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.

Gilbert Doctorow - Multipolar Shifts at the SCO Summit | Ep 469, Sep 6, 2025 [EP469]

Posted on Saturday, Sep 6, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Russia, China, India, Nagorno Karabakh, BRICS, Economy, Iran, Azerbaijan, NATO, Turkey, Ukraine

Guest:

Topics:

  • SCO Summit in Tianjin, China
  • China-India Thaw
  • Power of Siberia Gas Pipeline
  • What’s in it for Armenia?

Episode 469 | Recorded: September 4, 2025

Robert Amsterdam - In Our Own Way: The Samvel Karapetyan Case | Ep 468, Sep 4, 2025 [EP468]

Posted on Thursday, Sep 4, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Russia, Ukraine, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, NATO | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Arrest of Samvel Karapetyan
  • Pre-trial detention practices
  • Lawfare and double standards
  • Armenia’s global consequences

Episode 468 | Recorded: September 4, 2025

Robert Amsterdam - In Our Own Way: The Samvel Karapetyan Case | Ep 468, Sep 4, 2025 [EP468]

Posted on Thursday, Sep 4, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Russia, Ukraine, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Arrest of Samvel Karapetyan
  • Pre-trial detention practices
  • Lawfare and double standards
  • Armenia’s global consequences

Episode 468 | Recorded: September 4, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - SCO Summit, TRIPP Corridor, RU - AZ Rift, UK Ties | Ep 467, Aug 31, 2025 [EP467]

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 2, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, China, India, Russia, USA, Georgia, Armenian Genocide, NATO, Iran, Turkey, Genocide, Israel, European Union | Series: video, wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • SCO Summit in China
  • The UK in Armenia
  • TRIPP / Zangezur Corridor
  • Russian Azerbaijani Relations

Episode 467 | Recorded: September 1, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - SCO Summit, TRIPP Corridor, RU - AZ Rift, UK Ties | Ep 467, Aug 31, 2025 [EP467]

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 2, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, China, India, Russia, USA, Georgia, Armenian Genocide, NATO, Iran, Turkey, Genocide, Israel, European Union

Guest:

Topics:

  • SCO Summit in China
  • The UK in Armenia
  • TRIPP / Zangezur Corridor
  • Russian Azerbaijani Relations

Episode 467 | Recorded: September 1, 2025

Jeffrey Sachs - TRIPP down Zangezur Corridor | Ep 466, Aug 29, 2025 [EP466]

Posted on Friday, Aug 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Geopolitics, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Russia, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, USA, Economy, Israel, European Union, NATO | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Pashinyan, Aliyev, in the White House
  • What “Peace”?
  • Armenian Economy

Episode 466 | Recorded: August 28, 2025

Jeffrey Sachs - TRIPP down Zangezur Corridor | Ep 466, Aug 29, 2025 [EP466]

Posted on Friday, Aug 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Geopolitics, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Russia, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, USA, Economy, Israel, European Union, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Pashinyan, Aliyev, in the White House
  • What “Peace”?
  • Armenian Economy

Episode 466 | Recorded: August 28, 2025

Transcript: Jeffrey Sachs - TRIPP down Zangezur Corridor | Ep 466, Aug 29, 2025 [EP466]

Posted on Friday, Aug 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Geopolitics, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Russia, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, USA, Economy, Israel, European Union, NATO, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs joins to discuss the U.S.-brokered “TRIPP” (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), also known as the Zangezur Corridor. The discussion covers the risks of foreign powers imposing corridors through Armenia, the muted response from Moscow, Tehran’s strong opposition, and what this means for regional security. Sachs stresses that Armenia should not look to distant powers like the United States for security or stability, but instead pursue prudent arrangements and economic cooperation with its immediate  Read More

Armen Ashotyan - Reflections on Life as a Political Prisoner, Attacks on the Church and Sovereignty | Ep 465, Aug 28, 2025 [EP465]

Posted on Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Armenian Church, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Russia, India, Middle East, China, European Union, Ukraine, Azerbaijan | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Imprisonment and Political Persecution
  • International and Diaspora Response
  • Pashinyan Regime Attack on the Church
  • The Managed Capitulation Process

Episode 465 | Recorded on August 27, 2025

Armen Ashotyan - Reflections on Life as a Political Prisoner, Attacks on the Church and Sovereignty | Ep 465, Aug 28, 2025 [EP465]

Posted on Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Armenian Church, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Russia, India, Middle East, China, European Union, Ukraine, Azerbaijan

Guest:

Topics:

  • Imprisonment and Political Persecution
  • International and Diaspora Response
  • Pashinyan Regime Attack on the Church
  • The Managed Capitulation Process

Episode 465 | Recorded on August 27, 2025

Tevan Poghosyan - State Sovereignty Day, TRIPP Trap, Reactions, Kitchen Sink | Ep 464, Aug 24, 2025 [EP464]

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 26, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Russia, Israel, Genocide, China, Ukraine | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • August 23: Armenia’s declaration of State Sovereignty
  • The TRIPP Trap
  • Iran - Pezeshkian’s Visit
  • Russia - Overchuk’s visit
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 464 | Recorded: August 25, 2025

Tevan Poghosyan - State Sovereignty Day, TRIPP Trap, Reactions, Kitchen Sink | Ep 464, Aug 24, 2025 [EP464]

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 26, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Russia, Israel, Genocide, China, Ukraine

Guest:

Topics:

  • August 23: Armenia’s declaration of State Sovereignty
  • The TRIPP Trap
  • Iran - Pezeshkian’s Visit
  • Russia - Overchuk’s visit
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 464 | Recorded: August 25, 2025

Sergei Melkonian - Alaska Summit, Trump Corridor, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Our Way | Ep 463, Aug 17, 2025 [EP463]

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 19, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Syria, Armenian Church, NATO | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Trump-Putin Alaska Summit
  • Trump Corridor Politics
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations
  • Russian-Iranian Recalibration
  • New Opposition Emerging - Our Way

Episode 463 | Recorded: August 18, 2025

Sergei Melkonian - Alaska Summit, Trump Corridor, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Our Way | Ep 463, Aug 17, 2025 [EP463]

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 19, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Syria, Armenian Church, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Trump-Putin Alaska Summit
  • Trump Corridor Politics
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations
  • Russian-Iranian Recalibration
  • New Opposition Emerging - Our Way

Episode 463 | Recorded: August 18, 2025

Christine Arakelian - Pashinyan vs. the Church, India Armenia, NGOs and Foreign Influence | Ep 462, Aug 17, 2025 [EP462]

Posted on Sunday, Aug 17, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Armenia, Armenian Church, Human Rights, Russia, India, Turkey, Ukraine, Israel, Economy | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Pashinyan vs. The Armenian Church
  • Indian-Armenian Relations
  • NGOs and Foreign Influence
  • U.S. Geopolitics and the Trump Corridor

Episode 462 | Recorded: August 15, 2025

Christine Arakelian - Pashinyan vs. the Church, India Armenia, NGOs and Foreign Influence | Ep 462, Aug 17, 2025 [EP462]

Posted on Sunday, Aug 17, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Armenia, Armenian Church, Human Rights, Russia, India, Turkey, Ukraine, Israel, Economy

Guest:

Topics:

  • Pashinyan vs. The Armenian Church
  • Indian-Armenian Relations
  • NGOs and Foreign Influence
  • U.S. Geopolitics and the Trump Corridor

Episode 462 | Recorded: August 15, 2025

Hamid Bahrami - Iran and the corridor through Syunik, Armenia | Ep 461, Aug 16, 2025 [EP461]

Posted on Saturday, Aug 16, 2025 | Category: Iran, Geopolitics, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, China, Turkey, Israel, Nagorno Karabakh, NATO, Ukraine, Syria, Middle East, Georgia | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • TRIPP Corridor & US Involvement
  • US-Israel Strategy & War Risks
  • Iran’s Missed Opportunities & Shifts
  • Future of Iran–Armenia Relations

Episode 461 | Recorded: August 13, 2025

Hamid Bahrami - Iran and the corridor through Syunik, Armenia | Ep 461, Aug 16, 2025 [EP461]

Posted on Saturday, Aug 16, 2025 | Category: Iran, Geopolitics, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, China, Turkey, Israel, Nagorno Karabakh, NATO, Ukraine, Syria, Middle East, Georgia

Guest:

Topics:

  • TRIPP Corridor & US Involvement
  • US-Israel Strategy & War Risks
  • Iran’s Missed Opportunities & Shifts
  • Future of Iran–Armenia Relations

Episode 461 | Recorded: August 13, 2025

Douglas MacGregor & Christine Arakelian - Armenia in the Crosshairs of US Geopolitical Winds | Ep 460, Aug 12, 2025 [EP460]

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Armenia, USA, Israel, Iran, Russia, Turkey, Syria, India, China, Ukraine, BRICS, SCO | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • US Geopolitics
  • #Gaza, #Iran, #Russia, #Ukraine
  • #DonaldTrump, #Pashinyan, #Aliyev meet in the #WhiteHouse

Episode 460 | Recorded: August 11, 2025

Douglas MacGregor & Christine Arakelian - Armenia in the Crosshairs of US Geopolitical Winds | Ep 460, Aug 12, 2025 [EP460]

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Armenia, USA, Israel, Iran, Russia, Turkey, Syria, India, China, Ukraine, BRICS, SCO

Guest:

Topics:

  • US Geopolitics
  • #Gaza, #Iran, #Russia, #Ukraine
  • #DonaldTrump, #Pashinyan, #Aliyev meet in the #WhiteHouse

Episode 460 | Recorded: August 11, 2025

Dziunik Aghajanian - Trump, Aliyev, Pashinyan Oval Office Meeting and Reactions | Ep 459, Aug 10, 2025 [EP459]

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, USA, Russia, BRICS, Genocide, China, Economy, Israel, Ukraine, Human Rights, Lebanon, Middle East, Syria | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Trump, Aliyev, Pashinyan Meeting
  • Iranian Reaction
  • Russian Reaction

Episode 459 | Recorded: August 11, 2025

Dziunik Aghajanian - Trump, Aliyev, Pashinyan Oval Office Meeting and Reactions | Ep 459, Aug 10, 2025 [EP459]

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, USA, Russia, BRICS, Genocide, China, Economy, Israel, Ukraine, Human Rights, Lebanon, Middle East, Syria

Guest:

Topics:

  • Trump, Aliyev, Pashinyan Meeting
  • Iranian Reaction
  • Russian Reaction

Episode 459 | Recorded: August 11, 2025

Transcript: Douglas MacGregor & Christine Arakelian - Armenia in the Crosshairs of US Geopolitical Winds | Ep 460, Aug 12, 2025 [EP460]

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Armenia, USA, Israel, Iran, Russia, Turkey, Syria, India, China, Ukraine, BRICS, SCO, Transcript

Summary In this episode, Christine Arakelian and Col. Douglas MacGregor join the hosts to analyze U.S. foreign policy moves from Gaza to the South Caucasus. They discuss Israel’s ongoing campaign in Gaza, the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, and the likely resumption of hostilities. The conversation examines the Trump–Pashinyan–Aliyev White House summit, the strategic “Trump Corridor” across Armenia, and its impact on Russia, Iran, and India. The guests explore India–Armenia relations, U.S. economic vulnerabilities, and the challenges of sustaining a long-term American role in the  Read More

Stanislav Krapivnik - The Evolving World Order, Russia, and the South Caucasus | Ep 458, Aug 9, 2025 [EP458]

Posted on Sunday, Aug 10, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Ukraine, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Russia, Iran, NATO, Turkey, Economy, Israel | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Trump, Pashinyan, Aliyev DC Summit
  • Ukraine War and the Shifting World Order
  • Russia and the South Caucasus

Episode 458 | Recorded: August 9, 2025

Stanislav Krapivnik - The Evolving World Order, Russia, and the South Caucasus | Ep 458, Aug 9, 2025 [EP458]

Posted on Sunday, Aug 10, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Ukraine, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Russia, Iran, NATO, Turkey, Economy, Israel

Guest:

Topics:

  • Trump, Pashinyan, Aliyev DC Summit
  • Ukraine War and the Shifting World Order
  • Russia and the South Caucasus

Episode 458 | Recorded: August 9, 2025

Transcript: Stanislav Krapivnik - The Evolving World Order, Russia, and the South Caucasus | Ep 458, Aug 9, 2025 [EP458]

Posted on Sunday, Aug 10, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Ukraine, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Russia, Iran, NATO, Turkey, Economy, Israel, Transcript

In this episode, former U.S. Army officer and military-political analyst Stanislav Krapivnik discusses the geopolitical fallout from the Trump-Pashinyan-Aliyev summit in Washington, which saw the announcement of a “peace” framework, the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, U.S. plans for a 99-year “Trump Corridor” across Armenia, and the dropping of Section 907 to allow arms sales to Azerbaijan. He examines Russia’s heavy focus on the Ukraine war at the expense of the South Caucasus, the loss of Russian leverage over Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the growing role of Turkey. Krapivnik warns of  Read More

Benyamin Poghosyan - Public Trust in Freefall, Church on the Rise, and Corridor Pressures Mount | Ep 456, Jul 27, 2025 [EP456]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Russia, Iran, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, Middle East, Israel, China, India, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, Economy, Syria | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Corridor Logic
  • Crackdown Logic
  • IRI Poll
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations

Episode 456 | Recorded: July 28, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Public Trust in Freefall, Church on the Rise, and Corridor Pressures Mount | Ep 456, Jul 27, 2025 [EP456]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Russia, Iran, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, Middle East, Israel, China, India, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, Economy, Syria

Guest:

Topics:

  • Corridor Logic
  • Crackdown Logic
  • IRI Poll
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations

Episode 456 | Recorded: July 28, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan - Artsakh Negotiations, Armenian Domestic Politics | Ep 455, Jul 27, 2025 [EP455]

Posted on Sunday, Jul 27, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Armenia, Russia, Turkey, Human Rights, Ukraine, Genocide | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh Negotiations
  • Armenian Domestic Politics

Episode 455 | Recorded: July 25, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan - Artsakh Negotiations, Armenian Domestic Politics | Ep 455, Jul 27, 2025 [EP455]

Posted on Sunday, Jul 27, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Armenia, Russia, Turkey, Human Rights, Ukraine, Genocide

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh Negotiations
  • Armenian Domestic Politics

Episode 455 | Recorded: July 25, 2025

Archil Sikharulidze - Why does Georgia matter for the EU | Ep 454, Jul 24, 2025 [EP454]

Posted on Thursday, Jul 24, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, USA, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, Iran, China, Turkey, Ukraine, NATO, Economy, Human Rights, India, Israel | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • EU Strategy in the South Caucasus
  • Attacks on the National Church
  • 2025 Local Election Politics

Episode 454 | Recorded: July 22, 2025

Archil Sikharulidze - Why does Georgia matter for the EU | Ep 454, Jul 24, 2025 [EP454]

Posted on Thursday, Jul 24, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, USA, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, Iran, China, Turkey, Ukraine, NATO, Economy, Human Rights, India, Israel

Guest:

Topics:

  • EU Strategy in the South Caucasus
  • Attacks on the National Church
  • 2025 Local Election Politics

Episode 454 | Recorded: July 22, 2025

Pashinyan Meets Aliyev as Armenia Cracks Down on Opposition and Church | Ep 453, Jul 13, 2025 [EP453]

Posted on Sunday, Jul 13, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Iran, Economy, Israel, NATO, Middle East, Ukraine | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Pashinyan meets Aliyev in Abu Dhabi
  • Continued Persecution of Church and Opposition

Episode 453 | Recorded: July 13, 2025

Pashinyan Meets Aliyev as Armenia Cracks Down on Opposition and Church | Ep 453, Jul 13, 2025 [EP453]

Posted on Sunday, Jul 13, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Iran, Economy, Israel, NATO, Middle East, Ukraine

Topics:

  • Pashinyan meets Aliyev in Abu Dhabi
  • Continued Persecution of Church and Opposition

Episode 453 | Recorded: July 13, 2025

Arthur Martirosyan - Constitution, Western Controlled Syunik, Church Crackdown | Ep 452, Jul 6, 2025 [EP452]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 8, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Ukraine, NATO, China, Economy, Genocide | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Constitution Day
  • Western Controlled Syunik?
  • What was Kallas Doing in Yerevan?
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations
  • Coup d’Etat? Or Coup d’Église?
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 452 | Recorded: July 7, 2025

Arthur Martirosyan - Constitution, Western Controlled Syunik, Church Crackdown | Ep 452, Jul 6, 2025 [EP452]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 8, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Ukraine, NATO, China, Economy, Genocide

Guest:

Topics:

  • Constitution Day
  • Western Controlled Syunik?
  • What was Kallas Doing in Yerevan?
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations
  • Coup d’Etat? Or Coup d’Église?
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 452 | Recorded: July 7, 2025

Dziunik Aghajanian – Fallout from Israel’s War on Iran, Azerbaijan’s Confrontation with Russia, Pashinyan’s Persecution of the Armenian Church, while he courts the EU | Ep 451 [EP451]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 1, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, USA, Israel, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Georgia, Russia, Economy | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War
  • Iran-Azerbaijan Relations
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Tensions
  • Russian-Armenian Relations
  • Persecution of The Church Continues
  • Kaja Kallas in Armenia
  • OIC Declaration

Episode 451 | Recorded: June 30, 2025

Dziunik Aghajanian – Fallout from Israel’s War on Iran, Azerbaijan’s Confrontation with Russia, Pashinyan’s Persecution of the Armenian Church, while he courts the EU | Ep 451 [EP451]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 1, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, USA, Israel, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Georgia, Russia, Economy

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War
  • Iran-Azerbaijan Relations
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Tensions
  • Russian-Armenian Relations
  • Persecution of The Church Continues
  • Kaja Kallas in Armenia
  • OIC Declaration

Episode 451 | Recorded: June 30, 2025

Sergei Melkonian - Israel & Iran, Opposition Crackdown, Pashinyan in Istanbul | Ep 449, Jun 22, 2025 [EP449]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 26, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Church, Economy, China, Middle East | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Israel and Iran
  • Crackdown on the Opposition
  • Pashinyan in Istanbul
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 449 | Recorded: June 25, 2025

Sergei Melkonian - Israel & Iran, Opposition Crackdown, Pashinyan in Istanbul | Ep 449, Jun 22, 2025 [EP449]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 26, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Church, Economy, China, Middle East

Guest:

Topics:

  • Israel and Iran
  • Crackdown on the Opposition
  • Pashinyan in Istanbul
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 449 | Recorded: June 25, 2025

Spotlight on Silence: Surveillance State: Armenia’s Biometric Crackdown | Ep 446, Jun 15, 2025 [EP446]

Posted on Sunday, Jun 15, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Privacy, Human Rights, Georgia, Russia, Economy, Ukraine, China | Series: sos, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia legalizes round-the-clock surveillance.
  • Law enables political targeting, critics warn.
  • No oversight, no privacy laws.
  • Silence from Armenia’s new geopolitical allies.

Episode 446 | Recorded: June 12, 2025

Spotlight on Silence: Surveillance State: Armenia’s Biometric Crackdown | Ep 446, Jun 15, 2025 [EP446]

Posted on Sunday, Jun 15, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Privacy, Human Rights, Georgia, Russia, Economy, Ukraine, China

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia legalizes round-the-clock surveillance.
  • Law enables political targeting, critics warn.
  • No oversight, no privacy laws.
  • Silence from Armenia’s new geopolitical allies.

Episode 446 | Recorded: June 12, 2025

Transcript: Spotlight on Silence: Surveillance State: Armenia’s Biometric Crackdown | Ep 446, Jun 15, 2025 [EP446]

Posted on Sunday, Jun 15, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Privacy, Human Rights, Georgia, Russia, Economy, Ukraine, China, Transcript

In this episode of Groong: Spotlight on Silence, we speak with Rafael Ishkhanyan of the Armenian Center for Political Rights about Armenia’s sweeping new surveillance law. Passed quietly in March 2025, the law grants police 24/7 access to camera networks across public institutions and allows for real-time facial recognition, raising deep concerns about privacy, political targeting, and unchecked state power. We explore what the law says, what it leaves out, and why international silence—despite clear risks to civil liberties—has been so striking.

Hrant Mikaelian - Poland’s Shift, RPA’s Nominee, Economy, Demographics | Ep 444, June 8, 2025 [EP444]

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 11, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Russia, Geopolitics, India, Armenian Church, Georgia, Economy, Turkey, NATO, Iran | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine’s War, Poland’s Pivot?
  • Status Check on the Economy
  • RPA Names PM Candidate
  • Armenia’s Demographic Threats
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 444 | Recorded: June 9, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - Poland’s Shift, RPA’s Nominee, Economy, Demographics | Ep 444, June 8, 2025 [EP444]

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 11, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Russia, Geopolitics, India, Armenian Church, Georgia, Economy, Turkey, NATO, Iran

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine’s War, Poland’s Pivot?
  • Status Check on the Economy
  • RPA Names PM Candidate
  • Armenia’s Demographic Threats
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 444 | Recorded: June 9, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Ukraine and US-Iran, Fidan in Moscow, Lachin, Azerbaijan and Pashinyan attack Armenian Church, Impeachment vs. Elections | Ep 442, June 1, 2025 [EP442]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 3, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Ukraine, India, Israel, China, Syria, Economy, European Union | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Status of Ukraine and US-Iran Crises
  • Hakan Fidan in Moscow
  • Erdogan, Aliyev, Sharif in Lachin
  • Azerbaijan and Pashinyan Attack the Armenian Church
  • Impeachment vs. Elections
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 442 | Recorded: June 2, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Ukraine and US-Iran, Fidan in Moscow, Lachin, Azerbaijan and Pashinyan attack Armenian Church, Impeachment vs. Elections | Ep 442, June 1, 2025 [EP442]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 3, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Ukraine, India, Israel, China, Syria, Economy, European Union

Guest:

Topics:

  • Status of Ukraine and US-Iran Crises
  • Hakan Fidan in Moscow
  • Erdogan, Aliyev, Sharif in Lachin
  • Azerbaijan and Pashinyan Attack the Armenian Church
  • Impeachment vs. Elections
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 442 | Recorded: June 2, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan – Republic Day, EU Drama, and Constitutional Chaos | Ep 441, May 25, 2025 [EP441]

Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh Blockade, Armenian Genocide, Genocide, Iran, Human Rights, Economy | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • May 28, Republic Day
  • Armenia’s EU-Russia policy confusion
  • Constitutional changes for “peace”
  • Impeachment vs. election dilemma
  • Azeri invasion threat and silence

Episode 441 | Recorded: May 28, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan – Republic Day, EU Drama, and Constitutional Chaos | Ep 441, May 25, 2025 [EP441]

Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh Blockade, Armenian Genocide, Genocide, Iran, Human Rights, Economy

Guest:

Topics:

  • May 28, Republic Day
  • Armenia’s EU-Russia policy confusion
  • Constitutional changes for “peace”
  • Impeachment vs. election dilemma
  • Azeri invasion threat and silence

Episode 441 | Recorded: May 28, 2025

Էդգար Ղազարյան – Խոսքի ազատության գործը և մամուլի վիճակը Հայաստանում | Ep 440, May 28, 2025 [EP440]

Posted on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, In Armenian, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Human Rights, India, European Union | Series: cog, video

INTERVIEW IN ARMENIAN / ՀԱՐՑԱԶՐՈՒՅՑ ՀԱՅԵՐԵՆ

Guest:

Topics:

  • Criminal charges used to silence Edgar Ghazaryan / Քրեական մեղադրանքներ՝ Էդգար Ղազարյանին լռեցնելու համար
  • Media freedom in Armenia under Pashinyan’s rule / Մամուլի ազատությունը Հայաստանում Փաշինյանի կառավարման օրոք
  • Public broadcasting under political control / Հանրային հեռարձակումը քաղաքական վերահսկողության տակ
  • State-aligned actors spreading misinformation / Ապատեղեկատվություն տարածող պետական կողմի դերակատարները

Episode 440 | Recorded: March 9, 2025

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Էդգար Ղազարյան – Խոսքի ազատության գործը և մամուլի վիճակը Հայաստանում | Ep 440, May 28, 2025 [EP440]

Posted on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, In Armenian, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Human Rights, India, European Union

INTERVIEW IN ARMENIAN / ՀԱՐՑԱԶՐՈՒՅՑ ՀԱՅԵՐԵՆ

Guest:

Topics:

  • Criminal charges used to silence Edgar Ghazaryan / Քրեական մեղադրանքներ՝ Էդգար Ղազարյանին լռեցնելու համար
  • Media freedom in Armenia under Pashinyan’s rule / Մամուլի ազատությունը Հայաստանում Փաշինյանի կառավարման օրոք
  • Public broadcasting under political control / Հանրային հեռարձակումը քաղաքական վերահսկողության տակ
  • State-aligned actors spreading misinformation / Ապատեղեկատվություն տարածող պետական կողմի դերակատարները

Episode 440 | Recorded: March 9, 2025

 Read More

Levon Zourabian - US-Iran, Russia-Ukraine, Armenia-Azerbaijan, 2026 Campaigns | Ep 439, May 26, 2025 [EP439]

Posted on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Geopolitics, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Azerbaijan, Economy, Turkey, Middle East, European Union, Genocide | Series: cog, video

Guest:

  • Levon Zourabian , Vice-President of the Armenian National Congress (ANC) party of Armenia.

Topics:

  • US-Iran Nuclear Talks
  • Russia and Ukraine
  • Armenia Azerbaijan Talks
  • Armenian Elections in 2026

Episode 439 | Recorded: May 23, 2025

Levon Zourabian - US-Iran, Russia-Ukraine, Armenia-Azerbaijan, 2026 Campaigns | Ep 439, May 26, 2025 [EP439]

Posted on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Geopolitics, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Azerbaijan, Economy, Turkey, Middle East, European Union, Genocide

Guest:

  • Levon Zourabian , Vice-President of the Armenian National Congress (ANC) party of Armenia.

Topics:

  • US-Iran Nuclear Talks
  • Russia and Ukraine
  • Armenia Azerbaijan Talks
  • Armenian Elections in 2026

Episode 439 | Recorded: May 23, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - Tirana, Lavrov, Armenian Un-Democracy, Demilitarization, and More | Ep 438, May 18, 2025 [EP438]

Posted on Friday, May 23, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Vatican, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, India, European Union, Israel, Genocide, Georgia | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 438 | Recorded: May 21, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - Tirana, Lavrov, Armenian Un-Democracy, Demilitarization, and More | Ep 438, May 18, 2025 [EP438]

Posted on Friday, May 23, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Vatican, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, India, European Union, Israel, Genocide, Georgia

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 438 | Recorded: May 21, 2025

Ehsan Movahedian - Iran Amidst Geopolitical Tensions | Ep 437, May 19, 2025 [EP437]

Posted on Monday, May 19, 2025 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Geopolitics, USA, Russia, Israel, Azerbaijan, Syria, Turkey, Georgia, Nagorno Karabakh, NATO, China, Middle East, Economy | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • US-Iran Nuclear Talks
  • Pezeshkian Visit to Baku
  • Iran-Armenia Relations
  • US Support for Azerbaijan

Episode 437 | Recorded: May 16, 2025

Ehsan Movahedian - Iran Amidst Geopolitical Tensions | Ep 437, May 19, 2025 [EP437]

Posted on Monday, May 19, 2025 | Category: Iran, Armenia, Geopolitics, USA, Russia, Israel, Azerbaijan, Syria, Turkey, Georgia, Nagorno Karabakh, NATO, China, Middle East, Economy

Guest:

Topics:

  • US-Iran Nuclear Talks
  • Pezeshkian Visit to Baku
  • Iran-Armenia Relations
  • US Support for Azerbaijan

Episode 437 | Recorded: May 16, 2025

Pietro Shakarian - May 9, Victory Day and Parade, Artsrun Hovhannisyan’s Historical Revision | Ep 436, May 15, 2025 [EP436]

Posted on Thursday, May 15, 2025 | Category: Russia, Armenia, Geopolitics, Nagorno Karabakh, China, Armenian Genocide, Turkey, Azerbaijan, NATO, Ukraine, Genocide, Soviet Armenia, Modern Armenia | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • May 9, Victory Day and Parade
  • Pashinyan, Aliyev Posture at Victory Day
  • Artsrun Hovhannisyan’s Historical Revision
  • Armenia and Artsakh Contributions to WW2

Episode 436 | Recorded: May 15, 2025

Pietro Shakarian - May 9, Victory Day and Parade, Artsrun Hovhannisyan’s Historical Revision | Ep 436, May 15, 2025 [EP436]

Posted on Thursday, May 15, 2025 | Category: Russia, Armenia, Geopolitics, Nagorno Karabakh, China, Armenian Genocide, Turkey, Azerbaijan, NATO, Ukraine, Genocide, Soviet Armenia, Modern Armenia

Guest:

Topics:

  • May 9, Victory Day and Parade
  • Pashinyan, Aliyev Posture at Victory Day
  • Artsrun Hovhannisyan’s Historical Revision
  • Armenia and Artsakh Contributions to WW2

Episode 436 | Recorded: May 15, 2025

Arthur G Martirosyan - Victory Day, India Pakistan, Armenia Azerbaijan, Pope Leo XIV | Ep 435, May 11, 2025 [EP435]

Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenian Genocide, Armenian Church, India, Turkey, China, Genocide, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, Economy, Georgia | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • May 9 Victory Parade
  • Ukraine
  • India and Pakistan
  • Armenian Azerbaijani Talks
  • American Pope

Episode 435 | Recorded: May 12, 2025