South Caucasus

Last updated: May 29, 2026

The South Caucasus sits at the crossroads of Russia, Turkey, Iran, and the broader Middle East — a small region whose internal conflicts have consistently attracted the attention of great powers. The three states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia each navigate overlapping and often contradictory security relationships with Moscow, Washington, and Brussels, while managing unresolved territorial disputes and competing integration ambitions.

The 2020 Nagorno Karabakh war and Azerbaijan’s September 2023 offensive — which resulted in the ethnic cleansing of the entire Armenian population of Artsakh from Nagorno Karabakh — reshaped the regional order, accelerating Armenia’s pivot away from Russian security structures, deepening Azerbaijan’s strategic confidence, and leaving Georgia’s own geopolitical direction in flux following disputed elections and mass protests. The region has become a live testing ground for the limits of Russian influence, the reach of Western soft power, and the emerging role of powers like Turkey, Iran, India , and China.

Groong covers the South Caucasus comprehensively — not just Armenia’s domestic politics and security situation, but the regional dynamics that define the constraints and opportunities facing every state in the area. Episodes in this category examine bilateral relationships, multilateral formats, infrastructure corridors, and the geopolitical competition that makes the South Caucasus one of the most consequential small regions in Eurasian politics.

Groong episodes that include this tag

Below are all Groong episodes tagged with South Caucasus.

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 516 | Recorded: February 9, 2026

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 516 | Recorded: February 9, 2026

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 515 | Recorded: February 6, 2026

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 515 | Recorded: February 6, 2026

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 510 | Recorded: Jnauary 27, 2026

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 510 | Recorded: Jnauary 27, 2026

Erhan Arik - Horovel and The Armenian Genocide | Ep 509, Jan 22, 2026 [EP509]

Posted on Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 | Category: Arts, Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Turkey, Genocide, Iran, Russia, Middle East, Lebanon, Georgia, India, NATO, Azerbaijan | Series: tcc

Guest Host:

Guest:

Topics:

  • Horovel, a cross-border memory project
  • Ojakh, a second trip down memory lane
  • Gayan, a wider regional lens
  • Our Seeds, continuity across generations

Episode 509 | Recorded: January 18, 2026

Erhan Arik - Horovel and The Armenian Genocide | Ep 509, Jan 22, 2026 [EP509]

Posted on Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 | Category: Arts, Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Turkey, Genocide, Iran, Russia, Middle East, Lebanon, Georgia, India, NATO, Azerbaijan

Guest Host:

Guest:

Topics:

  • Horovel, a cross-border memory project
  • Ojakh, a second trip down memory lane
  • Gayan, a wider regional lens
  • Our Seeds, continuity across generations

Episode 509 | Recorded: January 18, 2026

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 508 | Recorded: January 19, 2026

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

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 508 | Recorded: January 19, 2026

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

Pietro Shakarian - Iran, Russia, and the Geopolitics of Post-Soviet Eurasia | Ep 506, Jan 16, 2026 [EP506]

Posted on Friday, Jan 16, 2026 | Category: Armenia, History, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Israel, Nagorno Karabakh, BRICS, European Union, Syria, China, Ukraine, Genocide, India, NATO, Georgia, Middle East, Human Rights | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Unrest in Iran
  • Russia-Iran Partnership
  • Solovyov’s Statements
  • Trump’s “TRIPP Wire” in the Caucasus
  • Release of Armenian hostages

Episode 506 | Recorded on January 14, 2026

Pietro Shakarian - Iran, Russia, and the Geopolitics of Post-Soviet Eurasia | Ep 506, Jan 16, 2026 [EP506]

Posted on Friday, Jan 16, 2026 | Category: Armenia, History, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Israel, Nagorno Karabakh, BRICS, European Union, Syria, China, Ukraine, Genocide, India, NATO, Georgia, Middle East, Human Rights

Guest:

Topics:

  • Unrest in Iran
  • Russia-Iran Partnership
  • Solovyov’s Statements
  • Trump’s “TRIPP Wire” in the Caucasus
  • Release of Armenian hostages

Episode 506 | Recorded on January 14, 2026

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 505 | Recorded: January 13, 2026

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 505 | Recorded: January 13, 2026

Fyodor Lukyanov - Russia in Evolving Global Geopolitics | Ep 502, Jan 9, 2026 [EP502]

Posted on Friday, Jan 9, 2026 | Category: Iran, Russia, Armenia, Israel, Politics, China, Ukraine, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, BRICS, European Union, NATO, Azerbaijan | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Venezuela
  • Ukraine War
  • Russia-Iran Relations
  • TRIPP and Russian-Armenian Relations

Episode 502 | Recorded: January 8, 2026

#FyodorLukyanov #RussiaGeopolitics #UkraineWar #IranIsrael #VenezuelaCrisis #TRIPP

Fyodor Lukyanov - Russia in Evolving Global Geopolitics | Ep 502, Jan 9, 2026 [EP502]

Posted on Friday, Jan 9, 2026 | Category: Iran, Russia, Armenia, Israel, Politics, China, Ukraine, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, BRICS, European Union, NATO, Azerbaijan

Guest:

Topics:

  • Venezuela
  • Ukraine War
  • Russia-Iran Relations
  • TRIPP and Russian-Armenian Relations

Episode 502 | Recorded: January 8, 2026

#FyodorLukyanov #RussiaGeopolitics #UkraineWar #IranIsrael #VenezuelaCrisis #TRIPP

Transcript: Fyodor Lukyanov - Russia in Evolving Global Geopolitics | Ep 502, Jan 9, 2026 [EP502]

Posted on Friday, Jan 9, 2026 | Category: Iran, Russia, Armenia, Israel, Politics, China, Ukraine, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, BRICS, European Union, NATO, Azerbaijan, Transcript

Fyodor Lukyanov joins Groong to discuss how Moscow reads a fast-shifting global landscape, from the U.S. raid in Venezuela and maritime seizures at sea, to Trump’s Greenland rhetoric, the stalled endgame in Ukraine, the likelihood of a renewed Israel-Iran war, and how TRIPP and “unblocking” disputes in Armenia’s south fit into Russia’s regional priorities.

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 500 | Recorded: December 31, 2025

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 500 | Recorded: December 31, 2025

Dziunik Aghajanian - EU Ukraine Rift, Church Siege, and TRIPP Power Games | Ep 498, Dec 21, 2025 [EP498]

Posted on Thursday, Dec 25, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Iran, Economy, Georgia, European Union, China, Middle East, NATO | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine War and EU Rift
  • Siege on Etchmiadzin and the Church
  • Peace Dividend or Political Theater
  • TRIPP and Competing Power Claims

Episode 498 | Recorded: December 23, 2025

#ArmenianChurch #Etchmiadzin #TRIPP #ArmeniaPolitics #Groong

Dziunik Aghajanian - EU Ukraine Rift, Church Siege, and TRIPP Power Games | Ep 498, Dec 21, 2025 [EP498]

Posted on Thursday, Dec 25, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Iran, Economy, Georgia, European Union, China, Middle East, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine War and EU Rift
  • Siege on Etchmiadzin and the Church
  • Peace Dividend or Political Theater
  • TRIPP and Competing Power Claims

Episode 498 | Recorded: December 23, 2025

#ArmenianChurch #Etchmiadzin #TRIPP #ArmeniaPolitics #Groong

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 496 | Recorded: December 15, 2025

#ArmeniaPolitics #EUvsRussia #ArmenianChurch #Artsakh #Geopolitics

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

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

Episode 496 | Recorded: December 15, 2025

#ArmeniaPolitics #EUvsRussia #ArmenianChurch #Artsakh #Geopolitics

Benyamin Poghosyan - Pashinyan War on Armenian Church, EU-Armenia, Artsakh, Arar Poll | Ep 494, Sep 25, 2025 [EP494]

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Poll, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenian Church, Russia, European Union, Turkey, Ukraine, Iran, India | Series: video, wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • 1988 Earthquake Remembered
  • Pashinyan’s War on the Armenian Church
  • EU-Armenia Relations
  • Nagorno-Karabakh Negotiation Documents
  • ARAR Foundation Poll

Episode 494 | Recorded: December 8, 2025

#ArmenianChurch #NSS #Pashinyan #ArarPoll #ArmeniaEU

Benyamin Poghosyan - Pashinyan War on Armenian Church, EU-Armenia, Artsakh, Arar Poll | Ep 494, Sep 25, 2025 [EP494]

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Poll, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenian Church, Russia, European Union, Turkey, Ukraine, Iran, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • 1988 Earthquake Remembered
  • Pashinyan’s War on the Armenian Church
  • EU-Armenia Relations
  • Nagorno-Karabakh Negotiation Documents
  • ARAR Foundation Poll

Episode 494 | Recorded: December 8, 2025

#ArmenianChurch #NSS #Pashinyan #ArarPoll #ArmeniaEU

Eldar Mamedov - The Global Geopolitics Surrounding the South Caucasus | Ep 492, Dec 1, 2025 [EP492]

Posted on Monday, Dec 1, 2025 | Category: World Order, TRIPP, Armenia, USA, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, NATO, European Union, Middle East, Syria, Geopolitics, China, Lebanon | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • US and Venezuela
  • Potential for New War on Iran
  • Is Azerbaijan a “Middle Power”?
  • Europe’s Confused Geopolitical Identity
  • Armenia’s Confused Geopolitics

Episode 492 | Recorded: November 29, 2025

#IranCrisis #AzerbaijanPolitics #EuropeanGeopolitics #ArmeniaSecurity #SouthCaucasus #GlobalPowerPolitics

Eldar Mamedov - The Global Geopolitics Surrounding the South Caucasus | Ep 492, Dec 1, 2025 [EP492]

Posted on Monday, Dec 1, 2025 | Category: World Order, TRIPP, Armenia, USA, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, NATO, European Union, Middle East, Syria, Geopolitics, China, Lebanon

Guest:

Topics:

  • US and Venezuela
  • Potential for New War on Iran
  • Is Azerbaijan a “Middle Power”?
  • Europe’s Confused Geopolitical Identity
  • Armenia’s Confused Geopolitics

Episode 492 | Recorded: November 29, 2025

#IranCrisis #AzerbaijanPolitics #EuropeanGeopolitics #ArmeniaSecurity #SouthCaucasus #GlobalPowerPolitics

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

  • Venezuela
  • Ukraine War
  • Gaza
  • TRIPP in Armenia

Episode 491 | Recorded: November 29, 2025

#Venezuela #AmericaFirst #USForeignPolicy #TRIPP #UkraineWar

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

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

Guest:

Topics:

  • Venezuela
  • Ukraine War
  • Gaza
  • TRIPP in Armenia

Episode 491 | Recorded: November 29, 2025

#Venezuela #AmericaFirst #USForeignPolicy #TRIPP #UkraineWar

Garen Jinbachian - OSCE Human Dimension Conf, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and The West | Ep 489, Nov 26, 2025 [EP489]

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 26, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Political Prisoners, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Georgia, Genocide, Turkey, Iran, Lebanon | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan’s war crimes and impunity
  • Sham trials of Artsakh leaders
  • Silence of the OSCE and the West
  • Armenia’s growing political repression
  • Attacks on the Armenian Church

Episode 489 | Recorded: November 23, 2025

Garen Jinbachian - OSCE Human Dimension Conf, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and The West | Ep 489, Nov 26, 2025 [EP489]

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 26, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Political Prisoners, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Georgia, Genocide, Turkey, Iran, Lebanon

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan’s war crimes and impunity
  • Sham trials of Artsakh leaders
  • Silence of the OSCE and the West
  • Armenia’s growing political repression
  • Attacks on the Armenian Church

Episode 489 | Recorded: November 23, 2025

Sergei Melkonian - Ukraine, Iran & Israel, C5+1 in DC, Vagharshapat Municipal Outcome | Ep 486, Nov 16, 2025 [EP486]

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Church, Syria, Ukraine, China, Middle East, NATO, Economy, European Union, Geopolitics, India | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine and Iran-Israel Conflicts
  • C5+1 in Washington DC
  • Vagharshapat/Etchmiadzin Municipal

Episode 486 | Recorded: November 17, 2025

Sergei Melkonian - Ukraine, Iran & Israel, C5+1 in DC, Vagharshapat Municipal Outcome | Ep 486, Nov 16, 2025 [EP486]

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Church, Syria, Ukraine, China, Middle East, NATO, Economy, European Union, Geopolitics, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine and Iran-Israel Conflicts
  • C5+1 in Washington DC
  • Vagharshapat/Etchmiadzin Municipal

Episode 486 | Recorded: November 17, 2025

Benyamin  Poghosyan - Ukraine War update, Pashinyan’s Persecution of Church and Opposition intensifies | Ep 483, Nov 2, 2025 [EP483]

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 4, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, USA, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, China, Economy, Genocide, India, Iran, Middle East, NATO | Series: video, wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine war status and U.S.–Russia dynamics
  • Church–state tensions and religious prosecutions
  • Opposition arrests, trials, and civil liberties
  • Border demarcation, enclaves

Episode 483 | Recorded: November 3, 2025

Benyamin  Poghosyan - Ukraine War update, Pashinyan’s Persecution of Church and Opposition intensifies | Ep 483, Nov 2, 2025 [EP483]

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 4, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, USA, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, China, Economy, Genocide, India, Iran, Middle East, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine war status and U.S.–Russia dynamics
  • Church–state tensions and religious prosecutions
  • Opposition arrests, trials, and civil liberties
  • Border demarcation, enclaves

Episode 483 | Recorded: November 3, 2025

Trita Parsi - Prospect, Grounds and Consequences of a Second Israeli War on Iran  | Ep 482, Nov 1, 2025 [EP482]

Posted on Saturday, Nov 1, 2025 | Category: Middle East, Iran, Israel, Syria, USA, Armenia, Azerbaijan, European Union, Lebanon, Russia, Turkey | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Timing and intent for an Israel and Iran clash
  • Unfinished business from the June war
  • US role, limited support or full engagement
  • Iran’s escalation ladder and Caucasus spillover scenarios

Episode 482 | Recorded on October 30, 2025

Trita Parsi - Prospect, Grounds and Consequences of a Second Israeli War on Iran  | Ep 482, Nov 1, 2025 [EP482]

Posted on Saturday, Nov 1, 2025 | Category: Middle East, Iran, Israel, Syria, USA, Armenia, Azerbaijan, European Union, Lebanon, Russia, Turkey

Guest:

Topics:

  • Timing and intent for an Israel and Iran clash
  • Unfinished business from the June war
  • US role, limited support or full engagement
  • Iran’s escalation ladder and Caucasus spillover scenarios

Episode 482 | Recorded on October 30, 2025

Transcript: Trita Parsi - Prospect, Grounds and Consequences of a Second Israeli War on Iran  | Ep 482, Nov 1, 2025 [EP482]

Posted on Saturday, Nov 1, 2025 | Category: Middle East, Iran, Israel, Syria, USA, Armenia, Azerbaijan, European Union, Lebanon, Russia, Turkey, Transcript

A deep dive with Dr. Trita Parsi on whether Israel will strike Iran again, why June’s war left “unfinished business,” how much Israel depends on the United States, what Iran’s rapid-response playbook looks like after June, and how a wider fight could spill into the South Caucasus and affect Armenia. Recorded Oct 30, 2025.

Arthur Khachatryan - Euronest, Aliyev Transit Move, Gyumri Mayor Arrest, Pashinyan vs. Church | Ep 481, Oct 26, 2025 [EP481]

Posted on Friday, Oct 31, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, Ukraine, NATO | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Euronest session takeaways
  • Aliyev’s transit move and TRIPP
  • Gyumri mayor arrest fallout
  • Pashinyan’s push to control the Church

Episode 481 | Recorded: October 29, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan - Euronest, Aliyev Transit Move, Gyumri Mayor Arrest, Pashinyan vs. Church | Ep 481, Oct 26, 2025 [EP481]

Posted on Friday, Oct 31, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, Ukraine, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Euronest session takeaways
  • Aliyev’s transit move and TRIPP
  • Gyumri mayor arrest fallout
  • Pashinyan’s push to control the Church

Episode 481 | Recorded: October 29, 2025

44-Day War, A Tale of Betrayal | Ep 476, Sep 28, 2025 [EP476]

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 1, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Genocide, NATO, Ukraine, Georgia, Iran, China | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Pashinyan’s rise and Western backing
  • Breakdown of talks and secret meetings
  • Failures and propaganda during the war
  • Aftermath, revisionism, and political responsibility

Episode 476 | Recorded: September 28, 2025

44-Day War, A Tale of Betrayal | Ep 476, Sep 28, 2025 [EP476]

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 1, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Genocide, NATO, Ukraine, Georgia, Iran, China

Topics:

  • Pashinyan’s rise and Western backing
  • Breakdown of talks and secret meetings
  • Failures and propaganda during the war
  • Aftermath, revisionism, and political responsibility

Episode 476 | Recorded: September 28, 2025

Arthur Martirosyan - Sep 19, Civil Contract, Opposition Inaction, Electric Network | Ep 474, Sep 21, 2025 [EP474]

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 23, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Genocide, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, China, Georgia, Israel, Middle East | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Sep. 19: Day of Artsakh’s Ethnic Cleansing
  • Civil Contract’s 7th Congress
  • Opposition (In)Action
  • Electric Network of Armenia

Episode 474 | Recorded: September 22, 2025

Arthur Martirosyan - Sep 19, Civil Contract, Opposition Inaction, Electric Network | Ep 474, Sep 21, 2025 [EP474]

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 23, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Genocide, Artsakh Blockade, European Union, China, Georgia, Israel, Middle East

Guest:

Topics:

  • Sep. 19: Day of Artsakh’s Ethnic Cleansing
  • Civil Contract’s 7th Congress
  • Opposition (In)Action
  • Electric Network of Armenia

Episode 474 | Recorded: September 22, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - War on Iran, Russia on TRIPP, New MPG Poll in Armenia, Economy | Ep 471, Sep 7, 2025 [EP471]

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Poll, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Economy, Georgia, Israel, Genocide, China, Ukraine, India | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • War in Iran, Chapter 2?
  • Russia’s Stance on TRIPP
  • New MPG Poll in Armenia
  • Armenian Economy in H1/2025

Episode 471 | Recorded: September 8, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - War on Iran, Russia on TRIPP, New MPG Poll in Armenia, Economy | Ep 471, Sep 7, 2025 [EP471]

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Poll, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Economy, Georgia, Israel, Genocide, China, Ukraine, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • War in Iran, Chapter 2?
  • Russia’s Stance on TRIPP
  • New MPG Poll in Armenia
  • Armenian Economy in H1/2025

Episode 471 | Recorded: September 8, 2025

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 | Series: cog, video

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

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

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

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

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

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