Nikol Pashinyan

Last updated: May 29, 2026

Nikol Pashinyan has been a central figure in Groong’s coverage since the podcast launched in 2020. He rose to power in 2018 through a street movement that its proponents called the Velvet Revolution — though a substantial segment of Armenian political opinion views the events as a color revolution or externally influenced regime change operation rather than a spontaneous civic uprising. Under Pashinyan, Armenia has undergone one of the most turbulent periods in its post-independence history.

The most consequential event of Pashinyan’s tenure was Armenia’s defeat in the 44-Day War of 2020, which ended with the loss of most of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) under a Russian-brokered ceasefire. Pashinyan survived political pressure to resign and consolidated power through snap elections in 2021. The September 2023 Azerbaijani offensive that caused the ethnic cleansing of the entire Armenian population of Artsakh deepened the crisis of legitimacy — both internationally and domestically — as critics argue his concessions to Aliyev made the outcome inevitable.

Since 2022, Pashinyan has undertaken a significant reorientation of Armenian foreign policy: suspending participation in the CSTO , deepening ties with France, the EU, and the United States, and accepting Western security assistance including an EU monitoring mission on the Armenian border. This pivot away from Russia has defined Armenian geopolitics in the post-Artsakh period. Groong has covered every major step of this reorientation, including what it means for Armenia’s relationship with Iran, India, and other partners.

Domestically, Groong’s coverage of Pashinyan addresses his government’s confrontation with the Armenian Church , the arrest of opposition figures and political prisoners , the Tavush border delimitation controversy, and Civil Contract’s campaign in the June 2026 parliamentary elections . Critics covered extensively on Groong argue that Pashinyan has used his parliamentary supermajority to weaken democratic institutions and neutralize political opposition under the guise of reform.

Groong episodes that include this tag

Below are all Groong episodes tagged with Nikol Pashinyan.

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:

  • 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

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Azerbaijani Propaganda in Shushi
  • Situation in Artsakh

Episode 271 | Recorded: July 31, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Azerbaijani Propaganda in Shushi
  • Situation in Artsakh

Episode 271 | Recorded: July 31, 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

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

Yerevan Court Freezes Assets of 168.am and Journalist Davit Sargsyan on Tigran Avinyan’s Demand A Conversation with Ruben Melikyan

Guest:

Topics:

Episode 254 | Recorded on Thursday, May 13 2023

Yerevan Court Freezes Assets of 168.am and Journalist Davit Sargsyan on Tigran Avinyan’s Demand A Conversation with Ruben Melikyan

Guest:

Topics:

Episode 254 | Recorded on Thursday, May 13 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

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

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
  • Latest IRI Armenia Poll Results
  • Armenian Census 2022 - Preliminary Results

Episode 252 | Recorded: May 9, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
  • Latest IRI Armenia Poll Results
  • Armenian Census 2022 - Preliminary Results

Episode 252 | Recorded: May 9, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Officially Blocks Berdzor/Lachin Corridor
  • Update on Armenian-Azeri Negotiations
  • Drug Use Epidemic in Armenia

Episode 251 | Recorded: May 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Officially Blocks Berdzor/Lachin Corridor
  • Update on Armenian-Azeri Negotiations
  • Drug Use Epidemic in Armenia

Episode 251 | Recorded: May 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Genocide: 108 Anniversary
  • Azerbaijan Strangles Artsakh
    • Artsakh Strangled
    • International Community
    • Pashinyan’s Parliament Speech
    • Madrid Principles
    • Aliyev Continues Threats, Ultimatum to Artsakh Armenians
    • What Can Diaspora Do?
  • Israel - Azerbaijan cooperation against Iran?
  • Rants

Episode 249 | Recorded: April 25, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Genocide: 108 Anniversary
  • Azerbaijan Strangles Artsakh
    • Artsakh Strangled
    • International Community
    • Pashinyan’s Parliament Speech
    • Madrid Principles
    • Aliyev Continues Threats, Ultimatum to Artsakh Armenians
    • What Can Diaspora Do?
  • Israel - Azerbaijan cooperation against Iran?
  • Rants

Episode 249 | Recorded: April 25, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Intro to Anna Kostanyan and Hamakhmbum (Consolidation) Movement
  • New HR Ombudswoman Anahit Manasyan
  • Azeri Attacks and Infiltrations into Armenia
  • Yerevan Mayor-less Until End of 2023 Elections

Episode 248 | Recorded: April 16, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Intro to Anna Kostanyan and Hamakhmbum (Consolidation) Movement
  • New HR Ombudswoman Anahit Manasyan
  • Azeri Attacks and Infiltrations into Armenia
  • Yerevan Mayor-less Until End of 2023 Elections

Episode 248 | Recorded: April 16, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 246, Apr 12, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - April 12, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • April 11 Azeri Aggression near Tegh
    • What Agency does Artsakh have in keeping links open?
  • Bothsidism of EU and Russia in the face of Azeri Aggression
  • Who is to Blame for the Continuing Losses in Armenian Life?
  • Reaction of the Armenian Government
  • About the EU Mission and its Role and Effectiveness
  • Stepanakert invites Baku to talks
  • Artsakh Farmers Urged to work in Russian Presence

Episode 246 | Recorded: April 12, 2023

 Read More

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 246, Apr 12, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - April 12, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • April 11 Azeri Aggression near Tegh
    • What Agency does Artsakh have in keeping links open?
  • Bothsidism of EU and Russia in the face of Azeri Aggression
  • Who is to Blame for the Continuing Losses in Armenian Life?
  • Reaction of the Armenian Government
  • About the EU Mission and its Role and Effectiveness
  • Stepanakert invites Baku to talks
  • Artsakh Farmers Urged to work in Russian Presence

Episode 246 | Recorded: April 12, 2023

 Read More