Economy

Last updated: June 11, 2026

Armenia’s economy is a small, open system dependent on remittances, foreign direct investment, and trade relationships that have contracted dramatically since the loss of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) in September 2023. With a population of approximately 2.9 million and a nominal GDP of roughly $15–16 billion, Armenia ranks among the lower-middle-income economies of the South Caucasus. The country’s fiscal performance deteriorated sharply following the 2020 war and the complete displacement of Artsakh’s more than 150,000 Armenian inhabitants, which severed economic ties and forced military expenditure increases that strained public finances. National debt has risen substantially, and growth has remained volatile as economic activity contracted in 2022–2023 before modest recovery in 2025. Remittances from the Armenian diaspora and from Armenians working in Russia historically cushioned economic shocks, but geopolitical instability and demographic decline have reduced their reliability as a growth engine. The Armenian economy also depends on energy imports, particularly Russian natural gas, and electricity generation from the Metsamor nuclear power plant, making Armenia vulnerable to both supply disruptions and price shocks in regional energy markets.

Armenia’s integration into regional and global trade remains constrained by geography, blockade threats, and the absence of direct transit access to major markets outside the Caucasus. The proposed TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) corridor through Syunik province would theoretically connect Azerbaijan to Turkey via Armenian territory, marketed by Washington as a vehicle for regional economic integration and reduced U.S. dependence on Russian and Iranian routes. However, the corridor’s implementation hinges on Armenian territorial concessions, security guarantees Armenia cannot independently verify, and Azerbaijan’s willingness to honor transit commitments—none of which are assured. Jeffrey Sachs argued in August 2025 that Armenia should pursue pragmatic economic cooperation with immediate neighbors, particularly Iran and Russia, rather than relying on distant powers or contested corridor schemes. The Eurasian Economic Union membership provides some preferential trade access to Russia and Kazakhstan, but this integration also locks Armenia into a sphere of influence that offers limited growth prospects and exposes it to Western sanctions targeting Russian-aligned states.

Fiscal sustainability represents an acute challenge as Pashinyan ’s government has increased public spending to meet defense needs and maintain social stability while tax revenues have stagnated. Hrant Mikaelian noted in early 2026 that Armenia’s national debt has risen sharply, raising questions about long-term solvency and the government’s ability to fund both military buildups and public services without external borrowing at unfavorable rates. Prof. Warwick Powell examined in April 2026 the thermoeconomic dimensions of Armenia’s energy and information infrastructure, arguing that decisions about centralized AI data centers, small modular reactors, and large nuclear power plants were inseparable from Armenia’s energy sovereignty and its capacity to participate in emerging digital economies. The concentration of state control over the energy sector, combined with limited private sector dynamism and weak governance indicators, constrains Armenia’s attractiveness to foreign investors beyond extractive industries and diaspora-backed remittances. Whether Armenia can diversify its economy, secure reliable transit access without surrendering sovereignty, and maintain macroeconomic stability amid regional conflict remains unresolved and contingent on geopolitical shifts beyond Armenian control.

Groong episodes that include this tag

Below are all Groong episodes tagged with Economy.

Armenia's Impossible Balancing Act: Can the EU Really Replace Russia? [EP566]

Posted on Saturday, Jul 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Economy, Geopolitics, European Union, Russia

Suslov argues the EU cannot replace Russia as Armenia’s economic partner due to protectionism, geography, and the failure of similar EU integration models in Georgia and Ukraine.

Pashinyan's Western Pivot: Can Europe Replace Russia's Economic Role? [EP565]

Posted on Friday, Jul 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, European Union, Russia, Geopolitics, Politics

Markedonov critiques the scale and sincerity of EU support for Pashinyan’s Western pivot, arguing that symbolic backing cannot replace Armenia’s deep economic ties to Russia.

Russia's Remittance Threat: $3-4 Billion That Keeps Armenia's Economy Afloat [EP562]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 1, 2026 | Category: Economy, Russia, Armenia

Asbed reveals that remittances from Armenians working in Russia, totaling $3-4 billion annually, are the hidden pillar keeping Armenia’s currency and economy stable.

Russia's Embargo Will Hit Armenia Hardest in August and September [EP561]

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026 | Category: Economy, Armenia, Russia

Russia’s embargo on Armenian agricultural exports will devastate the economy by late summer, forcing farmers into poverty and threatening Armenia’s food security and agricultural planning.

Armenia faces impossible choice: replace Russia with EU markets overnight or collapse [EP559]

Posted on Saturday, Jun 20, 2026 | Category: Economy, Geopolitics, Armenia

Hrant Mikaelian analyzes why the EU’s 50 million euro credit line cannot realistically replace the Russian market for Armenian agricultural exports, and how logistics costs make European market access illusory.

Pashinyan's Pre-Election Spending Was Vote-Buying, Now Comes the Bill [EP558]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026 | Category: Politics, Economy

Asbed and Hovik expose the mechanics of Civil Contract’s pre-election spending spree: a billion dollars in unfunded pension and healthcare benefits promised to voters, now recovered through excise taxes on fuel and cigarettes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eldar Mamedov - Iran War: The Northern Front | Ep 525, Mar 22, 2026 [EP525]

Posted on Sunday, Mar 22, 2026 | Category: Iran, Politics, Armenia, Israel, USA, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Syria, Economy, Genocide, NATO, Russia, Georgia, Middle East | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran at War
  • The Northern Front: Turkey & Azerbaijan
  • Changing Nakhijevan’s Constitution

Episode 525 | Recorded: March 20, 2026

#GroongPodcast #EldarMamedov #IranWar #Azerbaijan #SouthCaucasus

Eldar Mamedov - Iran War: The Northern Front | Ep 525, Mar 22, 2026 [EP525]

Posted on Sunday, Mar 22, 2026 | Category: Iran, Politics, Armenia, Israel, USA, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Syria, Economy, Genocide, NATO, Russia, Georgia, Middle East

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran at War
  • The Northern Front: Turkey & Azerbaijan
  • Changing Nakhijevan’s Constitution

Episode 525 | Recorded: March 20, 2026

#GroongPodcast #EldarMamedov #IranWar #Azerbaijan #SouthCaucasus

Varuzhan Geghamyan - Iran War, Zangezur Corridor, Nakhijevan Constitution | Ep 524, Mar 20, 2026 [EP524]

Posted on Friday, Mar 20, 2026 | Category: Politics, Iran, Armenia, Israel, Azerbaijan, USA, Turkey, Artsakh, Geopolitics, Middle East, Nagorno Karabakh, Russia, Syria, China, Economy, Georgia, Ukraine | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran at War
  • The Northern Front: Turkey & Azerbaijan
  • Changing Nakhichevan’s Constitution

Episode 524 | Recorded: March 19, 2026

#IranWar #VaruzhanGeghamyan #ZangezurCorridor #Syunik #ArmeniaGeopolitics

Varuzhan Geghamyan - Iran War, Zangezur Corridor, Nakhijevan Constitution | Ep 524, Mar 20, 2026 [EP524]

Posted on Friday, Mar 20, 2026 | Category: Politics, Iran, Armenia, Israel, Azerbaijan, USA, Turkey, Artsakh, Geopolitics, Middle East, Nagorno Karabakh, Russia, Syria, China, Economy, Georgia, Ukraine

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran at War
  • The Northern Front: Turkey & Azerbaijan
  • Changing Nakhichevan’s Constitution

Episode 524 | Recorded: March 19, 2026

#IranWar #VaruzhanGeghamyan #ZangezurCorridor #Syunik #ArmeniaGeopolitics

Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - Europe and America, JD Vance in Armenia, Pashinyan vs. Church | Ep 516, Feb 8, 2026 [EP516]

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, USA, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Syria, Armenian Church, European Union, Iran, China, Ukraine, Human Rights, Georgia, Israel, Genocide, Economy, Geopolitics, India, NATO | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • A European View of America
  • JD Vance in Armenia
  • Pashinyan vs. The Armenian Church
  • Europe and Armenia

Episode 516 | Recorded: February 9, 2026

Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - Europe and America, JD Vance in Armenia, Pashinyan vs. Church | Ep 516, Feb 8, 2026 [EP516]

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, USA, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Syria, Armenian Church, European Union, Iran, China, Ukraine, Human Rights, Georgia, Israel, Genocide, Economy, Geopolitics, India, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • A European View of America
  • JD Vance in Armenia
  • Pashinyan vs. The Armenian Church
  • Europe and Armenia

Episode 516 | Recorded: February 9, 2026

James Carden & Pietro Shakarian - Global Affairs in the Age of Trump 2.0 | Ep 515, Feb 7, 2026 [EP515]

Posted on Saturday, Feb 7, 2026 | Category: USA, TRIPP, Iran, Armenia, Israel, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, BRICS, Russia, China, Economy, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, Human Rights, India, Middle East, NATO | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Trump 2.0 and the “Donroe Doctrine”
  • Rules-Based Disorder?
  • Iran vs. the “Big, Beautiful Armada”
  • US Cohesion and Midterms
  • JD Vance in the South Caucasus

Episode 515 | Recorded: February 6, 2026

James Carden & Pietro Shakarian - Global Affairs in the Age of Trump 2.0 | Ep 515, Feb 7, 2026 [EP515]

Posted on Saturday, Feb 7, 2026 | Category: USA, TRIPP, Iran, Armenia, Israel, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, BRICS, Russia, China, Economy, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, Human Rights, India, Middle East, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Trump 2.0 and the “Donroe Doctrine”
  • Rules-Based Disorder?
  • Iran vs. the “Big, Beautiful Armada”
  • US Cohesion and Midterms
  • JD Vance in the South Caucasus

Episode 515 | Recorded: February 6, 2026

Andrei Tsygankov - Canceling Russia and The Towers of the Kremlin | Ep 514, Feb 5, 2026 [EP514]

Posted on Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 | Category: Russia, Politics, Geopolitics, BRICS, Ukraine, Economy, NATO, Armenia, Georgia, China, European Union, Iran, Israel | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Defining the “Canceling Russia” phenomenon
  • The “cancel Russia” lobby
  • Containment shifts to coercive transformation
  • Russian Orthodox Church as battleground
  • Kremlin “towers” and civilizational logic

Episode 514 | Recorded: February 4, 2026

#CancelingRussia #RussianForeignPolicy #UkraineWar #StateCivilization #TowersOfTheKremlin #RussianOrthodoxChurch

Andrei Tsygankov - Canceling Russia and The Towers of the Kremlin | Ep 514, Feb 5, 2026 [EP514]

Posted on Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 | Category: Russia, Politics, Geopolitics, BRICS, Ukraine, Economy, NATO, Armenia, Georgia, China, European Union, Iran, Israel

Guest:

Topics:

  • Defining the “Canceling Russia” phenomenon
  • The “cancel Russia” lobby
  • Containment shifts to coercive transformation
  • Russian Orthodox Church as battleground
  • Kremlin “towers” and civilizational logic

Episode 514 | Recorded: February 4, 2026

#CancelingRussia #RussianForeignPolicy #UkraineWar #StateCivilization #TowersOfTheKremlin #RussianOrthodoxChurch

Arthur Khachatryan - Army Day, JD Vance to Armenia, TRIPP, Church, Strong Armenia Political Party | Ep 510, Jan 27, 2026 [EP510]

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, Iran, Economy, Georgia, Human Rights, Syria | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Memorial Day vs. Army Day
  • JD Vance to Armenia and Azerbaijan
  • Armenian Church Developments
  • Strong Armenia - New Political Party

Episode 510 | Recorded: Jnauary 27, 2026

Arthur Khachatryan - Army Day, JD Vance to Armenia, TRIPP, Church, Strong Armenia Political Party | Ep 510, Jan 27, 2026 [EP510]

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, Iran, Economy, Georgia, Human Rights, Syria

Guest:

Topics:

  • Memorial Day vs. Army Day
  • JD Vance to Armenia and Azerbaijan
  • Armenian Church Developments
  • Strong Armenia - New Political Party

Episode 510 | Recorded: Jnauary 27, 2026

Sergei Melkonian - Syria, Iran Unrest, TRIPP, Armenian Parliamentary Elections | Ep 508, Jan 18, 2026 [EP508]

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 20, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Syria, Iran, Israel, China, Geopolitics, Middle East, Georgia, Ukraine, Economy, India, European Union | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Syria, Kurds, Turkish advance
  • Iran Unrest, War Postponed
  • TRIPP and sovereignty dispute
  • 2026 Elections and Foreign Influence

Episode 508 | Recorded: January 19, 2026

#ArmenianNews #Syria #Iran #ZangezurCorridor #TRIPP #Geopolitics

Sergei Melkonian - Syria, Iran Unrest, TRIPP, Armenian Parliamentary Elections | Ep 508, Jan 18, 2026 [EP508]

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 20, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Syria, Iran, Israel, China, Geopolitics, Middle East, Georgia, Ukraine, Economy, India, European Union

Guest:

Topics:

  • Syria, Kurds, Turkish advance
  • Iran Unrest, War Postponed
  • TRIPP and sovereignty dispute
  • 2026 Elections and Foreign Influence

Episode 508 | Recorded: January 19, 2026

#ArmenianNews #Syria #Iran #ZangezurCorridor #TRIPP #Geopolitics

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

Arthur Martirosyan - Ukraine, Iran, Baku Pogroms, Church Clash | Ep 505, Jan 11, 2026 [EP505]

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 14, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, USA, Armenian Genocide, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, Iran, Israel, Economy, Georgia, Middle East, Syria, China, Genocide | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine war’s global cost to Russia
  • Iran unrest and war risk
  • Remembering the Baku pogroms
  • Russia-Armenia tensions and media threats
  • Pashinyan’s clash with Armenian Church

Episode 505 | Recorded: January 13, 2026

Arthur Martirosyan - Ukraine, Iran, Baku Pogroms, Church Clash | Ep 505, Jan 11, 2026 [EP505]

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 14, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, USA, Armenian Genocide, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, Iran, Israel, Economy, Georgia, Middle East, Syria, China, Genocide

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine war’s global cost to Russia
  • Iran unrest and war risk
  • Remembering the Baku pogroms
  • Russia-Armenia tensions and media threats
  • Pashinyan’s clash with Armenian Church

Episode 505 | Recorded: January 13, 2026

Hrant Mikaelian - Venezuela, Attacks on the Armenian Church Continue, MPG Poll Results | Ep 501, Jan 4, 2026 [EP501]

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian Church, Economy, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, BRICS, Russia, China, Geopolitics, Georgia, Human Rights, Iran, NATO, Syria | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Developments in Venezuela
  • Attacks on Armenian Church Continue
  • New MPG Poll Results

Episode 501 | Recorded: January 6, 2026

#VenezuelaCrisis #ArmenianChurch #MPGPoll #ArmeniaEconomy #Geopolitics

Hrant Mikaelian - Venezuela, Attacks on the Armenian Church Continue, MPG Poll Results | Ep 501, Jan 4, 2026 [EP501]

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian Church, Economy, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, BRICS, Russia, China, Geopolitics, Georgia, Human Rights, Iran, NATO, Syria

Guest:

Topics:

  • Developments in Venezuela
  • Attacks on Armenian Church Continue
  • New MPG Poll Results

Episode 501 | Recorded: January 6, 2026

#VenezuelaCrisis #ArmenianChurch #MPGPoll #ArmeniaEconomy #Geopolitics

Benyamin Poghosyan - Ukraine, Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, TRIPP, Review & Outlook | Ep 500, Dec 28, 2025 [EP500]

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Israel, Iran, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Georgia, China, NATO, Economy, European Union, Syria, India, Middle East, Genocide, Lebanon | Series: video, wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Foreign Crises Affecting Armenia
  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Saga
  • Russia and TRIPP
  • Change of US Ambassador
  • Year-End Review & Outlook

Episode 500 | Recorded: December 31, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Ukraine, Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, TRIPP, Review & Outlook | Ep 500, Dec 28, 2025 [EP500]

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Israel, Iran, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Georgia, China, NATO, Economy, European Union, Syria, India, Middle East, Genocide, Lebanon

Guest:

Topics:

  • Foreign Crises Affecting Armenia
  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Saga
  • Russia and TRIPP
  • Change of US Ambassador
  • Year-End Review & Outlook

Episode 500 | Recorded: December 31, 2025

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

Arthur Khachatryan - Foreign Pressure, Attack on Church, Artsakh Repression | Ep 496, Dec 14, 2025 [EP496]

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Azerbaijan, Russia, Georgia, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, European Union, Genocide, Ukraine, Turkey, Iran, Economy, India, NATO | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia between EU and Russia
  • Church–state confrontation in Armenia
  • Artsakh concessions and return debate
  • Economy, debt, and governance
  • NSS raids Artsakh offices

Episode 496 | Recorded: December 15, 2025

#ArmeniaPolitics #EUvsRussia #ArmenianChurch #Artsakh #Geopolitics

Arthur Khachatryan - Foreign Pressure, Attack on Church, Artsakh Repression | Ep 496, Dec 14, 2025 [EP496]

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Azerbaijan, Russia, Georgia, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, European Union, Genocide, Ukraine, Turkey, Iran, Economy, India, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia between EU and Russia
  • Church–state confrontation in Armenia
  • Artsakh concessions and return debate
  • Economy, debt, and governance
  • NSS raids Artsakh offices

Episode 496 | Recorded: December 15, 2025

#ArmeniaPolitics #EUvsRussia #ArmenianChurch #Artsakh #Geopolitics

Harry Istepanian - Venezuela’s Oil and the Global Power Struggle | Ep 495, Dec 14, 2025 [EP495]

Posted on Sunday, Dec 14, 2025 | Category: Geopolitics, Armenia, China, Ukraine, Russia, Middle East, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Economy, India, Turkey | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Venezuela’s oil and US pressure
  • Trump, oil prices, and OPEC+
  • Middle East fallout from cheap oil
  • Ukraine war and Iran conflict stakes

Episode 495 | Recorded: December 11, 2025

#Venezuela #OilPolitics #Geopolitics #USForeignPolicy #EnergyWars

Harry Istepanian - Venezuela’s Oil and the Global Power Struggle | Ep 495, Dec 14, 2025 [EP495]

Posted on Sunday, Dec 14, 2025 | Category: Geopolitics, Armenia, China, Ukraine, Russia, Middle East, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Economy, India, Turkey

Guest:

Topics:

  • Venezuela’s oil and US pressure
  • Trump, oil prices, and OPEC+
  • Middle East fallout from cheap oil
  • Ukraine war and Iran conflict stakes

Episode 495 | Recorded: December 11, 2025

#Venezuela #OilPolitics #Geopolitics #USForeignPolicy #EnergyWars

Matt Hoh - What Happened to America First, Ukraine, Gaza, TRIPP in Armenia and other US Adventures | Ep 491 - Nov 30, 2025 [EP491]

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2025 | Category: USA, World Order, TRIPP, Ukraine, Israel, Russia, China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Armenia, Iran, Middle East, Economy, NATO, Genocide, Geopolitics, Human Rights | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Venezuela
  • Ukraine War
  • Gaza
  • TRIPP in Armenia

Episode 491 | Recorded: November 29, 2025

#Venezuela #AmericaFirst #USForeignPolicy #TRIPP #UkraineWar

Matt Hoh - What Happened to America First, Ukraine, Gaza, TRIPP in Armenia and other US Adventures | Ep 491 - Nov 30, 2025 [EP491]

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2025 | Category: USA, World Order, TRIPP, Ukraine, Israel, Russia, China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, Armenia, Iran, Middle East, Economy, NATO, Genocide, Geopolitics, Human Rights

Guest:

Topics:

  • Venezuela
  • Ukraine War
  • Gaza
  • TRIPP in Armenia

Episode 491 | Recorded: November 29, 2025

#Venezuela #AmericaFirst #USForeignPolicy #TRIPP #UkraineWar

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

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

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

Pietro Shakarian - Anastas Mikoyan, An Armenian Reformer in Khrushchev's Kremlin| Ep 480, Oct 22, 2025 [EP480]

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 | Category: Armenia, History, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, History, Armenian Genocide, USSR, Armenian Church, Russia, Genocide, China, Georgia, Turkey, Economy, NATO, Iran, Lebanon, Middle East, Ukraine, India, Soviet Armenia, Modern Armenia | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Research journey, archives Moscow and Yerevan
  • Mikoyan’s vision of confederation for the USSR
  • Artsakh’s status within Soviet constraints
  • De-Stalinization and Armenia’s cultural thaw
  • Mikoyan’s stance toward the Armenian Church

Episode 480 | Recorded on October 18, 2025

Pietro Shakarian - Anastas Mikoyan, An Armenian Reformer in Khrushchev's Kremlin| Ep 480, Oct 22, 2025 [EP480]

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 | Category: Armenia, History, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, History, Armenian Genocide, USSR, Armenian Church, Russia, Genocide, China, Georgia, Turkey, Economy, NATO, Iran, Lebanon, Middle East, Ukraine, India, Soviet Armenia, Modern Armenia

Guest:

Topics:

  • Research journey, archives Moscow and Yerevan
  • Mikoyan’s vision of confederation for the USSR
  • Artsakh’s status within Soviet constraints
  • De-Stalinization and Armenia’s cultural thaw
  • Mikoyan’s stance toward the Armenian Church

Episode 480 | Recorded on October 18, 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

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

Arthur Khachatryan - September 13 War, Kiliç in Armenia, US $145M for TRIPP, Shorter Military Service | Ep 472, Sep 14, 2025 [EP472]

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Artsakh Blockade, Economy, Russia, Georgia, Iran, China | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • September 13, 2022 War anniversary
  • Serdar Kiliç in Armenia for Normalization
  • U.S. State Dept. $145M for TRIPP

Episode 472 | Recorded: September 15, 2025