Donald Trump
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in January 2025 brought a distinct set of priorities to US engagement in the South Caucasus. The Trump administration’s signature regional initiative has been the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a connectivity proposal centered on opening the Zangezur Corridor through Armenia to link Turkey and Azerbaijan — and potentially extending to regional economic integration. The proposal has been controversial in Armenia, where many view it as pressure to make territorial concessions to Azerbaijan under the banner of economic development.
More broadly, the Trump administration’s approach to the South Caucasus reflects its transactional foreign policy: prioritizing deal-making, reducing emphasis on democracy and human rights conditions, and recalibrating relationships with traditional allies and adversaries alike. For Armenia, this has meant navigating a US posture that is simultaneously a potential counterweight to Russia and a source of pressure on the peace process .
Groong has covered Trump’s impact on Armenian affairs extensively, from the TRIPP proposal and its reception in Yerevan to US-Armenia security cooperation, Congressional dynamics, and how Trump-era US foreign policy compares with the Biden approach to the South Caucasus.
Groong episodes that include this tag
Below are all Groong episodes tagged with Donald Trump.
Groong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- US-Iran negotiations and regional risks
- TRIPP and shifting regional power
- Armenia’s contested post-election landscape
- Opposition failures and future strategy
- Risks of another parliamentary election
Episode 560 | Recorded: June 22, 2026
#ArmeniaElections #USIranNegotiations #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #Iran #ArmanGrigoryan
Arman Grigoryan - US-Iran Negotiations, Post-Election Armenian Politics | Ep 560, Jun 23, 2026 [EP560]
Posted on Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, IranGroong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- US-Iran negotiations and regional risks
- TRIPP and shifting regional power
- Armenia’s contested post-election landscape
- Opposition failures and future strategy
- Risks of another parliamentary election
Episode 560 | Recorded: June 22, 2026
#ArmeniaElections #USIranNegotiations #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #Iran #ArmanGrigoryan
Transcript: Arman Grigoryan - US-Iran Negotiations, Post-Election Armenian Politics | Ep 560, Jun 23, 2026 [EP560]
Posted on Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, TranscriptIn this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Arman Grigoryan about US-Iran negotiations and Armenia’s contested post-election landscape. We discuss the prospects for a US-Iran agreement, its implications for TRIPP and Iran-Russia relations, the aftermath of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, and how shifting great-power dynamics reshape the South Caucasus.
Groong Links:
Topics:
- Armenian Election Aftermath
- Armenia-Georgia Relations
- US-Iran Interim Agreement
Episode 558 | Recorded: June 15, 2026
#Armenia #ArmenianNews #ArmenianElections #CivilContract #Pashinyan #ArmenianConstitution #Referendum #ProsperousArmenia #SouthCaucasus #CEC
Armenian Parliamentary Election, US-Iran Agreement | Ep 558, Jun 14, 2026 [EP558]
Posted on Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, IranGroong Links:
Topics:
- Armenian Election Aftermath
- Armenia-Georgia Relations
- US-Iran Interim Agreement
Episode 558 | Recorded: June 15, 2026
#Armenia #ArmenianNews #ArmenianElections #CivilContract #Pashinyan #ArmenianConstitution #Referendum #ProsperousArmenia #SouthCaucasus #CEC
Transcript: Armenian Parliamentary Election, US-Iran Agreement | Ep 558, Jun 14, 2026 [EP558]
Posted on Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, TranscriptIn this episode of Groong Week in Review for June 14, 2026, hosts Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian analyze the aftermath of Armenia’s 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, shifting Armenia-Georgia relations, and a landmark interim US-Iran agreement that reshapes regional stability. We discuss the ceasefire framework, sanctions relief, and how the Iran war’s resolution affects Armenian security, energy markets, and the broader South Caucasus landscape.
Arthur Martirosyan - After the Anger, What Next? | Ep 557, Jun 10, 2026 [EP557]
Posted on Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics | Series: cog, video
Groong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- Contested results and thresholds
- Pashinyan’s post-election crackdown
- Western backing and interference
- Russia’s delayed pressure campaign
- Opposition choices after the vote
Episode 557 | Recorded: June 9, 2026
#ArmenianElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #CivilContract #StrongArmenia #ArmenianOpposition
Arthur Martirosyan - After the Anger, What Next? | Ep 557, Jun 10, 2026 [EP557]
Posted on Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, PoliticsGroong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- Contested results and thresholds
- Pashinyan’s post-election crackdown
- Western backing and interference
- Russia’s delayed pressure campaign
- Opposition choices after the vote
Episode 557 | Recorded: June 9, 2026
#ArmenianElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #CivilContract #StrongArmenia #ArmenianOpposition
Transcript: Arthur Martirosyan - After the Anger, What Next? | Ep 557, Jun 10, 2026 [EP557]
Posted on Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, TranscriptIn this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Arthur G. Martirosyan about Armenia’s contested 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election and Pashinyan’s path to a third term. We discuss whether the vote was free and fair, how state pressure and Western backing shaped the outcome, the razor-thin thresholds that determine parliamentary representation, Pashinyan’s post-election crackdown against the Established Opposition, and what a Civil Contract supermajority would mean for Armenia’s governance and the Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process.
2026 Elections: A Mandate Under Dispute | Ep 556, June 7, 2026 [EP556]
Posted on Wednesday, Jun 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics | Series: wir, video
Groong Links:
Topics:
- Disputed mandate, unresolved majority
- Election-day irregularities in plain sight
- ODIHR’s mixed preliminary verdict
- Bribery replaced by state spending
- Opposition’s next steps uncertain
Episode 556 | Recorded: Jun 9, 2026 #ArmenianElections #ArmenianNews #CivilContract #Pashinyan #Election2026 #SouthCaucasus
2026 Elections: A Mandate Under Dispute | Ep 556, June 7, 2026 [EP556]
Posted on Wednesday, Jun 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, PoliticsGroong Links:
Topics:
- Disputed mandate, unresolved majority
- Election-day irregularities in plain sight
- ODIHR’s mixed preliminary verdict
- Bribery replaced by state spending
- Opposition’s next steps uncertain
Episode 556 | Recorded: Jun 9, 2026 #ArmenianElections #ArmenianNews #CivilContract #Pashinyan #Election2026 #SouthCaucasus
Transcript: 2026 Elections: A Mandate Under Dispute | Ep 556, June 7, 2026 [EP556]
Posted on Wednesday, Jun 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, TranscriptIn this episode of Groong Week in Review, we analyze the disputed results of Armenia’s June 7, 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We examine Civil Contract’s contested majority, alleged irregularities and invalid ballots, the OSCE/ODIHR preliminary report, the last-minute exclusion of Prosperous Armenia, opposition arrests and pressure, and what a three-fifths majority could mean for Armenia’s courts, institutions, and foreign policy.
Sergey Markedonov - Russia-Armenia Relations Before the Vote | Ep 552, June 1, 2026 [EP552]
Posted on Monday, Jun 1, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Russia, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Turkey, Iran, Georgia | Series: cog
Groong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- TRIPP and Regional Balance
- Armenia’s Geopolitical Election
- Pashinyan’s “Real Armenia”
- Russia’s Economic Pressure
Episode 552 | Recorded: May 31, 2026
#RussiaArmenia #SergeyMarkedonov #ArmeniaElections #Pashinyan #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #RealArmenia #EAEU
Sergey Markedonov - Russia-Armenia Relations Before the Vote | Ep 552, June 1, 2026 [EP552]
Posted on Monday, Jun 1, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Russia, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Turkey, Iran, GeorgiaGroong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- TRIPP and Regional Balance
- Armenia’s Geopolitical Election
- Pashinyan’s “Real Armenia”
- Russia’s Economic Pressure
Episode 552 | Recorded: May 31, 2026
#RussiaArmenia #SergeyMarkedonov #ArmeniaElections #Pashinyan #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #RealArmenia #EAEU
Transcript: Sergey Markedonov - Russia-Armenia Relations Before the Vote | Ep 552, June 1, 2026 [EP552]
Posted on Monday, Jun 1, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Russia, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Turkey, Iran, Georgia, TranscriptIn this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Sergey Markedonov about Russia-Armenia relations and Armenia’s geopolitical position ahead of the June 7, 2026 Armenian parliamentary elections. We discuss the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), Russian concerns about regional balance, Pashinyan’s westward orientation, economic pressure from Moscow, and how Armenia’s strategic partnerships will shape its future in the South Caucasus.
Arthur Khachatryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 551, May 31, 2026 [EP551]
Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh | Series: cog, video
Groong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- Free and fair elections
- Polls and opposition unity
- Hayastan Dashinq platform
- TRIPP and foreign policy
- Economy and Russian pressure
Episode 551 | Recorded: May 30, 2026
#ArmeniaElections #ArthurKhachatryan #HayastanDashinq #ArmenianOpposition #Pashinyan #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #Groong
Arthur Khachatryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 551, May 31, 2026 [EP551]
Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno KarabakhGroong Links:
Guest(s):
Topics:
- Free and fair elections
- Polls and opposition unity
- Hayastan Dashinq platform
- TRIPP and foreign policy
- Economy and Russian pressure
Episode 551 | Recorded: May 30, 2026
#ArmeniaElections #ArthurKhachatryan #HayastanDashinq #ArmenianOpposition #Pashinyan #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #Groong
Transcript: Arthur Khachatryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 551, May 31, 2026 [EP551]
Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, TranscriptIn this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Arthur Khachatryan of the Hayastan Dashinq, Armenia Alliance about the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election scheduled for June 7. We discuss whether free and fair elections are possible given foreign interference from the West, abuse of administrative resources by the ruling Civil Contract party, media control, and competing pressures from the United States, EU, Russia, and regional actors including Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Rubio Visit, New MPG and IRI Polls, Hidden Votes and Why Are You Alive? | Ep 550, May 24, 2026 [EP550]
Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Azerbaijan, Russia, China | Series: wir, video
Groong Links:
Topics:
- Rubio’s sudden Armenia visit
- Polls diverge before election
- Hidden vote raises questions
- TRIPP remains deeply polarizing
- “Western Azerbaijan” pressure grows
- Opposition faces arrests, threats
- “Why are you alive?” campaign rhetoric
Episode 550 | Recorded: May 25, 2026
#ArmeniaElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #WesternAzerbaijan #ArmenianOpposition
Rubio Visit, New MPG and IRI Polls, Hidden Votes and Why Are You Alive? | Ep 550, May 24, 2026 [EP550]
Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Azerbaijan, Russia, ChinaGroong Links:
Topics:
- Rubio’s sudden Armenia visit
- Polls diverge before election
- Hidden vote raises questions
- TRIPP remains deeply polarizing
- “Western Azerbaijan” pressure grows
- Opposition faces arrests, threats
- “Why are you alive?” campaign rhetoric
Episode 550 | Recorded: May 25, 2026
#ArmeniaElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #WesternAzerbaijan #ArmenianOpposition
Transcript: Rubio Visit, New MPG and IRI Polls, Hidden Votes and Why Are You Alive? | Ep 550, May 24, 2026 [EP550]
Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Azerbaijan, Russia, China, TranscriptThis Week in Review examines the tightening political climate in Armenia ahead of the June 2026 parliamentary elections. Asbed and Hovik discuss Marco Rubio’s sudden Armenia visit, new polling from IRI, MPG, and CAEAC, and what the wide gaps in voter disclosure may reveal about hidden opposition support. The episode also covers TRIPP, “Western Azerbaijan” rhetoric, public trust in the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the growing use of arrests, threats, and state pressure against opposition figures. The discussion centers on Pashinyan’s escalating campaign rhetoric, including his “Why are you alive?” outburst, and what it signals about the stakes of the coming election.
Edgar Elbakyan - The Battle for Armenia’s Political Future | Ep 549, May 24, 2026 [EP549]
Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan | Series: cog, video
Groong Links:
Guest:
Topics:
- Armenia’s existential election
- Polling under fear
- Divergent polling results
- Church and state conflict
- Post-election street pressure
Episode 549 | Recorded: May 22, 2026
#Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #EdgarElbakyan #StrongArmenia #ArmeniaAlliance #ArmeniaElections
Edgar Elbakyan - The Battle for Armenia’s Political Future | Ep 549, May 24, 2026 [EP549]
Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, AzerbaijanGroong Links:
Guest:
Topics:
- Armenia’s existential election
- Polling under fear
- Divergent polling results
- Church and state conflict
- Post-election street pressure
Episode 549 | Recorded: May 22, 2026
#Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #EdgarElbakyan #StrongArmenia #ArmeniaAlliance #ArmeniaElections
Transcript: Edgar Elbakyan - The Battle for Armenia’s Political Future | Ep 549, May 24, 2026 [EP549]
Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, TranscriptThis Conversations on Groong episode features Edgar Elbakyan in a discussion of Armenia’s upcoming election and the wider struggle over the country’s political future. The conversation examines whether the vote should be viewed as an existential election, how fear and pressure shape public opinion, why polling results differ so sharply, and which political forces may be positioned to enter parliament. The episode also looks at whether the opposition is focused on the issues that matter most, including statehood, security, public trust, and the possibility that the election may not end at the ballot box.
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
Groong Links:
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, NATOGroong Links:
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, TranscriptThis 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
Groong Links:
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, NATOGroong Links:
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, TranscriptDr. 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.
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
Groong Links:
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 RightsGroong Links:
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
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, TranscriptAnna 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
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
Groong Links:
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, TurkeyGroong Links:
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, TranscriptIn 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
Groong Links:
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 UnionGroong Links:
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, TranscriptThis 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
Groong Links:
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 RightsGroong Links:
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, TranscriptThis 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
Groong Links:
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 RightsGroong Links:
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, TranscriptHrair 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
Groong Links:
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, IranGroong Links:
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, TranscriptIn 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, TranscriptWe 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
Groong Links:
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 UnionGroong Links:
Guest:
Topics:
- Iran War and TRIPP
- Armenian Genocide commemoration
- Peace narrative vs corridor reality
- Parliamentary election
Episode 536 | Recorded: April 27, 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 | Series: cog, video
Groong Links:
Guest:
Topics:
- Iran war dynamics and Russiaâs role
- Ukraine war and Europeâs militarization
- Armeniaâs pivot and Russiaâs 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, TurkeyGroong Links:
Guest:
Topics:
- Iran war dynamics and Russiaâs role
- Ukraine war and Europeâs militarization
- Armeniaâs pivot and Russiaâs 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, TranscriptIn 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
Groong Links:
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, NATOGroong Links:
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, TranscriptProf. 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
Groong Links:
Guest:
- Amb. Dziunik Aghajanian
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, NATOGroong Links:
Guest:
- Amb. Dziunik Aghajanian
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, TranscriptIn 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.