կառավարման օրոք
  • Public broadcasting under political control / Հանրային հեռարձակումը քաղաքական վերահսկողության տակ
  • State-aligned actors spreading misinformation / Ապատեղեկատվություն տարածող պետական կողմի դերակատարները

Episode 440 | Recorded: March 9, 2025

 Read More

Էդգար Ղազարյան – Խոսքի ազատության գործը և մամուլի վիճակը Հայաստանում | Ep 440, May 28, 2025 [EP440]

Posted on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, In Armenian, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Human Rights, India, European Union

INTERVIEW IN ARMENIAN / ՀԱՐՑԱԶՐՈՒՅՑ ՀԱՅԵՐԵՆ

Guest:

Topics:

  • Criminal charges used to silence Edgar Ghazaryan / Քրեական մեղադրանքներ՝ Էդգար Ղազարյանին լռեցնելու համար
  • Media freedom in Armenia under Pashinyan’s rule / Մամուլի ազատությունը Հայաստանում Փաշինյանի կառավարման օրոք
  • Public broadcasting under political control / Հանրային հեռարձակումը քաղաքական վերահսկողության տակ
  • State-aligned actors spreading misinformation / Ապատեղեկատվություն տարածող պետական կողմի դերակատարները

Episode 440 | Recorded: March 9, 2025

 Read More

Hrant Mikaelian - Tirana, Lavrov, Armenian Un-Democracy, Demilitarization, and More | Ep 438, May 18, 2025 [EP438]

Posted on Friday, May 23, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Vatican, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, India, European Union, Israel, Genocide, Georgia | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Pashinyan in Tirana
  • Russia’s Lavrov in Yerevan
  • Democracy in Jeopardy
  • Armenia’s Demilitarization by Any Other Name
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 438 | Recorded: May 21, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - Tirana, Lavrov, Armenian Un-Democracy, Demilitarization, and More | Ep 438, May 18, 2025 [EP438]

Posted on Friday, May 23, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Vatican, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, India, European Union, Israel, Genocide, Georgia

Guest:

Topics:

  • Pashinyan in Tirana
  • Russia’s Lavrov in Yerevan
  • Democracy in Jeopardy
  • Armenia’s Demilitarization by Any Other Name
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 438 | Recorded: May 21, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - US-Iran Tensions, Armenia-Azerbaijan, Victory Day, Journalist Assaulted | Ep 434, May 4, 2025 [EP434]

Posted on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Israel, China, Ukraine, Syria | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran Sanctions Escalate Amid Tensions
  • Journalist Beaten Inside Yerevan Office
  • Moscow Celebrates Victory Day Parade
  • Armenia Caught Between EU and Russia

Episode 434 | Recorded: May 6, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - US-Iran Tensions, Armenia-Azerbaijan, Victory Day, Journalist Assaulted | Ep 434, May 4, 2025 [EP434]

Posted on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Israel, China, Ukraine, Syria

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran Sanctions Escalate Amid Tensions
  • Journalist Beaten Inside Yerevan Office
  • Moscow Celebrates Victory Day Parade
  • Armenia Caught Between EU and Russia

Episode 434 | Recorded: May 6, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - Iran, EXIM and Azerbaijan, Gyumri, Artsakh Refugees in Armenia | Ep 429, Apr 20, 2025 [EP429]

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 23, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Vatican, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Genocide, Armenian Church, Armenian Genocide, Iran, Russia, Israel, Turkey, Ukraine, Middle East, China, European Union, Economy, Georgia, NATO, Geopolitics, Human Rights | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • US-Iran Talks & Israeli Threats
  • Trump Administration Support for Azerbaijan
  • Iran-Azerbaijan Relations & Corridor Demands
  • Vatican Controversy & Global Anti-Armenian Propaganda
  • Local Elections in Gyumri and Parakar
  • Government-Fueled Hate Against Artsakh Refugees

Episode 429 | Recorded: April 22, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - Iran, EXIM and Azerbaijan, Gyumri, Artsakh Refugees in Armenia | Ep 429, Apr 20, 2025 [EP429]

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 23, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Vatican, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Genocide, Armenian Church, Armenian Genocide, Iran, Russia, Israel, Turkey, Ukraine, Middle East, China, European Union, Economy, Georgia, NATO, Geopolitics, Human Rights

Guest:

Topics:

  • US-Iran Talks & Israeli Threats
  • Trump Administration Support for Azerbaijan
  • Iran-Azerbaijan Relations & Corridor Demands
  • Vatican Controversy & Global Anti-Armenian Propaganda
  • Local Elections in Gyumri and Parakar
  • Government-Fueled Hate Against Artsakh Refugees

Episode 429 | Recorded: April 22, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - US-Iran, Gyumri, Armenia MFA Blames Artsakh, Negotiations with Azerbaijan | Ep 426, Apr 6, 2025 [EP426]

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, USA, Russia, China, Israel, Middle East, Ukraine, Artsakh Blockade, Armenian Genocide, Genocide, Turkey, NATO, Syria | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • US Iran Escalation
  • Aftermath of Gyumri and Parakar
  • MFA blames Artsakh for Regional Isolation
  • Bullets and Peace

Episode 426 | Recorded: April 8, 2025