Strong Armenia

Last updated: May 29, 2026

Strong Armenia is a political alliance competing in the June 7, 2026 Armenian parliamentary elections, led by businessman and opposition figure Samvel Karapetyan . MPG polling conducted ahead of the elections placed Strong Armenia consistently in second place, making it one of the most viable opposition forces in the race.

Groong has covered Samvel Karapetyan’s rise as a political figure and the formation of Strong Armenia as a vehicle for opposition voters who do not align with the Armenia Alliance led by Robert Kocharyan . Episodes examine the party’s positions on foreign policy, the Artsakh displaced population’s right of return, relations with Russia and the West, and the question of whether the fragmented Armenian opposition can coordinate to deny Civil Contract a governing majority.

Groong episodes that include this tag

Below are all Groong episodes tagged with Strong Armenia.

Pietro Shakarian - Memory Under Siege: From Stalin to Pashinyan | Ep 573, Aug 3, 2026 [EP573]

Posted on Monday, Aug 3, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, History | Series: cog, video

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Erasing memory across Yerevan
  • Great Purge in Soviet Armenia
  • Khanjyan’s assassination and Beria
  • Repression of Armenia’s national institutions
  • Remembering Stalinist repression
  • Historical parallels with modern Armenia
  • Attacks on memory and Church
  • Opposition strategy after the election

Episode 573 | Recorded: July 31, 2026

#Armenia #GreatPurge #AghasiKhanjyan #PietroShakarian #Artsakh #ArmenianChurch #PoliticalRepression #MemoryUnderSiege #Authoritarianism #SovietArmenia

 Read More

Pietro Shakarian - Memory Under Siege: From Stalin to Pashinyan | Ep 573, Aug 3, 2026 [EP573]

Posted on Monday, Aug 3, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, History

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Erasing memory across Yerevan
  • Great Purge in Soviet Armenia
  • Khanjyan’s assassination and Beria
  • Repression of Armenia’s national institutions
  • Remembering Stalinist repression
  • Historical parallels with modern Armenia
  • Attacks on memory and Church
  • Opposition strategy after the election

Episode 573 | Recorded: July 31, 2026

#Armenia #GreatPurge #AghasiKhanjyan #PietroShakarian #Artsakh #ArmenianChurch #PoliticalRepression #MemoryUnderSiege #Authoritarianism #SovietArmenia

 Read More

Transcript: Pietro Shakarian - Memory Under Siege: From Stalin to Pashinyan | Ep 573, Aug 3, 2026 [EP573]

Posted on Monday, Aug 3, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, History, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Pietro Shakarian about memory, repression, and state power in Armenia across Soviet and contemporary periods. We discuss the Great Purge in Soviet Armenia, the assassination of Aghasi Khanjyan, the suppression of Armenian national institutions under Stalin and Beria, and the parallels between Stalinist erasure and current efforts to control public memory, symbols, and mourning in post-Artsakh Armenia under the Civil Contract regime.

Christine Arakelian - Forever Wars, NATO 3.0, Armenia's High-Stakes Western Pivot | Ep 572, Jul 31, 2026 [EP572]

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2026 | Category: Armenia, USA, European Union, Politics, Geopolitics, Diaspora | Series: cog, video

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • US Foreign Policy & the Fracture of MAGA
  • Iran and the Risk of Forever Wars
  • NATO 3.0 and Europe’s Militarization
  • Post-2026 Election Armenia
  • TRIPP and Pashinyan’s Pivot to the West

Episode 572 | Recorded: July 29, 2026

#ForeverWars #NATO #IranWar #Armenia #TRIPP #MAGA #USForeignPolicy #SouthCaucasus

Christine Arakelian - Forever Wars, NATO 3.0, Armenia's High-Stakes Western Pivot | Ep 572, Jul 31, 2026 [EP572]

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2026 | Category: Armenia, USA, European Union, Politics, Geopolitics, Diaspora

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • US Foreign Policy & the Fracture of MAGA
  • Iran and the Risk of Forever Wars
  • NATO 3.0 and Europe’s Militarization
  • Post-2026 Election Armenia
  • TRIPP and Pashinyan’s Pivot to the West

Episode 572 | Recorded: July 29, 2026

#ForeverWars #NATO #IranWar #Armenia #TRIPP #MAGA #USForeignPolicy #SouthCaucasus

Transcript: Christine Arakelian - Forever Wars, NATO 3.0, Armenia's High-Stakes Western Pivot | Ep 572, Jul 31, 2026 [EP572]

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2026 | Category: Armenia, USA, European Union, Politics, Geopolitics, Diaspora, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Christine Arakelian about American foreign policy fractures, Iran war risks, and Armenia’s pivot to the West. We discuss whether the United States has coherent foreign policy, the collapse of the MAGA coalition over Forever Wars, NATO 3.0 and Europe’s militarization, and how Pashinyan’s post-2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election government is navigating TRIPP amid global instability.

From Caspian Drones to Armenia’s Cold Winter | Ep 571, Jul 26, 2026 [EP571]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Iran, Politics | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Ukraine expands its war into the Caspian
  • Iran warns of a wider regional response
  • Russia and the West test stalled diplomacy
  • Aliyev positions Baku as a geopolitical hub
  • Armenia faces pressure over EU alignment
  • Baku POW abuse and their deteriorating health
  • Housing policy expose domestic failures

Episode 571 | Recorded: July 27, 2026

#Armenia #UkraineWar #Iran #CaspianSea #SouthCaucasus #MiddleCorridor #ArmenianPOWs #Geopolitics

From Caspian Drones to Armenia’s Cold Winter | Ep 571, Jul 26, 2026 [EP571]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Iran, Politics

Topics:

  • Ukraine expands its war into the Caspian
  • Iran warns of a wider regional response
  • Russia and the West test stalled diplomacy
  • Aliyev positions Baku as a geopolitical hub
  • Armenia faces pressure over EU alignment
  • Baku POW abuse and their deteriorating health
  • Housing policy expose domestic failures

Episode 571 | Recorded: July 27, 2026

#Armenia #UkraineWar #Iran #CaspianSea #SouthCaucasus #MiddleCorridor #ArmenianPOWs #Geopolitics

Transcript: From Caspian Drones to Armenia’s Cold Winter | Ep 571, Jul 26, 2026 [EP571]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Iran, Politics, Transcript

In this week’s edition of the Armenian News podcast, Hovik and Asbed analyze escalating regional tensions as Ukraine expands operations into the Caspian Sea, striking Iranian and Russian assets. We examine how this merger of the Northern and Southern conflicts affects Armenia, Kazakhstan’s energy security, and Pashinyan’s diplomatic positioning amid new pressure from Western capitals following Aliyev’s recent visits to Germany and Berlin.

NATO in Ankara, War in Iran, and the Scissors Over Armenia | Ep 567, Jul 12, 2026 [EP567]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 15, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • NATO summit in Ankara
  • Iran War Update
  • Taking Scissors to Armenia
  • Shaping the Parliament
  • OSCE vs. Garegin II

Episode 567 | Recorded: July 13, 2026

#ArmenianNews #NATOSummit #IranWar #TRIPP #ArmeniaAzerbaijan #ArmenianParliament #GareginII #OSCE

NATO in Ankara, War in Iran, and the Scissors Over Armenia | Ep 567, Jul 12, 2026 [EP567]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 15, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics

Topics:

  • NATO summit in Ankara
  • Iran War Update
  • Taking Scissors to Armenia
  • Shaping the Parliament
  • OSCE vs. Garegin II

Episode 567 | Recorded: July 13, 2026

#ArmenianNews #NATOSummit #IranWar #TRIPP #ArmeniaAzerbaijan #ArmenianParliament #GareginII #OSCE

Transcript: NATO in Ankara, War in Iran, and the Scissors Over Armenia | Ep 567, Jul 12, 2026 [EP567]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 15, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Transcript

In this Groong Week in Review episode, Hovik and Asbed cover the 36th NATO summit in Ankara, escalating Iran war developments, and Armenia’s removal of murals honoring fallen soldiers. We discuss NATO’s defense spending surge, Trump’s shift on Turkey and F-35 access, Ukraine aid commitments, and what these geopolitical shifts mean for Armenia and the South Caucasus amid ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations.

Dmitry Suslov - Ukraine’s Endgame, Armenia’s Crossroads | Ep 566, Jul 11, 2026 [EP566]

Posted on Saturday, Jul 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Russia, Ukraine, Politics | Series: cog, video

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Ukraine’s long war and endgame
  • Novorossiya and a landlocked Ukraine?
  • Europe rearms against Russia
  • NATO 3.0 and containment
  • Armenia’s post-election Western pivot
  • EU promises versus EAEU dependence
  • TRIPP, Syunik, and Russian red lines

Episode 566 | Recorded: July 9, 2026

#Russia #UkraineWar #NATO #Europe #Armenia #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #Syunik #EAEU

Dmitry Suslov - Ukraine’s Endgame, Armenia’s Crossroads | Ep 566, Jul 11, 2026 [EP566]

Posted on Saturday, Jul 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Russia, Ukraine, Politics

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Ukraine’s long war and endgame
  • Novorossiya and a landlocked Ukraine?
  • Europe rearms against Russia
  • NATO 3.0 and containment
  • Armenia’s post-election Western pivot
  • EU promises versus EAEU dependence
  • TRIPP, Syunik, and Russian red lines

Episode 566 | Recorded: July 9, 2026

#Russia #UkraineWar #NATO #Europe #Armenia #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #Syunik #EAEU

Transcript: Dmitry Suslov - Ukraine’s Endgame, Armenia’s Crossroads | Ep 566, Jul 11, 2026 [EP566]

Posted on Saturday, Jul 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Russia, Ukraine, Politics, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Dmitry Suslov about Russia’s strategic position across multiple fronts: the Ukraine War, Armenia’s post-election Western pivot, TRIPP and Syunik, and Europe’s rearmament against Russia. We discuss the long-term confrontation between Russia and NATO, Pashinyan’s Western alignment after the June 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, and how transport corridors in the South Caucasus may reshape regional containment lines.

Samvel Karapetyan's Rise: A Third Way for Armenia? [EP565]

Posted on Friday, Jul 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics

Markedonov analyzes why Samvel Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia party emerged as the primary opposition force despite his lack of political background, signaling Armenian society’s demand for alternatives.

Sergey Markedonov - Ukraine, TRIPP, and Armenia’s Western Pivot | Ep 565, Jul 10, 2026 [EP565]

Posted on Friday, Jul 10, 2026 | Series: cog, video

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Ukraine’s war of attrition
  • Russia’s strategic bandwidth problem
  • TRIPP and Iran’s red lines
  • Israel’s Armenian Genocide move
  • Armenia’s Western pivot after elections

Episode 565 | Recorded: July 8, 2026

#ArmenianNews #SouthCaucasus #UkraineWar #Russia #Armenia #EAEU #TRIPP #Geopolitics

Sergey Markedonov - Ukraine, TRIPP, and Armenia’s Western Pivot | Ep 565, Jul 10, 2026 [EP565]

Posted on Friday, Jul 10, 2026

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Ukraine’s war of attrition
  • Russia’s strategic bandwidth problem
  • TRIPP and Iran’s red lines
  • Israel’s Armenian Genocide move
  • Armenia’s Western pivot after elections

Episode 565 | Recorded: July 8, 2026

#ArmenianNews #SouthCaucasus #UkraineWar #Russia #Armenia #EAEU #TRIPP #Geopolitics

Transcript: Sergey Markedonov - Ukraine, TRIPP, and Armenia’s Western Pivot | Ep 565, Jul 10, 2026 [EP565]

Posted on Friday, Jul 10, 2026 | Category: Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Sergey Markedonov about Russia’s strategic position amid the Ukraine War and its implications for Armenia. We discuss why Moscow remains bogged down in Ukraine despite its military superiority, how the war of attrition shapes Russian bandwidth for the South Caucasus, the geopolitical role of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, and Pashinyan’s Western pivot following the June 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election.

The Constitutional Court has ruled, now what? | Ep 564, Jul 5, 2026 [EP564]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 8, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Court rubber stamps stolen elections
  • Von der Leyen in the South Caucasus
  • EU connectivity push in Caucasus
  • Rubinyan vs. Simonyan
  • Post-election opposition raids begin
  • IMEI or IMEI not

Episode 564 | Recorded: July 6, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianNews #Pashinyan #ArmenianPolitics #SouthCaucasus #ConstitutionalCourt #SurveillanceState

The Constitutional Court has ruled, now what? | Ep 564, Jul 5, 2026 [EP564]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 8, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics

Topics:

  • Court rubber stamps stolen elections
  • Von der Leyen in the South Caucasus
  • EU connectivity push in Caucasus
  • Rubinyan vs. Simonyan
  • Post-election opposition raids begin
  • IMEI or IMEI not

Episode 564 | Recorded: July 6, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianNews #Pashinyan #ArmenianPolitics #SouthCaucasus #ConstitutionalCourt #SurveillanceState

Transcript: The Constitutional Court has ruled, now what? | Ep 564, Jul 5, 2026 [EP564]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 8, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Transcript

In this episode of Groong Week in Review for July 5, 2026, Hovik and Asbed analyze Armenia’s Constitutional Court ruling upholding the disputed 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election results. We examine the disqualification of Prosperous Armenia votes, Civil Contract’s three-fifths majority, the opposition’s parliamentary leverage, and what these outcomes mean for Armenian sovereignty amid ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process negotiations and regional pressures.

When Israel Recognizes and Yerevan Dodges | Ep 562, Apr 25, 2026 [EP562]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 1, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Israel Recognizes the Armenian Genocide
  • Russian Warnings Continue
  • Post Election Limbo

Episode 562 | Recorded: June 29, 2026

#ArmenianGenocide #Armenia #Israel #Pashinyan #RussiaArmenia #SouthCaucasus

When Israel Recognizes and Yerevan Dodges | Ep 562, Apr 25, 2026 [EP562]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 1, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics

Topics:

  • Israel Recognizes the Armenian Genocide
  • Russian Warnings Continue
  • Post Election Limbo

Episode 562 | Recorded: June 29, 2026

#ArmenianGenocide #Armenia #Israel #Pashinyan #RussiaArmenia #SouthCaucasus

Transcript: When Israel Recognizes and Yerevan Dodges | Ep 562, Apr 25, 2026 [EP562]

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 1, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Transcript

In this week’s Groong Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discuss Israel’s historic recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Russia’s ongoing warnings toward Armenia, and the political uncertainty following the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We examine the geopolitical context behind Israel’s decision, Pashinyan’s measured response, and what these developments signal about Armenia’s regional position amid shifting US-Turkey relations and broader Middle East tensions.

Iran Talks, Election Challenges, and Political Retaliation | Ep 561, Jun 21, 2026 [EP561]

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • US-Iran Negotiations
  • Russian Embargo
  • Election Aftermath
  • Persecutions Continue
  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Telco Agreement

Episode 561 | Recorded: June 22, 2026

#ArmenianNews #Armenia #Iran #USIranTalks #ArmenianElections #SouthCaucasus #NikolPashinyan #TRIPP

Iran Talks, Election Challenges, and Political Retaliation | Ep 561, Jun 21, 2026 [EP561]

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics

Topics:

  • US-Iran Negotiations
  • Russian Embargo
  • Election Aftermath
  • Persecutions Continue
  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Telco Agreement

Episode 561 | Recorded: June 22, 2026

#ArmenianNews #Armenia #Iran #USIranTalks #ArmenianElections #SouthCaucasus #NikolPashinyan #TRIPP

Transcript: Iran Talks, Election Challenges, and Political Retaliation | Ep 561, Jun 21, 2026 [EP561]

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Transcript

In this Groong Week in Review episode, Hovik and Asbed examine the fallout from Armenia’s 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Elections, the ongoing US-Iran War ceasefire negotiations and their regional implications, and escalating political persecutions following the vote. We discuss how six opposition parties—including Strong Armenia, Armenia Alliance, Prosperous Armenia, and others—have challenged the election results at the Constitutional Court, Russia’s continued criticism of Pashinyan’s government amid an economic embargo, and Armenia-Azerbaijan telecommunications developments amid broader geopolitical uncertainty in the South Caucasus.

Arman Grigoryan - US-Iran Negotiations, Post-Election Armenian Politics | Ep 560, Jun 23, 2026 [EP560]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran | Series: cog, video

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • US-Iran negotiations and regional risks
  • TRIPP and shifting regional power
  • Armenia’s contested post-election landscape
  • Opposition failures and future strategy
  • Risks of another parliamentary election

Episode 560 | Recorded: June 22, 2026

#ArmeniaElections #USIranNegotiations #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #Iran #ArmanGrigoryan

Arman Grigoryan - US-Iran Negotiations, Post-Election Armenian Politics | Ep 560, Jun 23, 2026 [EP560]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • US-Iran negotiations and regional risks
  • TRIPP and shifting regional power
  • Armenia’s contested post-election landscape
  • Opposition failures and future strategy
  • Risks of another parliamentary election

Episode 560 | Recorded: June 22, 2026

#ArmeniaElections #USIranNegotiations #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #Iran #ArmanGrigoryan

Transcript: Arman Grigoryan - US-Iran Negotiations, Post-Election Armenian Politics | Ep 560, Jun 23, 2026 [EP560]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Arman Grigoryan about US-Iran negotiations and Armenia’s contested post-election landscape. We discuss the prospects for a US-Iran agreement, its implications for TRIPP and Iran-Russia relations, the aftermath of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, and how shifting great-power dynamics reshape the South Caucasus.

Hrant Mikaelian - Election Aftermath and Polls in Armenia | Ep 559, Jun 20, 2026 [EP559]

Posted on Saturday, Jun 20, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll | Series: cog, video

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Election aftermath and disputed legitimacy
  • Threats against opposition parties
  • Armenia-Russia tensions after vote
  • EU lifeline for Armenian exports
  • Polling failures and hidden votes

Episode 559 | Recorded: June 18, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #HrantMikaelian #NikolPashinyan #CivilContract #ArmeniaRussia #Polling

Hrant Mikaelian - Election Aftermath and Polls in Armenia | Ep 559, Jun 20, 2026 [EP559]

Posted on Saturday, Jun 20, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Election aftermath and disputed legitimacy
  • Threats against opposition parties
  • Armenia-Russia tensions after vote
  • EU lifeline for Armenian exports
  • Polling failures and hidden votes

Episode 559 | Recorded: June 18, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #HrantMikaelian #NikolPashinyan #CivilContract #ArmeniaRussia #Polling

Transcript: Hrant Mikaelian - Election Aftermath and Polls in Armenia | Ep 559, Jun 20, 2026 [EP559]

Posted on Saturday, Jun 20, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Hrant Mikaelian about the disputed aftermath of Armenia’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary election. We discuss allegations of electoral fraud, threats against opposition parties, the Anti-Corruption Committee’s proposed ban on opposition groups, Armenia-Russia tensions following the vote, and the EU’s financial support for Armenian agricultural exports amid Russian sanctions.

Armenian Parliamentary Election, US-Iran Agreement | Ep 558, Jun 14, 2026 [EP558]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Armenian Election Aftermath
  • Armenia-Georgia Relations
  • US-Iran Interim Agreement

Episode 558 | Recorded: June 15, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianNews #ArmenianElections #CivilContract #Pashinyan #ArmenianConstitution #Referendum #ProsperousArmenia #SouthCaucasus #CEC

Armenian Parliamentary Election, US-Iran Agreement | Ep 558, Jun 14, 2026 [EP558]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran

Topics:

  • Armenian Election Aftermath
  • Armenia-Georgia Relations
  • US-Iran Interim Agreement

Episode 558 | Recorded: June 15, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianNews #ArmenianElections #CivilContract #Pashinyan #ArmenianConstitution #Referendum #ProsperousArmenia #SouthCaucasus #CEC

Transcript: Armenian Parliamentary Election, US-Iran Agreement | Ep 558, Jun 14, 2026 [EP558]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Transcript

In this episode of Groong Week in Review for June 14, 2026, hosts Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian analyze the aftermath of Armenia’s 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, shifting Armenia-Georgia relations, and a landmark interim US-Iran agreement that reshapes regional stability. We discuss the ceasefire framework, sanctions relief, and how the Iran war’s resolution affects Armenian security, energy markets, and the broader South Caucasus landscape.

Groong News Digest — Week of June 9–15, 2026

Posted on Monday, Jun 15, 2026 | Category: Digest, News Digest

Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections saw Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party secure a majority amid disputed fraud allegations, while the West celebrates the outcome and Russia withholds endorsement, setting the stage for constitutional conflicts over peace negotiations with Azerbaijan.

Groong Podcast Digest — Week of June 9–15, 2026

Posted on Monday, Jun 15, 2026 | Category: Digest, Podcast Digest

We analyze the disputed results of Armenia’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary election, examining Civil Contract’s contested majority, alleged irregularities and invalid ballots, the OSCE/ODIHR preliminary report, the last-minute exclusion of Prosperous Armenia, opposition arrests and pressure, and what a three-fifths majority could mean for Armenia’s courts, institutions, and foreign policy. Arthur G. Martirosyan examines Armenia’s contested 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, discussing whether the vote was free and fair, how state pressure and Western backing shaped the  Read More

Arthur Martirosyan - After the Anger, What Next? | Ep 557, Jun 10, 2026 [EP557]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics | Series: cog, video

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Contested results and thresholds
  • Pashinyan’s post-election crackdown
  • Western backing and interference
  • Russia’s delayed pressure campaign
  • Opposition choices after the vote

Episode 557 | Recorded: June 9, 2026

#ArmenianElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #CivilContract #StrongArmenia #ArmenianOpposition

Arthur Martirosyan - After the Anger, What Next? | Ep 557, Jun 10, 2026 [EP557]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Contested results and thresholds
  • Pashinyan’s post-election crackdown
  • Western backing and interference
  • Russia’s delayed pressure campaign
  • Opposition choices after the vote

Episode 557 | Recorded: June 9, 2026

#ArmenianElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #CivilContract #StrongArmenia #ArmenianOpposition

Transcript: Arthur Martirosyan - After the Anger, What Next? | Ep 557, Jun 10, 2026 [EP557]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Arthur G. Martirosyan about Armenia’s contested 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election and Pashinyan’s path to a third term. We discuss whether the vote was free and fair, how state pressure and Western backing shaped the outcome, the razor-thin thresholds that determine parliamentary representation, Pashinyan’s post-election crackdown against the Established Opposition, and what a Civil Contract supermajority would mean for Armenia’s governance and the Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process.

2026 Elections: A Mandate Under Dispute | Ep 556, June 7, 2026 [EP556]

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Disputed mandate, unresolved majority
  • Election-day irregularities in plain sight
  • ODIHR’s mixed preliminary verdict
  • Bribery replaced by state spending
  • Opposition’s next steps uncertain

Try the Groong Podcast App

Episode 556 | Recorded: Jun 9, 2026 #ArmenianElections #ArmenianNews #CivilContract #Pashinyan #Election2026 #SouthCaucasus

2026 Elections: A Mandate Under Dispute | Ep 556, June 7, 2026 [EP556]

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics

Topics:

  • Disputed mandate, unresolved majority
  • Election-day irregularities in plain sight
  • ODIHR’s mixed preliminary verdict
  • Bribery replaced by state spending
  • Opposition’s next steps uncertain

Try the Groong Podcast App

Episode 556 | Recorded: Jun 9, 2026 #ArmenianElections #ArmenianNews #CivilContract #Pashinyan #Election2026 #SouthCaucasus

Transcript: 2026 Elections: A Mandate Under Dispute | Ep 556, June 7, 2026 [EP556]

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 10, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Transcript

In this episode of Groong Week in Review, we analyze the disputed results of Armenia’s June 7, 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We examine Civil Contract’s contested majority, alleged irregularities and invalid ballots, the OSCE/ODIHR preliminary report, the last-minute exclusion of Prosperous Armenia, opposition arrests and pressure, and what a three-fifths majority could mean for Armenia’s courts, institutions, and foreign policy.

Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - IODA's Second Mission and Armenia's Dire Election Climate | Ep 554, Jun 4, 2026 [EP554]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 4, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Artsakh | Series: cog

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Arrests of government critics
  • State pressure on voters
  • Public resources used for campaigns
  • Selective prosecution before elections
  • Election legitimacy under serious doubt

Episode 554 | Recorded: June 3, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #Election2026 #IODA #OSCE #ODIHR #Geopolitics #Democracy

Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - IODA's Second Mission and Armenia's Dire Election Climate | Ep 554, Jun 4, 2026 [EP554]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 4, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Artsakh

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Arrests of government critics
  • State pressure on voters
  • Public resources used for campaigns
  • Selective prosecution before elections
  • Election legitimacy under serious doubt

Episode 554 | Recorded: June 3, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #Election2026 #IODA #OSCE #ODIHR #Geopolitics #Democracy

Transcript: Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - IODA's Second Mission and Armenia's Dire Election Climate | Ep 554, Jun 4, 2026 [EP554]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 4, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Artsakh, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan about Armenia’s deteriorating democratic conditions ahead of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We discuss IODA’s second election observation mission, widespread arrests of opposition figures, state intimidation of voters, selective prosecution, and the serious threats to electoral legitimacy and civil rights under the Civil Contract regime.

May 28, Rubio’s Armenia Deals, and the Cost of Strategic Drift | Ep 553, May 31, 2026 [EP553]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 2, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, NATO, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Georgia | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • May 28 and Statehood
  • Parade as Campaign Theater
  • Rubio’s Armenia Agreements
  • Minerals Without Guarantees
  • TRIPP Risks in Syunik
  • Russia and Iran Pushback
  • Election Climate and Repression

Episode 553 | Recorded: June 1, 2026

#Armenia #May28 #MarcoRubio #TRIPP #Syunik #CriticalMinerals #ElectionFraud #RussiaArmenia

May 28, Rubio’s Armenia Deals, and the Cost of Strategic Drift | Ep 553, May 31, 2026 [EP553]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 2, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, NATO, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Georgia

Topics:

  • May 28 and Statehood
  • Parade as Campaign Theater
  • Rubio’s Armenia Agreements
  • Minerals Without Guarantees
  • TRIPP Risks in Syunik
  • Russia and Iran Pushback
  • Election Climate and Repression

Episode 553 | Recorded: June 1, 2026

#Armenia #May28 #MarcoRubio #TRIPP #Syunik #CriticalMinerals #ElectionFraud #RussiaArmenia

Transcript: May 28, Rubio’s Armenia Deals, and the Cost of Strategic Drift | Ep 553, May 31, 2026 [EP553]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 2, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, NATO, Artsakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Georgia, Transcript

In this episode of Groong’s Week in Review, hosts Hovik and Asbed examine Armenia’s May 28 Independence Day parade as campaign theater, Marco Rubio’s push for critical minerals deals, and the strategic risks of TRIPP in Syunik. We discuss how Pashinyan’s military parade coincides with Armenian prisoners of war held hostage in Baku, the questionable financing of weapons through $8 billion in external debt, and the broader geopolitical pressures from Russia and Iran as Armenia heads into the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election.

Arthur Khachatryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 551, May 31, 2026 [EP551]

Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh | Series: cog, video

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Free and fair elections
  • Polls and opposition unity
  • Hayastan Dashinq platform
  • TRIPP and foreign policy
  • Economy and Russian pressure

Episode 551 | Recorded: May 30, 2026

#ArmeniaElections #ArthurKhachatryan #HayastanDashinq #ArmenianOpposition #Pashinyan #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #Groong

Arthur Khachatryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 551, May 31, 2026 [EP551]

Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh

Guest(s):

Topics:

  • Free and fair elections
  • Polls and opposition unity
  • Hayastan Dashinq platform
  • TRIPP and foreign policy
  • Economy and Russian pressure

Episode 551 | Recorded: May 30, 2026

#ArmeniaElections #ArthurKhachatryan #HayastanDashinq #ArmenianOpposition #Pashinyan #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #Groong

Transcript: Arthur Khachatryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 551, May 31, 2026 [EP551]

Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Arthur Khachatryan of the Hayastan Dashinq, Armenia Alliance about the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election scheduled for June 7. We discuss whether free and fair elections are possible given foreign interference from the West, abuse of administrative resources by the ruling Civil Contract party, media control, and competing pressures from the United States, EU, Russia, and regional actors including Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Rubio Visit, New MPG and IRI Polls, Hidden Votes and Why Are You Alive? | Ep 550, May 24, 2026 [EP550]

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Azerbaijan, Russia, China | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Rubio’s sudden Armenia visit
  • Polls diverge before election
  • Hidden vote raises questions
  • TRIPP remains deeply polarizing
  • “Western Azerbaijan” pressure grows
  • Opposition faces arrests, threats
  • “Why are you alive?” campaign rhetoric

Episode 550 | Recorded: May 25, 2026

#ArmeniaElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #WesternAzerbaijan #ArmenianOpposition

Rubio Visit, New MPG and IRI Polls, Hidden Votes and Why Are You Alive? | Ep 550, May 24, 2026 [EP550]

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Azerbaijan, Russia, China

Topics:

  • Rubio’s sudden Armenia visit
  • Polls diverge before election
  • Hidden vote raises questions
  • TRIPP remains deeply polarizing
  • “Western Azerbaijan” pressure grows
  • Opposition faces arrests, threats
  • “Why are you alive?” campaign rhetoric

Episode 550 | Recorded: May 25, 2026

#ArmeniaElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #WesternAzerbaijan #ArmenianOpposition

Transcript: Rubio Visit, New MPG and IRI Polls, Hidden Votes and Why Are You Alive? | Ep 550, May 24, 2026 [EP550]

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Azerbaijan, Russia, China, Transcript

This Week in Review examines the tightening political climate in Armenia ahead of the June 2026 parliamentary elections. Asbed and Hovik discuss Marco Rubio’s sudden Armenia visit, new polling from IRI, MPG, and CAEAC, and what the wide gaps in voter disclosure may reveal about hidden opposition support. The episode also covers TRIPP, “Western Azerbaijan” rhetoric, public trust in the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the growing use of arrests, threats, and state pressure against opposition figures. The discussion centers on Pashinyan’s escalating campaign rhetoric, including his “Why are you alive?” outburst, and what it signals about the stakes of the coming election.

Edgar Elbakyan - The Battle for Armenia’s Political Future | Ep 549, May 24, 2026 [EP549]

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia’s existential election
  • Polling under fear
  • Divergent polling results
  • Church and state conflict
  • Post-election street pressure

Episode 549 | Recorded: May 22, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #EdgarElbakyan #StrongArmenia #ArmeniaAlliance #ArmeniaElections

Edgar Elbakyan - The Battle for Armenia’s Political Future | Ep 549, May 24, 2026 [EP549]

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia’s existential election
  • Polling under fear
  • Divergent polling results
  • Church and state conflict
  • Post-election street pressure

Episode 549 | Recorded: May 22, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #EdgarElbakyan #StrongArmenia #ArmeniaAlliance #ArmeniaElections

Parties and Alliances in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 548, May 22, 2026 [EP548]

Posted on Saturday, May 23, 2026 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh Blockade, BRICS, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, European Union | Series: cog, video

Topics:

  • Armenia’s election rules
  • Parties and alliances competing
  • MPG polling and thresholds
  • Opposition challenges and turnout
  • Geopolitical positions heatmap

Episode 548 | Recorded: May 22, 2026

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #ArmenianPolitics #Artsakh #SouthCaucasus #CivilContract #StrongArmenia #HayastanDashinq