Hayastan Dashinq on Groong Podcast

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

Mon, 11 May 2026 19:30:06 -0700

Summary

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, and the risks of a falsified vote. Grigoryan also discusses Armenia's foreign policy direction, the peace treaty with Azerbaijan, TRIPP and Syunik amid the Iran war, education as a national priority, and Hayastan Dashinq's core message to voters.

Show Notes

Anna Grigoryan of Hayastan Dashinq (Armenia Alliance) joins Groong to discuss Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary election and the official start of the campaign. The conversation covers the EPC and Armenia-EU summits in Yerevan, European support for Pashinyan, Aliyev’s remote appearance and attacks on Artsakh Armenians, opposition protests, and concerns over EU involvement in Armenia’s election environment. Grigoryan also discusses opposition coalition math, Hayastan Dashinq’s 8% threshold, Strong Armenia’s position in the opposition field, possible post-election scenarios, Armenia’s foreign policy direction, the peace treaty with Azerbaijan, TRIPP, Syunik, the war in Iran, education policy, and the opposition’s response if the election is falsified.

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

Mon, 11 May 2026 19:30:06 -0700

Episode Summary

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

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:00 -0700

Summary

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

Main Topics Addressed

Trump’s declared pause in the Iran War
Failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad
Naval blockade and War Powers debate
Continued Israeli operations in Lebanon
“Operation Kochari” and Mustafayev’s Armenia visit
TRIPP and border demarcation politics
Armenia-Azerbaijan trade as political theater
Destruction of the Stepanakert Cathedral
Pashinyan’s response to Azerbaijan’s actions
International silence on Artsakh heritage destruction
MPG poll and Armenia’s June 7 election outlook
Opposition coalition scenarios
Possible election fraud and street protests
European Political Community meeting in Armenia
Legal pressure and administrative resources
Press freedom decline and RSF ranking
Mass surveillance and political prosecutions

Key Questions Discussed

Why did Trump declare hostilities with Iran “terminated” after failed talks?
Is the Iran ceasefire real, or is the US using the pause to reload?
How much is US domestic politics shaping the Iran War?
Why are US allies reluctant to join a wider war with Iran?
What does continued Israeli action in Lebanon say about the broader Middle East conflict?
Why was Shahin Mustafayev’s visit to Armenia kept quiet?
Was the visit mainly about border demarcation, TRIPP, business, or post-election planning?
Is Armenia-Azerbaijan trade real economic normalization, or a staged political narrative?
What does TRIPP mean if Armenia cannot use it for real North-South access?
Why did Azerbaijan destroy the Stepanakert Cathedral?
Why did many Western governments stay silent on the destruction of Armenian Christian heritage?
What did Pashinyan’s reaction reveal about his government’s view of Artsakh?
What does the new MPG poll show about voter turnout and opposition strength?
Can Civil Contract keep power without a clear majority?
Could DOK, Bright Armenia, or Prosperous Armenia become kingmakers?
Can the opposition form a working coalition if Pashinyan falls short?
Who could become prime minister if the opposition wins?
What happens if the June 7 election results are falsified?
Why is the opposition not yet building a street movement?
Can Armenia hold free and fair elections under current legal and media conditions?
How serious is Armenia’s decline in press freedom?
How are surveillance, prosecutions, and selective leaks shaping the election environment?

References

MPG Poll Slides

Methodology

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

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:00 -0700

Episode Summary

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

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0700

Summary

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

Main Topics Addressed

Strong Armenia’s role in the 2026 elections
Arrests and legal pressure on opposition figures
Conditions and rights of displaced Artsakh Armenians
Voting rights and documentation issues for Artsakhtsis
Destruction of Armenian cultural heritage in Artsakh
Strong Armenia’s position on Artsakh and right of return
Prisoners and hostages held in Baku
TRIPP / Zangezur Corridor and sovereignty concerns
Security guarantees and regional connectivity
Impact of Iran conflict on regional projects
Polling trends and opposition electoral prospects
Coalition-building and opposition unity
Legal challenges around Samvel Karapetyan’s candidacy

Key Questions Discussed

Who is Arega Hovsepyan and what shaped her political path?
What is the current status of arrests targeting Strong Armenia members?
How credible are the allegations of electoral bribery?
Could Strong Armenia face restrictions or bans ahead of elections?
What are the living conditions of Artsakh Armenians in Armenia today?
How many displaced Artsakhtsis can vote and are they engaged?
What is Strong Armenia’s plan for the right of return to Artsakh?
How can Armenian prisoners be brought back from Baku?
Has Armenia actually achieved peace with Azerbaijan?
What risks exist if political power shifts in Armenia?
Can TRIPP be reshaped into a mutually beneficial project?
What security guarantees would make regional corridors acceptable?
How do regional dynamics, including Iran, affect these plans?
What do current polls suggest about Strong Armenia’s chances?
Will opposition forces unite to form a coalition government?
How can Samvel Karapetyan legally become prime minister?

Referenced Articles & Sources

Wrap-up

Links and Resources

That’s our show, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can find us on most social media and podcast platforms.

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

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0700

Episode Summary

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

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0400

Summary

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

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

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

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

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0800

Summary

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

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

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0800

Episode Summary

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

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0800

Summary

This Week in Review featured Asbed and Hovik without a guest. We discussed the death of Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II and the Armenian government’s blocking of Catholicos of all Armenians Karekin II from attending the funeral; the latest turn in the Iran war and what it could mean for Armenia and the wider region; Israel’s renewed ground operation in southern Lebanon; and Armenia’s June elections, including political prisoners, media freedom, Civil Contract’s campaign tactics, the opposition field, EU involvement, and Strong Armenia’s messaging on TRIPP and security.

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

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0800

Episode Summary

Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War Fears, June Vote Rules, State-Church Clash | Ep 519, Feb 22, 2026

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0800

This Week in Review covers three major threads, the risk of escalation around Iran and what it means for Armenia’s regional posture, the growing set of legal and political moves shaping Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections, and the continuing confrontation between Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Church, including actions affecting Catholicos Karekin II and senior clergy.

Main Topics Addressed

Iran war fears, the state of US-Iran talks, and Israeli pressure for maximal demands
Armenia-Iran ties, senior Armenian visits to Tehran, and how TRIPP affects trust
June 7 parliamentary elections, rule changes, and claims of an uneven playing field
Opposition landscape and how major blocs are forming ahead of June 7
Escalating clash between the government and the Armenian Church

Key Questions Discussed

How likely is a near-term war on Iran, and what are the red lines in the talks?
Where do Trump’s instincts differ from Israel and US hardliners on Iran?
Why the recent stream of senior Armenian visits to Tehran, and what is Iran watching for?
How has TRIPP changed Iran-Armenia trust and risk perceptions?
What does the current opposition lineup suggest about June 7 scenarios?
Is the Church conflict targeted at Karekin II, or aimed at the institution itself?
Who benefits from a weakened or divided Armenian Church?

Referenced Articles & Sources

Wrap-up

That’s our show! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on Social Media and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.

Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War Fears, June Vote Rules, State-Church Clash | Ep 519, Feb 22, 2026

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0800

Episode Summary

Go to Episode Notes

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

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700

Anna Grigoryan joins us to assess four Armenians returning from Baku amid continued detention of other POWs, the escalating clash between Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Apostolic Church, new details around TRIPP after talks in Washington, and what is at stake in Armenia’s June 2026 elections, including opposition strategy and outside influence.

Main Topics Addressed

1) Return of 4 Hostages

What the release signals, and why the continued detention of at least 19 Armenians remains the core issue
Criticism of the terms and timing, including concerns about “hostage diplomacy” during negotiations
The reported linkage to Armenia returning two Syrian mercenaries, and Pashinyan’s denial that this was an exchange
Prior precedents of releasing convicted enemy personnel, and what that suggests about state policy and deterrence

2) Pashinyan vs. Church

Why the dispute matters beyond personalities, and what it means for church autonomy and state neutrality
Claims of external pressure and the wider pattern of state control over institutions
Legal and constitutional questions raised by government and security-service involvement
Political implications, including polling signals about social cohesion and trusted public figures
Possible offramps that reduce social tension without granting blanket impunity

3) TRIPP

What the Washington agreements suggest about the project’s logistics and direction
How TRIPP overlaps with the November 2020 ceasefire framework, with a different external sponsor
Likely effects on Russia and Iran’s interests, and how they might respond

4) Upcoming Elections (June 2026)

What is at stake, and which themes may drive the campaign, including Artsakh
Why opposition ratings trail the ruling party, and what it would take to win
Hayastan Dashinq’s record over the past five years, including strengths and gaps
Debate over “new faces” versus “formers,” and what that means for coalition-building
Alliance options (Mer Dzevov, Wings of Unity), and Anna Grigoryan’s own plans
External signaling, including claims of Turkish and EU support for Pashinyan
Whether Russia still views Pashinyan as an “acceptable” outcome, and what may have changed since 2021

Key Questions Discussed

Return of 4 Hostages

How should Armenia read the timing and intent of these releases?
Do you expect more releases before June 2026, and on what terms?
If this was not an exchange, why did the releases line up the same day?
What message does prior prisoner release policy send to Baku, and to Armenian society?

Pashinyan vs. Church

Is this driven by geopolitics, domestic politics, or personal conflict?
Why has the opposition not pursued impeachment or Constitutional Court action for alleged unconstitutional conduct?
What negotiated offramps could cool the conflict?
How can society restore harmony without rewarding abuses by any side?

TRIPP

How strong is the deal Armenia’s team negotiated with the Trump administration?
What are the second-order effects for Russia and Iran, and how might they push back?

June 2026 Elections

What are the core stakes, and will Artsakh become a defining issue?
What must the broad opposition spectrum do differently to compete?
What should we expect in Hayastan Dashinq’s makeup as elections near?
Has external support for Pashinyan changed since 2021, and how does Russia factor now?

Referenced Articles & Sources

Wrap-up

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

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700

Episode Summary

Go to Episode Notes

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

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0400

Summary

In this first Week in Review of 2026, we’re joined by Hrant Mikaelian as we examine three developments shaping Armenia’s political environment and regional context. We begin with the unprecedented U.S. abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the implications for international law and smaller states. We then turn to the escalating confrontation between the Armenian government and the Armenian Apostolic Church, including renewed efforts to restructure the Church ahead of 2026. We conclude with a detailed review of the latest MPG poll results and an assessment of Armenia’s economic performance and rising national debt in 2025.

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

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

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

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 02:00:00 +0400

Summary

This conversation with opposition leader Hayk Mamijanyan covers the growing pressure on free speech in Armenia, the arrests of prominent podcasters, the wider pattern of attacks on journalists, and concerns about the state of Armenia’s judiciary and law enforcement. We also discuss the Vagharshapat municipal election, reported misuse of administrative resources, the merger of electoral districts, and what these trends may signal for the June 2026 parliamentary elections. Mamijanyan outlines the opposition’s strategy for the impeachment process and its limits, while noting the silence of international actors and the risks facing independent media.

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

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 02:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

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

Go to Episode Notes

Hrant Mikaelian - OTS & CIS summits, Trump-Aliyev Tensions, Armenia Opposition Gears up for 2026 | Ep 478, Oct 12, 2025

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0700

Summary

This episode covers Armenia’s growing geopolitical balancing act as regional and domestic politics intensify ahead of the 2026 elections. Hrant Mikaelian joins to analyze Pashinyan’s “Trump Route” pitch at the CIS summit, Aliyev’s renewed push for the Zangezur Corridor, and Russia’s diplomatic recalibration after the AZAL crash. The discussion then turns to Armenia’s changing political landscape, including Samvel Karapetyan’s In Our Way movement, Arman Tatoyan’s Wings of Unity, and Robert Kocharyan’s proposal for a more sovereign, multi-route strategy to connect Armenia with its neighbors.

Hrant Mikaelian - OTS & CIS summits, Trump-Aliyev Tensions, Armenia Opposition Gears up for 2026 | Ep 478, Oct 12, 2025

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0700

Episode Summary

This episode covers Armenia’s growing geopolitical balancing act as regional and domestic politics intensify ahead of the 2026 elections. Hrant Mikaelian joins to analyze Pashinyan’s “Trump Route” pitch at the CIS summit, Aliyev’s renewed push for the Zangezur Corridor, and Russia’s diplomatic recalibration after the AZAL crash. The discussion then turns to Armenia’s changing political landscape, including Samvel Karapetyan’s In Our Way movement, Arman Tatoyan’s Wings of Unity, and Robert Kocharyan’s proposal for a more sovereign, multi-route strategy to connect Armenia with its neighbors.

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

Thu, 29 May 2025 21:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Groong Week in Review, we speak with Arthur Khachatryan of the ARF about Armenia’s shifting political landscape. We reflect on Republic Day and the legacy of the First Armenian Republic, explore Armenia’s contradictory stance on EU membership amid Russian pressure, and examine Pashinyan’s push to amend the constitution to satisfy Azerbaijani demands. The conversation also covers rising opposition calls for either elections or impeachment, the growing threat of Azerbaijani aggression along Armenia’s borders, recent corruption scandals, and the implications of Armenia hosting the 2026 EPC Summit during an election year.

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

Thu, 29 May 2025 21:00:00 -0700

Episode Summary

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

Fri, 23 May 2025 08:00:00 +0400

Main Topics Addressed

Pashinyan in Tirana: Very little was shared in advance about his meetings with Erdogan and Aliyev; post-meeting reports reveal renewed demands, including the removal of Mt. Ararat from Armenia’s coat of arms. European leaders echoed calls for a “swift” peace deal.
Lavrov’s Visit to Yerevan: Russia aims to stay relevant in normalization talks; seeks presence, not outcomes.
Crackdown on Journalism: Armenian journalists face persecution; authorities draft new anti-media laws.
Municipal Corruption & Political Decline: Tigran Avinyan allies arrested; public confidence in Yerevan city leadership slipping.
Election 2026 and Opposition Rifts: Kocharian eyes a comeback; factions split between elections and impeachment.
Military Reform = Demilitarization?: $52,000 bill to shorten service seen as quiet demilitarization.
The Kitchen Sink Segment: Follow-ups on Iran-Armenia ties, parliament chaos, and defense import cuts.

Key Questions Discussed

What exactly are Aliyev’s expanding demands, and why does the West appear complicit?
Why is Pashinyan negotiating secretly with Erdogan while Turkey blockades Armenia?
Can Lavrov’s visit restore Russia’s influence in Armenia, or is it just optics?
Is Armenia’s military reform a step toward national weakening under external pressure?
Why are Western civil society groups silent as press freedom erodes in Armenia?
Can the Armenian opposition realistically unseat Pashinyan in 2026—or are they too fragmented?

Referenced Articles & Sources

Wrap-up

Links and Resources

That’s our show! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on Social Media and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.

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

Fri, 23 May 2025 08:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

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

Go to Episode Notes

Arthur Khachatryan - Armenia Azerbaijan Talks, 2025 State Budget, Internal Political Developments | Ep 385 - Nov 10, 2024

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0400

Armenia - Azerbaijan “Peace Treaty”

Azerbaijan Leaks Points of Disagreement

Farid Shafiyev, head of a think tank funded by the office of the Azerbaijani president, revealed the 3 points that have not been agreed upon yet:

Change of Armenia’s constitution through referendum
Renounce all legal claims against Azerbaijan in international courts
Withdrawal of EU mission in Armenia

In addition, Shafiyev talks about the “demilitarization of Armenia”:

“I have also heard some arguments that the peace treaty cannot guarantee any sustainable security, just like the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 failed to guarantee Ukraine’s territorial integrity despite the written commitments from signatory parties. Thus, the only guarantee is the situation on the ground - which means that Armenia should be limited in its military capacity - i.e. demilitarized.”

Questions:

Arthur Khachatryan - Armenia Azerbaijan Talks, 2025 State Budget, Internal Political Developments | Ep 385 - Nov 10, 2024

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Draft 2025 State Budget. Armenian Internal Politics.

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Arthur Khachatryan - Politics and Economy in Armenia, Fall 2024 | Ep 366 - Sep 21, 2024

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400

Politics and Economy in Armenia, Fall 2024

Armenian Government’s Track Record

Let’s start by taking a broad look at Pashinyan and the Civil Contract’s time in power.

The loss in the 44-day war;
an economy that seems to be growing but is mostly due to re-exports;
how they’ve handled traditional alliances, their views on the church and education;
the strained relationship between Armenia and the Diaspora;
and of course the so-called “peace negotiations” with Azerbaijan.

There seem to be a lot of unanswered questions.

Arthur Khachatryan - Politics and Economy in Armenia, Fall 2024 | Ep 366 - Sep 21, 2024

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

The Government’s Track Record. The State of the Economy. “Pivot to the West”. Elections in Georgia.

Go to Episode Notes

Giro Manoyan - The ARF in Armenia’s Politics | Ep 364 - Sep 16, 2024

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400

The ARF in Armenia’s Politics

Role of the Opposition

In 2021 the ARF helped form the Hayastan Dashinq, or Armenia Alliance and entered the National Assembly along with Pativ Unem as the 2 main opposition political forces.

Unfortunately, the ruling party was able to win a supermajority, passing laws at will, while the opposition has struggled to block measures harmful to Armenia’s national interests. Since the 2021 elections, opposition figures have faced arrests, particularly mayors, the legal system has been purged, and unconstitutional concessions have been made to Azerbaijan. In short, the opposition has been largely ineffective.

Giro Manoyan - The ARF in Armenia’s Politics | Ep 364 - Sep 16, 2024

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

Role of the Opposition. Relations with the Tavush Movement. Relations with the Diaspora.

Go to Episode Notes

Hrant Mikaelian - Situation in Artsakh | Yerevan Elections Heating Up | MPG Poll Outtakes | MPG Poll on Yerevan Elections

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:06:59 +0400

Topics This Week

Situation in Artsakh

Let’s put this bluntly. A poll in Azerbaijan shows that 67% of Azeris believe that the Artsakh situation will be resolved by the killing of Artsakh Armenians or their displacement. It’s no surprise therefore that over 94% of Armenians polled in July say that Artsakh can not be left as part of Azerbaijan! We will talk more about the polls later in our show.

Former ICC Judge Says It’s Genocide

Last week a founding ICC prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, issued an expert opinion in response to Artsakh president Arayik Harutyunyan’s request and concluded that the Azerbaijani blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh does in fact constitute Genocide.

Hrant Mikaelian - Situation in Artsakh | Yerevan Elections Heating Up | MPG Poll Outtakes | MPG Poll on Yerevan Elections

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:06:59 +0400

Episode Summary

Situation in Artsakh. Yerevan Elections Heating Up. July MPG Survey Outtakes. August MPG Survey Outtakes. Baku Poll. Thoughts on the Economy.

Go to Episode Notes

Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations | Artsakh Reshuffle | Opposition

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0400

Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations

CSTO Debacle

We published a special podcast with Anna Karapetyan about the CSTO Summit in Yerevan.

There’ve been a few major developments in the sphere of Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations in the past two weeks, among them the CSTO summit which ended in a debacle.

The Armenian side vetoed a measure of “aid to Armenia” because it didn’t include condemnation of Azerbaijan’s invasion of Armenian territory. As a result the entire package of measures, including the final declaration was effectively vetoed.

Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations | Artsakh Reshuffle | Opposition

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue. CSTO Debacle. Lavrov Bombshell. Lachin Corridor Blockaded. Brussels Summit Canceled. Artsakh President Lays off Government. Parliamentary Opposition Fragmenting.

Go to Episode Notes

Armenian Economy | Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations | French Senate Slams Azerbaijan | Opposition Back in Parliament

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700

How is Armenia’s Economy Doing?

Tiger Economy?

Armenia’s economy is “raging forward”, according to Pashinyan. Based on statistics from the first 9 months of 2022, Armenia recorded a 14.1% growth in the economy, which is ahead of the 10% inflation the country is predicted to experience in 2022. Pashinyan also touted 143,000 new jobs created in Armenia since he took power in 2018, and a 75.1% increase in state budget revenues from 2018 to his projected 2023 budget.

Armenian Economy | Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations | French Senate Slams Azerbaijan | Opposition Back in Parliament

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Episode Summary

How is Armenia’s Economy Doing? Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations. French Senate Slams Azerbaijani Occupation of Armenia. The Opposition Returns to Parliament.

Go to Episode Notes

Arthur Khachatryan: Resistance Movement and the ‘Sulivan Plan’

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Stepanakert Rally

A day prior to the meeting, on October 30, tens of thousands of people gathered in Stepanakert’s Renaissance Square.

What was the objective of the rally and was it achieved?

One of the calls heard from Renaissance Square, was an appeal to the Russian Federation to continue its endeavor to ensure security of the Artsakhtsis.

How much hope is there given the recent declaration in Sochi?

Sullivan Plan vs. Putin’s Plan

In the analyst community it is common belief that there are two competing plans for signing a so-called “peace treaty” between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Arthur Khachatryan: Resistance Movement and the ‘Sulivan Plan’

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Episode Summary

Massive Stepanakert Rally. Sullivan Plan vs. Russian Plan. Upcoming Protest on November 5.

Go to Episode Notes