Podcast appearances and mentions of Nikol Pashinyan

Conversations on Groong - June 23, 2026In 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.Topics:US-Iran negotiations and regional risksTRIPP and shifting regional powerArmenia's contested post-election landscapeOpposition failures and future strategyRisks of another parliamentary electionGuest: Arman GrigoryanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 560 | Recorded: June 22, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/560VIDEO: https://youtu.be/SU6w4phqqGk#ArmeniaElections #USIranNegotiations #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #Iran #ArmanGrigoryanSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - June 20, 2026In 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.Topics:Election aftermath and disputed legitimacyThreats against opposition partiesArmenia-Russia tensions after voteEU lifeline for Armenian exportsPolling failures and hidden votesGuest: Hrant MikaelianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 559 | Recorded: June 18, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/559#Armenia #ArmenianElections #HrantMikaelian #NikolPashinyan #CivilContract #ArmeniaRussia #PollingSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

In this episode of Disorder Latest, Jason is joined by Thomas de Waal, journalist, author, and Senior Fellow at Carnegie Europe who has spent decades studying the politics, conflicts, and societies of the Caucasus and wider Eurasian region. His book ‘The Caucasus: An Introduction', is a must read for anyone looking to understand the region—its ethnic diversity, its ties to Russia, its cults of personality, and its geopolitical importance. Jason and Thomas discuss the  June 7 Armenian election—won by pro-EU incumbent Nikol Pashinyan--, the Trump negotiated peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and whether Georgia is moving permanently away from Europe and the West. For ad free listening, early release episodes and more bonus content, join our Mega Orderers Club at ⁠disordershow.com/club⁠ Producer: Sam Cluely Subscribe to our Substack - https://natoandtheged.substack.com/ Disorder on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DisorderShow Show Notes Links: Get Thomas' book at ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Caucasus-Introduction-Thomas-Waal/dp/0195399773⁠  Listen to our previous episodes with Armen Sarkissian, Armenia's former president ⁠https://pod.link/1706818264/episode/OWJlOTI5YTYtMDBjZC0xMWVmLTg0N2MtMmIzNDcwZTAyMDQx⁠  And for more on the Armenian election: ⁠https://apnews.com/article/armenia-election-result-pashinyan-7168ab86aa0d9f2c967171c91c9611c9⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Week in Review - June 14, 2026In this episode of Groong Week in Review for June 14, 2026, we 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.Topics:Armenian Election AftermathArmenia-Georgia RelationsUS-Iran Interim AgreementHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 558 | Recorded: June 15, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/558VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ioSlOhVsLFo#Armenia #ArmenianNews #ArmenianElections #CivilContract #Pashinyan #ArmenianConstitution #Referendum #ProsperousArmenia #SouthCaucasus #CECSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Nikol Pashinyan's sweeping re-election in Armenia has raised fresh hopes that the border with Turkey could finally reopen after three decades of closure. The Armenian prime minister campaigned on restoring ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as moving Armenia closer to Europe – but constitutional reform remains a major obstacle. The vote on 7 June gave Nikol Pashinyan a clear victory over the opposition. But his success could prove bittersweet after he fell short of the parliamentary majority needed to change the constitution. Changing the constitution is part of Pashinyan's peace efforts with Azerbaijan, brokered last year by United States President Donald Trump. “This government is committed to passing what the Armenian opposition would refer to as 'the Aliyev referendum',” said Eric Hacopian, a Yerevan-based political consultant. “The problem is, now they have no votes to bring it up because you need to get a two-thirds vote to change the constitution.” Armenia PM Pashinyan wins vote, cementing pro-Western shift Constitutional hurdles On the back of the Washington peace talks, “Armenia and Azerbaijan had an understanding that, after the election in Armenia, there would be certain constitutional amendments”, explained Hikmet Hajiyev, chief foreign policy adviser to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Baku insists Armenia must remove claims to Nagorno-Karabakh from the preamble to its constitution. The two countries have clashed repeatedly over the contested territory. In 2023, Azerbaijan retook the breakaway enclave, causing more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee. “We are looking forward to Armenia completely eliminating elements of its territorial claims,” Hajiyev said. “Then we will not have any stumbling blocks or hurdles on our agenda to move forward.” Constitutional reform is also seen as important for normalising Armenia's ties with Turkey, according to Hajiyev. “It's not directly linked, but indirectly,” he said. “Once the Azerbaijan-Armenia agenda is solved, then Turkey will also act in a synchronised manner, opening the borders and also establishing a closer relationship.” Armenia election: what the vote could mean for Russia, the West and Azerbaijan Border hopes Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993, siding with Azerbaijan after ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh declared independence and seized Azerbaijani lands. Efforts to restore ties are now gathering pace, said Zeynep Alemdar, an international relations professor at Dogus University in Istanbul. “They've already declared in May 2026 that the border is going to be opened up, and all the bureaucratic, paperwork-type obstacles are actually being dismantled,” Alemdar said, noting that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is believed to get on well with Pashinyan. Pashinyan's Turkey visit signals new chapter as Ankara eyes Caucasus shift But energy-rich Azerbaijan remains crucial to Ankara, Alemdar said. “Economically, comparing Azerbaijan versus Armenia for Ankara, of course Azerbaijan always wins... Of course Azerbaijan is going to be more influential,” Alemdar said. Erdogan congratulated Pashinyan on his re-election, while the Turkish foreign ministry urged Yerevan in a statement to embrace “bold reforms” – seen by many as a call for constitutional change. Cautious steps Pashinyan's lack of decisive parliamentary support and uncertainty over a possible referendum mean Ankara's role could be important in securing lasting peace, said Richard Giragosian, director of the Regional Studies Center think tank in Yerevan. “For Turkey this is a slow, gradual process of retaking the initiative with Armenia, away from Azerbaijan,” Giragosian said. “Because in many ways, at every round it's been the Azerbaijan factor that's the key determinant. And according to sources in Ankara, they only have a yellow light of caution from Azerbaijan – it's not a red light, but it's not yet a green light to proceed.” Reopening the Turkish-Armenian border would be welcomed by the European Union and Washington, as Ankara seeks to deepen its ties with both. But with Azerbaijan acting as a major investor and economic lifeline, Turkey is moving cautiously to avoid upsetting its powerful neighbour.

Conversations on Groong - June 10, 2026In 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.Topics:Contested results and thresholdsPashinyan's post-election crackdownWestern backing and interferenceRussia's delayed pressure campaignOpposition choices after the voteGuest: Arthur G. MartirosyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 557 | Recorded: June 9, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/557#ArmenianElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #CivilContract #StrongArmenia #ArmenianOppositionSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

After a triggering event we're calling Legislativegate, producer Wojciech has a bone to pick with the English language and all of its irregularities. This week, Katy arranges a therapy session for Wojciech with Rob Watts, the Berlin-based host of the wildly popular YouTube channel RobWords, to discuss the peculiarities of the English language and the joys of being a “word nerd”. We're also talking about Nikol Pashinyan's ✨pivotal✨win in Armenia's election, and whether or not we can forgive Dua Lipa for her Sicilian destination wedding.GOT A HOT TAKE ABOUT BREXIT? If you have a personal experience to share for our next episode, or just something (Brexit-related!) to get off your chest, we want to hear from you. Record a voice memo at your earliest convenience and send it to hello@europeanspodcast.com. JOIN OUR FIRST-EVER OFFICE HOUR! Next week, come hang out with Katy and Dominic, have a friendly chat, ask questions, and get to know a few more members of the Europeans family. You don't even have to be a Patreon member to join. The first Office Hour is 18 June at 9pm CET, and you'll find a link to join the call on our website and all our social media channels an hour before the event.This week in the Inspiration Station, listener Federico recommended the Free Refugee Week Film Festival.Contribute to the EUROPEANS SUMMER PLAYLIST! We're rounding up our favorite tracks that keep the summery vibes going in dozens of languages from across the continent. Special credit will go to songs by lesser-known artists that aren't in Europe's most widely spoken languages. Send your picks to hello@europeanspodcast.com or @europeanspodcast on Instagram/Mastodon. Resources for this episode:Macron's recent jam session with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Our inaugural book club podcast (just as good as Dua Lipa's)RobWords on YouTube and his podcast Words UnravelledRobWords Live at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival “The Chaos” (poem) by Gerard Nolst TrenitéInvestigation suggesting Karapetyan had ties to Russia's FSBEVN Report – a great news source for anyone who wants to stay up to date with the Armenian election.This podcast was brought to you in cooperation with Euranet Plus, the leading radio network for EU news. But it's contributions from listeners that truly make it all possible—we could not continue to make the show without you! If you like what we do, you can chip in to help us cover our production costs at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/europeanspodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in many different currencies), or you can gift a donation to a superfan. You can also donate via our website if you prefer. And finally: we'd also love it if you could tell two friends about this podcast. We think two feels like a reasonable number.Co-hosts: Katy Lee and Wojciech Oleksiak Produced by Morgan ChildsMixing and mastering by Wojciech OleksiakMusic by Jim Barne and Mariska MartinaThe Europeans is proudly produced using Europe's own Hindenburg.YouTube | Bluesky | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Mastodon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Substack | hello@europeanspodcast.com

It's war in our time. After flirting with peace for a few miserable hours, the US and Iran are back to what they know best: taking uneven chunks out of each other amidst the world's prime oil pathway. This week, Iran levelled a terminal of Kuwait's airport, and attacked the Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. Then there was that mysterious Apache helicopter crash off Hormuz. Now, after the crisp kinetic strikes of the first few weeks – then the tentative tests of strength – the war is entering a new phase.One in which Iran shows that the US will not be able to achieve on the negotiating table what it did not achieve on the battlefield. Meanwhile, it's a thriving Asian tiger, the skyscraper skyline of its capital shows the bustle and optimism of the Rising East. Mobile phones. Electric cars. That's right — North Korea is this year's big economic success story, according to a new piece in the Wall Street Journal. Turns out the Hermit Kingdom is less hermetic these days. North Koreans have made good money providing weapons to Russia in Ukraine, and China has turned on the trade taps. Pyongyang no longer rations electricity to a few hours every day. So what happens when North Korea is no longer a Potemkin village but a Potemkin megalopolis? Meanwhile, lose a war, get voted back in. Three years after the catastrophe in Nagorno-Karabakh, what inspired the Armenian people to re-elect Nikol Pashinyan? Perhaps it was precisely because of how vulnerable the country feels itself to be. The strategy is to buy off and shore up: peace with Azerbaijan, EU candidacy, and normalisation with old enemy Turkey. But how low can you lie in a region that Russia sees as its backyard?Do check out our Substack if you can - https://multipolaritypod.substack.com/

Day 1,566.As Putin installs yet more anti-drone defences around his mistress' lakeside retreat north west of Moscow, Ukraine shows there are still glaring holes in the Russian air defence network with deep strikes on oil refineries and weapons factories elsewhere across the country. The main bridge linking to occupied Crimea from Kherson oblast has been hit again, this time reportedly closing it completely, leaving Russian authorities – in the words of one Ukrainian official – ‘trying to conceal the situation' now in Crimea. And later, after Sunday's election of western-leaning Nikol Pashinyan in Armenia, Dom speaks to Russia and Caucasus analyst James Kilner to ask how significant the result is, and why Mr Pashinyan may actually be left feeling slightly deflated.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X.Senior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: James EnglandSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Putin arms up summer palace as Ukraine deep strikes tear through Russian defencesIs the election of a pro-Europe party in Armenia actually a win for Putin? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Week in Review - June 7, 2026In 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.Topics:Disputed mandate, unresolved majorityElection-day irregularities in plain sightODIHR's mixed preliminary verdictBribery replaced by state spendingOpposition's next steps uncertainHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 556 | Recorded: Jun 9, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/556Try the Groong Podcast App#ArmenianElections #ArmenianNews #CivilContract #Pashinyan #Election2026 #SouthCaucasusSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

As Armenians vote in a parliamentary election seen as a test of Nikol Pashinyan's pro-Western course, RFI asks two regional experts what the result could mean for peace with Azerbaijan and relations with Russia. Eight years after the street revolution that brought him to power, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is asking voters for a fresh mandate built around the promise of lasting peace with Azerbaijan and a reduced dependence on Russia. His opponents say he has conceded too much to Baku and damaged Armenia's traditional alliance with Moscow. To understand what is at stake, RFI spoke to Joshua Kucera, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, and Richard Giragossian, director of the Regional Studies Center in Yerevan.

Il presidente ucraino, Volodymir Zelensky, ha proposto al suo omologo russo di mettere da parte la mediazione degli Stati Uniti, impegnati in Iran, e vedersi direttamente per trattare la pace. Putin si è detto favorevole ad un incontro a Mosca ma non intende rinunciare ai territori del Donetsk e del Lugansk, né a Zaporizhzhia e Kherson. Intanto, in Montenegro si discute dell'allargamento dell'Unione europea ai Balcani, mentre in Armenia, dove si andrà al voto domenica 7 giugno, il partito filo-occidentale del primo ministro uscente Nikol Pashinyan è dato per favorito. Ne parliamo con Anna Zafesova, giornalista esperta di Russia, Marilisa Lorusso, analista di Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso, e con Giorgio Fruscione, ricercatore e analista di Ispi, esperto di Balcani.

Conversations on Groong - June 4, 2026In 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.Topics:Arrests of government criticsState pressure on votersPublic resources used for campaignsSelective prosecution before electionsElection legitimacy under serious doubtGuest: Philippe Raffi KalfayanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 554 | Recorded: June 3, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/554VIDEO: https://youtu.be/L9vKGO5Ezr4#Armenia #ArmenianElections #Election2026 #IODA #OSCE #ODIHR #Geopolitics #DemocracySubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - May 31, 2026In 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.Topics:Free and fair electionsPolls and opposition unityHayastan Dashinq platformTRIPP and foreign policyEconomy and Russian pressureGuest: Arthur KhachatryanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 551 | Recorded: May 30, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/551VIDEO: https://youtu.be/uQn81n-zHcw#ArmeniaElections #ArthurKhachatryan #HayastanDashinq #ArmenianOpposition #Pashinyan #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #GroongSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - May 24, 2026This Conversations on Groong episode features Edgar Elbakyan in a broad discussion of Armenia's upcoming election and the wider political climate around it. The conversation looks at whether this vote marks a turning point for Armenia, how public fear and pressure shape voter behavior, and why polling results differ so sharply. It also examines the main political forces, the chances for an opposition coalition, and whether the campaign is addressing the core questions of statehood, sovereignty, and public trust.Topics:Armenia's existential electionPolling under fearDivergent polling resultsChurch and state conflictPost-election street pressureGuest: Edgar ElbakyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 549 | Recorded: May 22, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/549VIDEO: https://youtu.be/rnhFD2eprzI#Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #EdgarElbakyan #StrongArmenia #ArmeniaAlliance #ArmeniaElectionsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of May 22: A new investigation reveals alleged Kremlin efforts to prevent Nikol Pashinyan from securing victory in upcoming parliamentary elections; allegations emerge that Narek Karapetyan, head of the Strong Armenia party list, holds Russian citizenship; a video surfaces showing masked gunmen threatening the Prime Minister; Andranik Tevanyan, second on Prosperous Armenia's electoral list, is charged with high treason and espionage and more.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of May 22: A new investigation reveals alleged Kremlin efforts to prevent Nikol Pashinyan from securing victory in upcoming parliamentary elections; allegations emerge that Narek Karapetyan, head of the Strong Armenia party list, holds Russian citizenship; a video surfaces showing masked gunmen threatening the Prime Minister; Andranik Tevanyan, second on Prosperous Armenia's electoral list, is charged with high treason and espionage and more. The post Election Campaign Woes appeared first on EVN Report.

Conversations on Groong - May 15, 2026Dr. Arman Grigoryan joins Groong to discuss Armenia's post-2020 foreign policy and his argument that Pashinyan's government has replaced one failed project, maximalist claims over Artsakh, with another: a risky strategic pivot away from Russia and toward the West. The conversation examines "revolutionary recklessness," the roots of the 2020 war, Armenia's worsening ties with Russia, the surrender of Artsakh, TRIPP and Syunik, Western encouragement, and the absence of firm security guarantees. Grigoryan also considers whether Armenia is gaining real sovereignty or exposing itself to greater pressure from Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Russia.Topics:Revolutionary recklessness after 2020Armenia's pivot away from RussiaArtsakh's surrender and strategic reorientationTRIPP, Syunik, and security guaranteesWestern backing, Armenian riskGuest: Arman GrigoryanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 546 | Recorded: May 13, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/546VIDEO: https://youtu.be/K3fj1Y35Dsw#ArmanGrigoryan #Armenia #Russia #Pashinyan #Artsakh #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #GeopoliticsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Week in Review - May 13, 2026In this Week in Review, we discuss the fallout from the EPC summit in Yerevan, Armenia's role as a platform for anti-Russian messaging, and Putin's warning about a possible “separation” if Armenia moves toward the EU. They examine the Armenia-EU declaration, focusing on TRIPP, Ukraine, hybrid threats, security cooperation, visa liberalization, and the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. The episode then turns to Armenia's election campaign, Pashinyan's claim that Artsakh was “never ours,” Aliyev's parallel messaging from occupied Artsakh, pressure on opposition figures, the Swiss Peace Initiative, and sharp divergence between election polls.Topics:EPC fallout and Russia responseArmenia-EU declaration controversiesPashinyan's Artsakh campaign narrativeAliyev-Pashinyan tag-team messagingSwiss Peace InitiativePollsters diverge on election forecastsHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 545 | Recorded: May 12, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/545VIDEO: https://youtu.be/pLYUk6q9Wx4#WeekInReview #Armenia #SwissPeaceInitiative #NagornoKarabakh #ArtsakhSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - May 10, 2026Hovhannes Ishkhanyan and Nare Navasardyan discuss the growing role of the EU, fact-checking networks, and counter-disinformation programs in Armenia's 2026 election environment. The conversation examines claims of foreign interference, the use of "hybrid threats" and "disinformation" labels against domestic dissent, and the political bias of Armenia's fact-checking ecosystem. The guests also share personal experiences with lawsuits, public confrontation, protest, and censorship, raising broader questions about free speech, election fairness, and the management of Armenia's information space.Topics:EU role in Armenia's electionsFact-checkers and political biasDissent labeled as disinformationLawsuits, pressure, and intimidationCensorship and social media controlGuests:Nare NavasardyanHovhannes IshkhanyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 543 | Recorded: May 7, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/543VIDEO: https://youtu.be/wapw0tYOafg#Armenia #ArmenianElections #EU #Disinformation #FactChecking #Censorship #CivilSociety #FreeSpeechSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - April 5, 2026Topics:Iran War Update2016 April WarAftermath of Pashinyan in MoscowDomestic Politics & ElectionHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 530 | Recorded: April 7, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/530VIDEO: https://youtu.be/QAkX9PiR484#Groong #Armenia #IranWar #Pashinyan #ArmenianNewsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - April 4, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, Pietro Shakarian joins Hovik and Asbed to examine the Iran war, its impact on Russia, Ukraine, and the wider Eurasian balance, and what it means for Armenia's security and foreign policy. The discussion also looks at Pashinyan's strained Moscow visit, the uncertain future of TRIPP, Armenia-Russia tensions, and the fast-forming landscape of Armenia's June parliamentary elections, including the opposition field, campaign narratives, and the stakes for the country's political future.Topics:   - The Iran War and Its Global Impacts  - Armenia-Russia Relations  - Parliamentary Elections in ArmeniaGuest: Pietro ShakarianHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan  - Asbed BedrossianEpisode 529 | Recorded: April 3, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/529#IranIsraelWar #IsraelIranConflict #IsraelConflict #Armenia #MiddleEastCrisis#ArmeniaElections #PietroShakarian #TRIPPSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - February 4, 2026Topics:CSI Visits Jailed ClericIRF SummitPACE MP Speaks UpGuest: Joel VeldkampHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 513 | Recorded: February 3, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/513VIDEO: https://youtu.be/gi1yk302jts#ArmenianChurch #ReligiousFreedom #ClergyArrests #IRFSummit2026 #ChristianSolidarityInternationalSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - January 17, 2026Topics:Return of Four HostagesPashinyan vs. ChurchTRIPPArmenia Parliamentary ElectionGuestAnna GrigoryanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 507 | Recorded: January 16, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/507VIDEO:  https://youtu.be/b-qrlL7z6UY #AnnaGrigoryan #Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #TRIPP #ArmenianChurch #POWsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - January 13, 2026Topics:The Legal Architecture: Autonomy, Exclusive Mission, and State NeutralityEngineering Parallel, Schismatic StructuresCriminal Law as LeverageBern in Action and ReactionThe Deeper Stakes: National IdentityGuest: Kevork HagopjianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 504 | Recorded: January 12, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/504VIDEO: https://youtu.be/TD1HLVnKyqc#Armenia #ArmenianChurch #Etchmiadzin #HumanRights #ReligiousFreedomSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - Jan 11, 2026Topics:Pashinyan Attacks: Geopolitics or Vendetta?Renegade Bishops: Demands and NarrativesStolen Church PropertyFrom Christmas to EasterGuest: Fr. Serop AzarianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 503 | Recorded: January 9, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/503VIDEO: https://youtu.be/TVEvBdX_Qr4#ArmenianApostolicChurch #ArmenianChurch #Garegin #Catholicos #NikolPashinyan #ArmenianDiasporaSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - January 4, 2026Topics:Developments in VenezuelaAttacks on Armenian Church ContinueNew MPG Poll ResultsArmenian Economy in 2025 (Jan-Oct)Guest: Hrant MikaelianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 501 | Recorded: January 6, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/501VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ACfF9ryiswESubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - December 14, 2025Topics:  - Armenia between EU and Russia  - Church–state confrontation in Armenia  - Artsakh concessions and return debate  - Economy, debt, and governance  - NSS raids Artsakh officesGuest: Arthur Khachatryan, MPHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan  - Asbed BedrossianEpisode 496 | Recorded: December 15, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/496#ArmeniaPolitics #EUvsRussia #ArmenianChurch #Artsakh #GeopoliticsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - December 7, 2025Topics1988 Earthquake RememberedPashinyan's War on the Armenian ChurchEU-Armenia RelationsNagorno-Karabakh Negotiation DocumentsARAR Foundation PollGuestBenyamin PoghosyanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 494 | Recorded: December 8, 2025https://podcasts.groong.org/494Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - November 27, 2025Topics: Clergy Arrests in Armenia Church Under Pressure Prayer Breakfast Controversy Western Silence on Repression CSI's Findings in YerevanGuest: Joel VeldkampHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 490 | Recorded: November 25, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/490VIDEO: https://youtu.be/BGnt2feIXMs#ArmenianChurch #ReligiousFreedom #ClergyArrests #ChristianSolidarityInternational #HumanRightsInArmeniaSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - November 26, 2025Topics:Azerbaijan's war crimes and impunitySham trials of Artsakh leadersSilence of the OSCE and the WestArmenia's growing political repressionAttacks on the Armenian ChurchGuest: Garen JinbachianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 489 | Recorded: November 23, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/489VIDEO: https://youtu.be/uwn6cFzDpAo#ArtsakhJustice #HumanRights #OSCE #Armenia #Azerbaijan #PoliticalPrisonersSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - November 23, 2025Topics:High-Stakes Ukraine TalksArmenia's Growing Political DetentionsPashinyan Honored In KazakhstanRising Pressure On The ChurchImpeachment vs. ElectionsPashinyan Seizes Power GridGuest: Hrant MikaelianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 488 | Recorded: November 24, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/488VIDEO: https://youtu.be/YA7EDq_Ve3I#ArmeniaPolitics #SouthCaucasus #HumanRights #FreeSpeech #RussiaUkraine #GroongPodcastSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Imnemnimi Podcasters Arrested:Freedom of Expression at Risk in ArmeniaConversations on GroongTopicsArrest of Imnemnimi PodcastersWhat are the Government's Real Intentions?Silence of the WestCall to All Media: Cover Aggressions Against Freedom of Expression in Armenia!GuestArthur KhachikyanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 485 | Recorded: November 14, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/485Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of November 14: Nikol Pashinyan says construction of TRIPP will begin in mid-2026; Public Services Regulatory Commission moves to revoke Electric Networks of Armenia's distribution license; Former leaders blame Pashinyan for triggering the 2020 war; he responds by pledging to release key negotiation documents by year's end and more.

Groong Week in Review - November 9, 2025TopicsNov 9: 44-Day War 5 years HenceUkraine and Iran-Israel ConflictsPres. Serge Sargsyan's InterviewPres. Robert Kocharyan's InterviewNarek Karapetyan on Tucker CarlsonGuestArthur G MartirosyanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 484 | Recorded: November 10, 2025https://podcasts.groong.org/484Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Euronest, Aliyev Transit Move, Gyumri Mayor Arrest, Pashinyan vs. ChurchGroong Week in Review - October 26, 2025TopicsEuronest session takeawaysAliyev's transit move and TRIPPGyumri mayor arrest falloutPashinyan's push to control the ChurchGuestArthur KhachatryanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 481 | Recorded: October 29, 2025https://podcasts.groong.org/481Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

OTS & CIS summits, Trump-Aliyev Tensions, Armenia Opposition for 2026Groong Week in Review - October 12, 2025TopicsAliyev pushes “Zangezur Corridor” at OTSPashinyan pitches “Trump Route” at CISPutin–Aliyev meeting eases tensionsArmenia's opposition gears up for 2026GuestHrant MikaelianHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 478 | Recorded: October 14, 2025https://podcasts.groong.org/478Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Ajapahyan Sentenced, Moldova, EPC, Peace Act, Dismantling the Armenian MilitaryGroong Week in Review - October 5, 2025TopicsAjapahyan Sentenced: 2 Years in JailMoldova Election LessonsEPC in Copenhagen, WSF in WarsawPeace ActDismantling Armenia's MilitaryGuestBenyamin PoghosyanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 477 | Recorded: October 6, 2025https://podcasts.groong.org/477Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

44-Day War: A Tale of BetrayalGroong Week in Review - September 28, 2025TopicsPashinyan's rise and Western backingBreakdown of talks and secret meetingsFailures and propaganda during the warAftermath, revisionism, and political responsibilityHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 476 | Recorded: September 28, 2025https://podcasts.groong.org/476Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Sep 19, Civil Contract, Opposition Inaction, Electric NetworkGroong Week in Review - September 21, 2025TopicsSeptember 19, 2023, two years on  Artsakh: blockade, starvation, Yerevan's position, ethnic cleansing, and lasting effects on Armenia.Civil Contract's 7th Congress and the “Fourth Republic”**    New constitution path after 2026, Alma-Ata framing, EU track, and institutionalizing peace. Fourth Republic. Brand or blueprint?Opposition dynamics before 2026**    Impeachment versus election focus, fragmentation, and what might sway undecided voters.Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA)**    Government “surgical measures,” nationalization vs top-tier foreign manager, and investor risk signals.GuestArthur MartirosyanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 474 | Recorded: September 22, 2025https://podcasts.groong.org/474Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Pashinyan Vote of No Confidence, Opposition StrategiesConversations on Groong - Recorded on: September 17, 2025TopicsTRIPP / Trump Route / Zangezur CorridorVote of No Confidence“Pashinyan or War”?GuestArmen AshotyanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 473 | Recorded: September 17, 2025https://podcasts.groong.org/473Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - September 25, 2025TopicsSeptember 13, 2022 WarSerdar Kiliç in ArmeniaUS State Dept. in YerevanShorter Military ServiceThe Kitchen SinkGuestArthur KhachatryanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 472 | Recorded: September 15, 2025Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

War on Iran, Russia on TRIPP, New MPG Poll in Armenia, EconomyTopicsWar in IranRussia's Stance on TRIPPNew MPG Poll in ArmeniaArmenian Economy in H1/2025GuestHrant MikaelianHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 471 | Recorded: September 8, 2025Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Reflections on Life as a Political Prisoner, Attacks on the Church and SovereigntyConversations on Groong - August 28, 2025TopicsImprisonment and Political PersecutionInternational and Diaspora ResponsePashinyan Regime Attack on the ChurchThe Managed Capitulation ProcessGuestArmen Ashotyan, VP of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA)HostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 465 | Recorded: August 27, 2025Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

State Sovereignty Day, TRIPP Trap, Reactions, Kitchen SinkGroong Week in Review - August 24, 2025TopicsAugust 23: Armenia's declaration of State SovereigntyThe TRIPP TrapIran - Pezeshkian's VisitRussia - Overchuk's visitThe Kitchen SinkGuestTevan PoghosyanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 464 | Recorded: August 25, 2025Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Alaska Summit, Trump Corridor, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Emerging Opposition “Our Way”/”Մեր Ձեվով”Groong Week in Review - August 17, 2025TopicsTrump-Putin Alaska SummitTrump Corridor PoliticsRussian-Azerbaijani RelationsRussian-Iranian RecalibrationNew Opposition Emerging - Our WayGuestSergei MelkonianHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 463 | Recorded: August 18, 2025Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Pashinyan vs. the Church, India Armenia, NGOs and Foreign Influence, Trump CorridorTopicsPashinyan vs. The Armenian ChurchIndian-Armenian RelationsNGOs and Foreign InfluenceU.S. Geopolitics and the Trump CorridorGuestChristine ArakelianHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 462 | Recorded: August 15, 2025Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - August 16, 2025In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with analyst Hamid Bahrami about Iran's shifting role in the South Caucasus following the White House meeting between Trump, Pashinyan, and Aliyev that unveiled the TRIPP corridor, also known as the Trump Route. We examine how the project threatens to bypass and encircle Iran, potentially cutting it off from Russia and the Black Sea, while serving broader US and Israeli strategic aims. The discussion explores Iran's decades of passivity in the region, its missed opportunities, and the wake-up call of the 44-day war, before turning to how Tehran might now defend its red lines through deeper cooperation with Russia, China, and Armenia. Topics:TRIPP Corridor & US InvolvementUS-Israel Strategy & War RisksIran's Missed Opportunities & ShiftsFuture of Iran–Armenia RelationsHamid Bahrami's article published by the Institute for Iran and Eurasia Studies (IRAS) in Iran: https://www.iras.ir/%D8%B2%D9%86%DA%AF%D8%B2%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%8C-%D9%86%D9%82%D8%B7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%82%D9%81%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%A8%D9%86 Guest: Hamid BahramiHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 461 | Recorded: August 13, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/461VIDEO: https://youtu.be/lTYVEAuZ8fc#ArmenianNews #Iran #Armenia #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridorSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Trump, Aliyev, Pashinyan Oval Office Meeting and ReactionsGroong Week in Review - August 10, 2025TopicsTrump, Aliyev, Pashinyan MeetingIranian ReactionRussian ReactionGuestAmb. Dziunik AghajanianHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 459 | Recorded: August 11, 2025Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - August 9, 2025In 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 U.S. and British designs to destabilize the region, outlines possible Russian and Iranian responses, and explores the strategic importance of Georgia, the Abkhazia railway, and regional connectivity. The conversation also delves into Armenia's domestic political challenges, the influence of Western NGOs, and the erosion of core national institutions.Topics:Trump, Pashinyan, Aliyev DC SummitUkraine War and the Shifting World OrderRussia and the South CaucasusGuest: Stanislav KrapivnikHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 458 | Recorded: August 9, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/458VIDEO: https://youtu.be/d37MqzjkV8A#ArmenianNews #SouthCaucasus #Trump #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #RussiaSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong