Nagorno Karabakh

Last updated: May 29, 2026

The Nagorno Karabakh conflict — also known as the Artsakh conflict, and in official Azerbaijani and international usage as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict — has been the central subject of Groong’s coverage since the podcast launched. With more than 450 episodes addressing the dispute in whole or in part, this archive represents one of the most comprehensive English-language audio records of the conflict’s recent history.

At its core, the conflict was not simply a territorial dispute between two states. The Armenian population of Artsakh — the Republic of Artsakh — was asserting its right to self-determination, a principle recognized in international law and enshrined in the UN Charter. That claim stood in direct tension with Azerbaijan’s insistence on its territorial integrity and the inviolability of Soviet-era administrative borders. The failure to resolve that tension through diplomacy over three decades ultimately ended in war.

Groong covered the 44-Day War of September–November 2020, in which Azerbaijan retook large portions of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) with Turkish military support, and the November 9, 2020 ceasefire brokered by Russia. That ceasefire created an unstable status quo: the Republic of Artsakh continued to exist on a reduced territory under the protection of Russian peacekeepers, but Azerbaijan progressively tightened its grip. The nine-month blockade of the Lachin Corridor from December 2022 onward cut the region off from food, medicine, and fuel, creating a humanitarian crisis documented in real time on Groong.

Azerbaijan’s military offensive of September 19–20, 2023 ended Armenian governance of Nagorno-Karabakh entirely. Within three weeks, virtually the entire Armenian population of Artsakh at the time — some 120,000 people, the descendants of communities that had lived in the region for millenia — was driven from the Republic of Artsakh to Armenia. Human rights organizations and many governments characterized this as ethnic cleansing. The Azerbaijani government dissolved the Republic of Artsakh on January 1, 2024.

Groong’s ongoing coverage addresses the situation of Armenian prisoners of war still held in Baku, including former Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan and former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan , the right of return for the displaced population, ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations , and the prospects for accountability for what occurred.

Groong episodes that include this tag

Below are all Groong episodes tagged with Nagorno Karabakh.

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran in an Evolving World Order
  • Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
  • Armenian-Iranian Relations
  • Azerbaijani-Iranian Relations
  • Vision for a Better Future

Episode 287 | Recorded: October 20, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • At the Brink of a New War?
  • Relations with Russia
  • Platform Shuffle: Brussels vs. Moscow
  • Update on Yerevan Mayor

Episode 286 | Recorded: October 17, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • At the Brink of a New War?
  • Relations with Russia
  • Platform Shuffle: Brussels vs. Moscow
  • Update on Yerevan Mayor

Episode 286 | Recorded: October 17, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Genocide & Consequences
  • Legal Status of Former Artsakh Leadership
  • Artsakh Government in Exile

Episode 285 | Recorded: October 11, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Genocide & Consequences
  • Legal Status of Former Artsakh Leadership
  • Artsakh Government in Exile

Episode 285 | Recorded: October 11, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Flares Up
  • The Future of Artsakh and Artsakhtsis
  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations

Episode 284 | Recorded: October 9, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Flares Up
  • The Future of Artsakh and Artsakhtsis
  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations

Episode 284 | Recorded: October 9, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Outstanding Causes of the Conflict
  • Why did Aliyev Bail out of Granada?
  • Could Azerbaijan Attack Armenia?
  • How Might Events Unfold?

Episode 283 | Recorded: October 5, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Outstanding Causes of the Conflict
  • Why did Aliyev Bail out of Granada?
  • Could Azerbaijan Attack Armenia?
  • How Might Events Unfold?

Episode 283 | Recorded: October 5, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • The Game of Alternatives
  • How does it apply to Negotiations?
  • Is Armenia Negotiating Effectively?

Episode 281 | Recorded: October 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • The Game of Alternatives
  • How does it apply to Negotiations?
  • Is Armenia Negotiating Effectively?

Episode 281 | Recorded: October 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh Surrenders, Armenia Watches
  • What “Peace Treaty” in Granada?
  • Arrested Artsakh Leaders Held Hostage

Episode 281 | Recorded: October 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh Surrenders, Armenia Watches
  • What “Peace Treaty” in Granada?
  • Arrested Artsakh Leaders Held Hostage

Episode 281 | Recorded: October 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh
  • Genocide in Progress

Episode 280 | Recorded: Sep 25, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh
  • Genocide in Progress

Episode 280 | Recorded: Sep 25, 2023

Topics:

  • Armenia’s Diplomacy at the UN
  • Artsakh Elections / Blockade
  • Yerevan Elections

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia’s Diplomacy at the UN
  • Artsakh Elections / Blockade
  • Yerevan Elections

Guest:

Guest:

Topics:

  • Developments in Artsakh
  • Geopolitics in the South Caucasus

Episode 278 | Recorded: September 10, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Developments in Artsakh
  • Geopolitics in the South Caucasus

Episode 278 | Recorded: September 10, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Yerevan Mayoral Elections
  • Artsakh Domestic Developments
  • Developments in Geopolitics and Negotiations

Episode 277 | Recorded: Sep 3, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Yerevan Mayoral Elections
  • Artsakh Domestic Developments
  • Developments in Geopolitics and Negotiations

Episode 277 | Recorded: Sep 3, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Day 264 - Ep 276, September 1, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - September 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Arayik Harutyunyan resignation
  • Samvel Shahramanyan state minister
  • Kirill Kulakov new commander of Russian PKs
  • September 2 - 32nd anniversary

Episode 276 | Recorded: September 1, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Day 264 - Ep 276, September 1, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - September 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Arayik Harutyunyan resignation
  • Samvel Shahramanyan state minister
  • Kirill Kulakov new commander of Russian PKs
  • September 2 - 32nd anniversary

Episode 276 | Recorded: September 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • UNSC Meeting on Artsakh
  • Artsakh Internal Developments
  • Yerevan Elections

Episode 275 | Recorded: August 22, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • UNSC Meeting on Artsakh
  • Artsakh Internal Developments
  • Yerevan Elections

Episode 275 | Recorded: August 22, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 274, August 19, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - August 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Latest Developments around Artsakh
    • Kidnapping of People at Checkpoints
    • Cases of Starvation, Miscarriages
  • UNSC Discussion of Artsakh 
    • Lack of a Resolution and Follow-Through
    • Armenia’s Diplomatic Failures
  • New Artsakh parliament speaker David Ishkhanyan
  • Internet Stoppage, Food, Gas, Electricity Shortages
  • Continuing Azeri Aggression, troop movements and Buildup

Episode 274 | Recorded: August 19, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 274, August 19, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - August 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Latest Developments around Artsakh
    • Kidnapping of People at Checkpoints
    • Cases of Starvation, Miscarriages
  • UNSC Discussion of Artsakh 
    • Lack of a Resolution and Follow-Through
    • Armenia’s Diplomatic Failures
  • New Artsakh parliament speaker David Ishkhanyan
  • Internet Stoppage, Food, Gas, Electricity Shortages
  • Continuing Azeri Aggression, troop movements and Buildup

Episode 274 | Recorded: August 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 273 | Recorded: August 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 273 | Recorded: August 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • War of Words with Russia
  • Iran’s Diplomatic Perspective
  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Artsakh: New Parliament Speaker

Episode 272 | Recorded: August 7, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • War of Words with Russia
  • Iran’s Diplomatic Perspective
  • Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Artsakh: New Parliament Speaker

Episode 272 | Recorded: August 7, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 270, July 19, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - July 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Continuing Azeri Aggression
    • Daily shootings, mortar fire
    • Constant shooting at farmers in the fields
    • Level of hardship
    • Level of determination
  • Azerbaijan claims Armenians can use road through Aghdam
    • Chales Michel welcomes this!?!?!?!?
  • “National Movement” Launched on July 14, 2023
    • What is the message to the world, and goals?
  • HayaQve (.am)

Episode 270 | Recorded: July 19, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 270, July 19, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - July 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Continuing Azeri Aggression
    • Daily shootings, mortar fire
    • Constant shooting at farmers in the fields
    • Level of hardship
    • Level of determination
  • Azerbaijan claims Armenians can use road through Aghdam
    • Chales Michel welcomes this!?!?!?!?
  • “National Movement” Launched on July 14, 2023
    • What is the message to the world, and goals?
  • HayaQve (.am)

Episode 270 | Recorded: July 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Latest on Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Economic State in Armenia
  • September Yerevan Mayoral Elections
  • Estimating the War Dead
  • Hayaqve [.am]

Episode 269 | Recorded: July 17, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Latest on Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Economic State in Armenia
  • September Yerevan Mayoral Elections
  • Estimating the War Dead
  • Hayaqve [.am]

Episode 269 | Recorded: July 17, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations
  • US, Armenian NSC Advisors Meet
  • New MPG Poll
  • Haya-Qve [.am]

Episode 268 | Recorded: July 10, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations
  • US, Armenian NSC Advisors Meet
  • New MPG Poll
  • Haya-Qve [.am]

Episode 268 | Recorded: July 10, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 267, July 7, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - July 7, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Catastrophic Situation in Artsakh - Gegham Stepanyan
  • Zakharova Confirms Conditions, Calls on Azerbaijan to Drop Blockade
  • Hakari video fiasco - Pashinyan propaganda?
  • Azeri preconditions to Baku-Stepanakert talks
  • ANCA supported NDAA resolutions in US Congress

Episode 267 | Recorded: July 7, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 267, July 7, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - July 7, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Catastrophic Situation in Artsakh - Gegham Stepanyan
  • Zakharova Confirms Conditions, Calls on Azerbaijan to Drop Blockade
  • Hakari video fiasco - Pashinyan propaganda?
  • Azeri preconditions to Baku-Stepanakert talks
  • ANCA supported NDAA resolutions in US Congress

Episode 267 | Recorded: July 7, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
    • Negotiations in DC: chances of progress
    • Vartan Oskanian on negotiations
    • Rights and Security
    • Self-Determination for Artsakh
    • Border Demarcation
    • No Unblocking or Guarantees
  • Hayaqve.am
  • Rants

Episode 266 | Recorded: July 4, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
    • Negotiations in DC: chances of progress
    • Vartan Oskanian on negotiations
    • Rights and Security
    • Self-Determination for Artsakh
    • Border Demarcation
    • No Unblocking or Guarantees
  • Hayaqve.am
  • Rants

Episode 266 | Recorded: July 4, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Concrete Barriers On Hakari Bridge
  • Erdogan visit to Azerbaijan
  • Lukashenko at the CSTO
  • Putin Defuses Wagnerian Opera
  • Pashinyan 44-Day War Testimony in Parliament
  • HayaQve [.am]

Episode 264 | Recorded: June 27, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Concrete Barriers On Hakari Bridge
  • Erdogan visit to Azerbaijan
  • Lukashenko at the CSTO
  • Putin Defuses Wagnerian Opera
  • Pashinyan 44-Day War Testimony in Parliament
  • HayaQve [.am]

Episode 264 | Recorded: June 27, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 263, June 15, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - June 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Blocks Lachin/Berdzor Corridor after Shootings near Hakari bridge
  • Has Artsakh “returned to the negotiation table”?
  • International actions viewed from Stepanakert
  • Noting the half-year mark of the blockade
  • Artsakh Ombuds Report summary

Episode 263 | Recorded: June 15, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 263, June 15, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - June 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Blocks Lachin/Berdzor Corridor after Shootings near Hakari bridge
  • Has Artsakh “returned to the negotiation table”?
  • International actions viewed from Stepanakert
  • Noting the half-year mark of the blockade
  • Artsakh Ombuds Report summary

Episode 263 | Recorded: June 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Erdogan Reshuffles Cabinet, First Visit to Baku
  • Latest Developments in Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations, Baku Postpones
  • Economic Developments, More Subsidies to IT Sector
  • MPG Poll: Pashinyan’s Rating is Falling

Episode 252 | Recorded: June 12, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Erdogan Reshuffles Cabinet, First Visit to Baku
  • Latest Developments in Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations, Baku Postpones
  • Economic Developments, More Subsidies to IT Sector
  • MPG Poll: Pashinyan’s Rating is Falling

Episode 252 | Recorded: June 12, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue
    • You say Chisinau, I say Kishinev
    • Deputy PMs Meet in Moscow
  • Israeli President Visits Azerbaijan
  • Pashinyan Attends Erdogan’s Inauguration
  • Armenia-Russia Relations

Episode 260 | Recorded: June 5, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue
    • You say Chisinau, I say Kishinev
    • Deputy PMs Meet in Moscow
  • Israeli President Visits Azerbaijan
  • Pashinyan Attends Erdogan’s Inauguration
  • Armenia-Russia Relations

Episode 260 | Recorded: June 5, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 259, June 2, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - June 2, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Current Living and Humanitarian Conditions
  • Morale after Pashinyan’s Recognition of Artsakh in Azerbaijan
  • How is Artsakh Responding to Aliyev’s Amnesty Threats?
  • Moral of the Artsakhtsi Population
  • About Artsakh Men Being Denied Transit through Azeri Checkpoints
  • Have the Russian Peacekeepers Changed Under Lentsov?
  • All Parties are in Breach of the November 2020 Trilateral Ceasefire Agreement

Episode 259 | Recorded: June 2, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 259, June 2, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - June 2, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Current Living and Humanitarian Conditions
  • Morale after Pashinyan’s Recognition of Artsakh in Azerbaijan
  • How is Artsakh Responding to Aliyev’s Amnesty Threats?
  • Moral of the Artsakhtsi Population
  • About Artsakh Men Being Denied Transit through Azeri Checkpoints
  • Have the Russian Peacekeepers Changed Under Lentsov?
  • All Parties are in Breach of the November 2020 Trilateral Ceasefire Agreement

Episode 259 | Recorded: June 2, 2023

Dziunik Aghajanian - on Armenian Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, the Pashinyan Agenda, and Mother Armenia

Guest:

Topics:

  • Intro to Ms Aghajanian
    • Career path, Mentors, Influencers
    • Parting ways with the MFA
  • How did Armenia Resist Turkish Pressure prior to 2018
  • Impressions of 2018 events
  • On Pashinyan’s Policies to Surrender Artsakh
    • Letter Planning the Surrender
    • Messaging Aliyev to begin Instigations
    • Changing Security Doctrine
  • The Myth of Western Security Guarantees
  • Pashinyan’s Fiction re Alma Ata and Madrid Principles
  • On Armenia’s National Interests
  • On Armenian
 Read More

Dziunik Aghajanian - on Armenian Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, the Pashinyan Agenda, and Mother Armenia

Guest:

Topics:

  • Intro to Ms Aghajanian
    • Career path, Mentors, Influencers
    • Parting ways with the MFA
  • How did Armenia Resist Turkish Pressure prior to 2018
  • Impressions of 2018 events
  • On Pashinyan’s Policies to Surrender Artsakh
    • Letter Planning the Surrender
    • Messaging Aliyev to begin Instigations
    • Changing Security Doctrine
  • The Myth of Western Security Guarantees
  • Pashinyan’s Fiction re Alma Ata and Madrid Principles
  • On Armenia’s National Interests
  • On Armenian
 Read More

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia celebrates May 28
    • A new political movement, Mother Armenia, was announced.
  • Aliyev Threatens, Pashinyan Concedes
  • Erdogan Reelected President in Turkey
  • Goodbye CSTO, Hello NATO?

Episode 257 | Recorded: May 30, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia celebrates May 28
    • A new political movement, Mother Armenia, was announced.
  • Aliyev Threatens, Pashinyan Concedes
  • Erdogan Reelected President in Turkey
  • Goodbye CSTO, Hello NATO?

Episode 257 | Recorded: May 30, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Accelerated Negotiations
    • Negotiations Carousel
    • Meghri Railway
    • Russia Finances Rasht-Astara
    • Rallies in Artsakh and Kornidzor
  • Artsakh Domestic Politics

Episode 256 | Recorded: May 22, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Accelerated Negotiations
    • Negotiations Carousel
    • Meghri Railway
    • Russia Finances Rasht-Astara
    • Rallies in Artsakh and Kornidzor
  • Artsakh Domestic Politics

Episode 256 | Recorded: May 22, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Pashinyan, Aliyev, Michel Meet in Brussels
    • Azerbaijan Attacks Sotk
  • Turkish Presidential Elections

Episode 255 | Recorded: May 15, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Pashinyan, Aliyev, Michel Meet in Brussels
    • Azerbaijan Attacks Sotk
  • Turkish Presidential Elections

Episode 255 | Recorded: May 15, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 253, May 11, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Mayil 11, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • May 11 Azeri attacks on Sotk, Armenia
  • Azerbaijan blocking ICRC convoys
  • Sarsang reservoir depleting
  • Rumors of a second pseudo-eco activist effort
  • Lentsov in Baku - what results?
  • Artsakh Ombuds & FM activities
  • Matthew Bryza bemoans Armenian Opp & diaspora
    • US Senate FR committee calls for sanctions
  • May 9 in Artsakh
    • Armenians, Artsakh and the victory in WW2

Episode 253 | Recorded: May 11, 2023

 Read More