Podcasts about pashinyan

Pashinyan vince le elezioni, ma il voto non chiude la contesa tra Mosca, Baku e Occidente.A cura di Domenico Frascà di Frascà & Partners, Analisi geopolitica e politico-istituzionale.

While Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan campaigned on a pro-Europe platform in the pivotal vote, the opposition wanted to see the country take a more pro-Russia course. Despite clumsy Russian attempts to influence the outcome of the elections, Pashinyan was victorious. What does his win mean for Armenia, the ongoing peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Russia's ability to project power in the South Caucasus?

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.

Subscribe now for the ad-free experience. The World Cup is upon us, so Danny and Derek are showering visiting players with crocheted NATO flags. In this week's news: Israel and Iran exchange fire (0:59), with Netanyahu possibly defying Trump (3:16); Iran and the U.S. also trade blows as the ceasefire comes into question (6:11); the IDF is preparing a new Gaza offensive (14:56); Afghanistan and Pakistan engage in more border clashes (17:11); Mali's junta is pressured by a jihadist-rebel alliance (18:36); Ukraine uses a new cruise missile, targeting infrastructure in and around Crimea (21:50); Germany kills Europe's Future Combat Air System program (24:40); Bolivia's anti-austerity protests approach a turning point (27:25); Armenia elects Pashinyan's party and Peru sees a tight presidential runoff count (29:03); the U.S. considers buying the Chagos Islands (33:19); Trump threatens the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal (36:27); the American president also looks to downsize the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (37:53); and the Pentagon raises its Israel counterintelligence threat level (40:26). Note: After recording, Trump backed out of further Iran strikes. Don't forget to join our Discord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The World Cup is upon us, so Danny and Derek are showering visiting players with crocheted NATO flags. In this week's news: Israel and Iran exchange fire (0:59), with Netanyahu possibly defying Trump (3:16); Iran and the US also trade blows as the ceasefire comes into question (6:11); the IDF is preparing a new Gaza offensive (14:56); Afghanistan and Pakistan engage in more border clashes (17:11); Mali's junta is pressured by a jihadist-rebel alliance (18:36); Ukraine uses a new cruise missile, targeting infrastructure in and around Crimea (21:50); Germany kills Europe's Future Combat Air System program (24:40); Bolivia's anti-austerity protests approach a turning point (27:25); Armenia elects Pashinyan's party and Peru sees a tight presidential runoff count (29:03); the US considers buying the Chagos Islands (33:19); Trump threatens the US-Mexico-Canada trade deal (36:27); the American president also looks to downsize the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (37:53); and the Pentagon raises its Israel counterintelligence threat level (40:26).Note: After recording, Trump backed out of further Iran strikes.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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

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.

Tigran Grigoryan, director of the Center for Democracy and Security, a Yerevan-based think tank, argues that the road ahead for Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is fraught with risk. Pashinyan won by a wide margin in the June 7 election, but failed to clinch the super majority needed to push through peace with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Economic pressure from Russia is adding to his woes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iran declares an end to attacks against Israel, a Philippines earthquake kills at least 32, Xi visits North Korea for the first time in seven years, Keir Starmer orders social media companies to add nudity filters for children, Central African Republic agrees to accept third-country deportees from the U.S., Zelenskyy and EU leaders set out five conditions for peace with Russia, Pashinyan claims victory in the Armenian election, Peru's presidential runoff is too close to call, a lawsuit seeks to block a UFC fight at the White House, over 1.2 million people attend Pope Leo XIV's Madrid mass, Trump becomes the first sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game. Sources: Verity.News

Spotlight on Silence - June 6, 2026In this Spotlight on Silence episode, we speak with Rafael Ishkhanyan of the Armenian Center for Political Rights about selective justice and state pressure ahead of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We discuss wiretaps and leaks targeting opposition figures, abuse of hate speech laws against government critics, military service summons used as political coercion, and Pashinyan's threats against political opponents and Artsakh Armenians.Topics:Selective law enforcement before electionsWiretaps, leaks, and campaign pressureHate speech laws against criticsOfficial threats without consequencesMilitary summons as political coercionGuest: Rafael IshkhanyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 555 | Recorded: June 4, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/555VIDEO: https://youtu.be/wSZ7eO3JIKQ#Armenia #ArmenianElections #HumanRights #PoliticalPersecution #Artsakh #RafaelIshkhanyan #GroongSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

L'armée israélienne poursuit ses opérations au Liban, malgré un nouveau cessez-le-feu conclu cette semaine. Volodymyr Zelensky propose des négociations à Vladimir Poutine après des frappes ukrainiennes sur Saint-Pétersbourg et alors que l'armée russe est en difficulté sur la ligne de front. Et fin de campagne pour les législatives en Arménie, marquée notamment par une ingérence russe et une désinformation massive, alors que le Premier ministre Pashinyan souhaite se tourner vers l'Occident.

Week In Review - May 31, 2026In 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.Topics:May 28 and StatehoodParade as Campaign TheaterRubio's Armenia AgreementsMinerals Without GuaranteesTRIPP Risks in SyunikRussia and Iran PushbackElection Climate and RepressionHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 553 | Recorded: June 1, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/553VIDEO: https://youtu.be/oO5kbg6B_Q8#Armenia #May28 #MarcoRubio #TRIPP #Syunik #CriticalMinerals #ElectionFraud #RussiaArmeniaSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - June 1, 2026In this Conversations on Groong episode, Hovik and Asbed speak with Dr. Sergey Markedonov about the sharp decline in Russia-Armenia relations before Armenia's June parliamentary elections. The discussion explores whether the vote is only a domestic contest, or a broader struggle over Armenia's identity, security, and geopolitical direction after Artsakh. Topics include Pashinyan's "Real Armenia" project, TRIPP and regional balance, Russia's warnings over Armenia's EU pivot, pressure on Armenian exports and energy pricing, the role of the Armenian Church, and whether the EU offers Armenia a real strategic alternative or only short-term political support.Topics:TRIPP and Regional BalanceArmenia's Geopolitical ElectionPashinyan's "Real Armenia"Russia's Economic PressureGuest: Sergey MarkedonovHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 552 | Recorded: May 31, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/552VIDEO: https://youtu.be/5K3xqqYouKs#RussiaArmenia #SergeyMarkedonov #ArmeniaElections #Pashinyan #RealArmenia #TRIPP #EAEU #SouthCaucasusSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Week in Review - May 24, 2025This 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.Topics:Rubio's sudden Armenia visitPolls diverge before electionHidden vote raises questionsTRIPP remains deeply polarizing"Western Azerbaijan" pressure growsOpposition faces arrests, threats"Why are you alive?" campaign rhetoricHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 550 | Recorded: May 25, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/550VIDEO: https://youtu.be/WVDpm63f6GA#ArmeniaElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #WesternAzerbaijan #ArmenianOppositionSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Week in Review - May 17, 2026This Week in Review covers a tense mix of global and Armenian political crises, from Trump's summit with Xi Jinping and the deepening Iran war, to Armenia's worsening relations with Russia and the risks to trade, energy, and security ties. Hovik and Asbed also examine Armenia's heated election climate, including allegations of state pressure, abuse of administrative resources, selective law enforcement, Pashinyan's violent campaign rhetoric against opposition leaders, and the muted response of international observers. The episode also looks at Robert Kocharyan's call for major-power guarantees for peace with Azerbaijan, and the vandalism of the Sourp Nshan Armenian Church in Javakhk.Topics:Trump, China, and IranArmenia-Russia "soft divorce"Pashinyan's violent campaign rhetoricState resources and election pressureJavakhk church vandalism concernsHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 547 | Recorded: May 18, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/547VIDEO: https://youtu.be/XrhKanb6QDg#Pashinyan #ArmeniaElections #ArmenianPolitics #PoliticalViolence #HateSpeech #ArmeniaRussia #IranWar #SouthCaucasusSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

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 11, 2026Anna Grigoryan of Hayastan Dashinq (Armenia Alliance) joins Groong to discuss Armenia's June 7 parliamentary election and the start of the official campaign. The conversation examines the EPC and Armenia-EU summits in Yerevan, EU political and financial support for Pashinyan, Aliyev's remote demarche, and opposition protests around Artsakh rights, Armenian prisoners, and democratic backsliding. The episode also covers opposition coalition math, Hayastan Dashinq's 8% bloc threshold, Strong Armenia's lead among opposition forces, possible post-election governing formulas, and the risks of a falsified vote. Grigoryan also discusses Armenia's foreign policy direction, the peace treaty with Azerbaijan, TRIPP and Syunik amid the Iran war, education as a national priority, and Hayastan Dashinq's core message to voters.Topics:Election campaign and opposition strategyEPC, EU-Armenia summit, and foreign influenceForeign policy, security, and regional risksDomestic priorities and election integrityGuest: Anna GrigoryanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 544 | Recorded: May 9, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/544VIDEO: https://youtu.be/SV2I8iBr9ss#AnnaGrigoryan #Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #ArmeniaElections #HayastanDashinq #EPCSummit #TRIPP #ArtsakhSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - May 8, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, Dr. Anatol Lieven joins us to examine Russia's place in a rapidly shifting global order. The discussion looks at the war in Ukraine, the state of Russia-EU relations after Viktor Orbán's political defeat, and the uncertain trajectory of the war on Iran, including whether any real diplomatic offramp still exists. They also explore whether Russia's relationship with Iran is truly strategic or mainly transactional, how China fits into the wider balance of power, and what all of this means for the South Caucasus, Armenia's current path under Pashinyan, and Azerbaijan's ambitions to turn wartime leverage into lasting regional influence.TopicsRussia, Iran, Europe, multipolar orderUkraine war and Russia-West tensionsIran war and diplomatic offrampsArmenia, TRIPP, South CaucasusGuest: Anatol LievenHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 541 | Recorded: May 5, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/541VIDEO: https://youtu.be/bnwKcnMSZTk#AnatolLieven #Russia #Iran #Europe #UkraineWar #SouthCaucasusSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - May 3, 2026This Groong Week in Review examines a volatile week across Armenia and the region. Asbed and Hovik discuss Trump's declared ceasefire with Iran, the failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad, the continuing naval blockade, and the wider political pressure shaping Washington's war posture. The episode also covers “Operation Kochari,” the secret visit of Azerbaijani deputy prime minister Shahin Mustafayev to Armenia, border demarcation, TRIPP, and the political theater around trade with Azerbaijan. The discussion turns to Azerbaijan's destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral, the muted international response, and Pashinyan's comments on the issue. The hosts also analyze the latest MPG poll, opposition coalition math, election fraud concerns, the EPC meeting, legal pressure on the opposition, mass surveillance, and Armenia's falling press freedom ranking.Topics:Iran WarMustafayev in ArmeniaDestruction of the Stepanakert cathedral by AzerbaijanElection politicsHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 539 | Recorded: May 2, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/539VIDEO: https://youtu.be/eIIg1IWYm1w#Armenia #Azerbaijan #IranWar #TRIPP #Artsakh #Stepanakert #ArmenianElections #GroongSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - Apr 30, 2026In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Arega Hovsepyan of the Strong Armenia party about Armenia's June 2026 parliamentary elections, opposition politics, and the shifting geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus. The discussion covers recent arrests of Strong Armenia members, political pressure on the opposition, and concerns about democratic processes under Pashinyan. We also examine the situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians, including rights, return, voting access, and living conditions in Armenia. The episode explores competing narratives around “peace” with Azerbaijan, the implications of the Zangezur Corridor or TRIPP project, and how regional dynamics involving Iran, Russia, and Turkey shape Armenia's security and political future. Topics:Strong Armenia and election dynamicsNew arrests and political pressureArtsakh Armenians and their rightsTRIPP corridor and regional securityGuest: Arega HovsepyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 537 | Recorded: Apr 28, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/537VIDEO: https://youtu.be/G2lysDT6SSQ#Armenia #Artsakh #StrongArmenia #AregaHovsepyan #ArmenianPolitics #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #GeopoliticsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - April 25, 2026In this episode of the Groong podcast, we speak with Dr. Dmitry Suslov about the shifting geopolitical landscape across the Iran war, the Ukraine conflict, and the South Caucasus. We examine the fragile state of the Iran war and its impact on global trade and regional escalation, Russia's strategic positioning, and the potential for a broader conflict involving Azerbaijan and Turkey. The discussion then turns to the Ukraine war, focusing on attrition, Europe's growing militarization, and the prospects for a long-term Russia–Europe confrontation. Finally, we explore Russia's policy in the South Caucasus, including Armenia's political trajectory, tensions following Pashinyan's Moscow visit, and the broader balance of power shaping Armenia's future.Topics:Iran war dynamics and Russia's roleUkraine war and Europe's militarizationArmenia's pivot and Russia's responseRegional power balanceGuestDr. Dmitry SuslovHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 534 | Recorded: April 24, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/534VIDEO: https://youtu.be/kjUQN8LVuFk#Russia #IranWar #UkraineWar #SouthCaucasus #Armenia #TRIPP #Geopolitics #EurasiaSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Փաշինյանի հետ փակ հանդիպումը, ընտրություններ, գոյաբանական խնդիր - Էդուարդ Շարմազանով - ԼուրջCastԼուրջCast-ի այս թողարկման հյուրն է ՀՀԿ Գերագույն մարմնի խոսրհդի անդամ Էդուարդ Շարմազանովը։ Խոսել ենք քաղաքական գործընթացներում չմասնակցելու որոշման պատճառների, ցույցերին ներգրավվածության և վերջին տարիների ներքաղաքական զարգացումների մասին։Քննարկել ենք Արցախի միջազգային ներկայացվածությունը, անվտանգության հիմքերը, Ադրբեջանի հետ բանակցային գործընթացը և տարածքային ամբողջականության թեման։ArmComedy թիմը ներկայացնում է ԼուրջCast 

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

Groong Week in Review - March 29, 2026Our guest Anna Karapetyan focused on the widening Iran war and its possible fallout for Armenia, then turned to the narratives shaping Armenia's election season. The discussion examined Pashinyan's claim to have delivered peace, the taboo around speaking about Artsakh and Artsakhtsis' rights, the uncertainty around the TRIPP corridor project, the political use of fear that an opposition victory would bring war, and the security and environmental questions surrounding a proposed AI data center. In the closing segment, the participants reflected on the broader propaganda environment in Armenia and on Formula 1's continued partnership with authoritarian states such as Azerbaijan.TopicsIran war escalation and spilloverPashinyan's Fake “peace” narrativesElections built on fear-mongeringSilencing talk of ArtsakhGuestAnna KarapetyanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 528 | Recorded: March 30, 2026https://podcasts.groong.org/528Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - March 20, 2026Topics:Iran at WarThe Northern Front: Turkey & AzerbaijanChanging Nakhijevan's ConstitutionGuest: Varuzhan GeghamyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 524 | Recorded: March 19, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/524VIDEO: https://youtu.be/SQHD3lZxAwc#IranWar #VaruzhanGeghamyan #ZangezurCorridor #Syunik #ArmeniaGeopoliticsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

The Iran war is adding impetus to reconciliation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as the region seeks to position itself as a new trade corridor between Europe and energy-rich central Asia, with the conflict highlighting Europe's energy dependency on the volatile Middle East. Addressing the European Parliament earlier this month, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared that, with the Iranian conflict on its border, efforts would be stepped up to realise a trade route with Azerbaijan.  The United States-brokered TRIPP project, negotiated by United States President Donald Trump last August, is seen as key to reconciling the two countries, after decades of conflict over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave.  With both Armenia and Azerbaijan bordering Iran, the conflict is providing a powerful impetus for cooperation. “This war in Iran has fostered much more of a localised regional identity where, despite the wars and the conflicts of the last several decades, Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan are actually banding together,” said Richard Giragosiyan, director of the Regional Studies Center, a think tank based in the Armenian capital, Yerevan. “Now is the one opportunity for consolidating regional connectivity in terms of trade and transport." Life after ruin: Aghdam's fragile rebirth after the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict 'The Trump Road' Pashinyan and Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev signed the TRIPP agreement as part of a peace deal, committing to unimpeded connectivity between mainland Azerbaijan and the exclave of Nakhchivan, via Armenian territory. The new trade route is expected to become part of what is dubbed the “Middle Corridor”, linking energy-rich Central Asian countries to Europe via Turkey. Tehran strongly opposes the initiative, as the corridor offers an alternative to transiting through Iran to Central Asia. However, the Iran war has further curtailed Tehran's diminishing influence in the Caucasus. “We also shouldn't forget the benefits of the Iran war,” said Turkey analyst Atilla Yesilada of the New York-based Global Source Partners consultancy. “They [Ankara] want a weak Iran so that they can expand their footprint in the South Caucasus against Iran.” Yesilada says the fallout from the Iran war underscores the importance of the TRIPP agreement – or, as it's sometimes dubbed in Turkey, the “Trump Road" – which is key to Ankara's economic goals.  “We get the Trump Road because nobody would want to traverse Iran under these conditions,” explains Yesilada, “And you get [a] not immediate but gradual, but permanent, development boost from trade and investment along that route.” US takes lead in Caucasus peace deal as France is pushed aside A new route for Europe The Middle Corridor is seen as an opportunity for Europe to diversify in terms of energy supply from the volatile Middle East. “The most obvious security lesson [from the Iran war] is diversity,” said Tatiana Mitrova, a research fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at New York's Columbia University. "The real jewel is Turkmenistan's gas, the third largest [supply] in terms of the world's resources. I believe that there will be a lot of discussions about the middle corridor both in the region and in Europe.” However, Mitrova remains cautious about the project's viability, saying: "Economically it's not attractive – too many risks and too low margins.” The Caucasus is sandwiched between Russia's war in Ukraine and the Iran conflict, raising questions over how secure any new energy route to Europe would be. These come alongside reservations over the viability of the billions of euros of investment needed, at a time when Europe is seeking to transition away from fossil fuels.  “The problem with the Brussels policy is they don't want to invest in hydrocarbons, they don't invest in gas,” said Farid Shafiyev, chairman of the Baku-based Center of Analysis of International Relations. Frenchman convicted for spying in Azerbaijan, sentenced to ten years Opportunity for peace However, Shafiyev argues that, in addition to providing an alternative energy supply for Europe, there is an opportunity to build on the current momentum for peace.  “There is some hostility remaining... but overall, the feeling [is] we don't want any new war and conflict in the South Caucasus. And indeed, [there is] a sort of window of opportunity to bring this alternative route, including for energy and gas." Interdependency in trade, and with it economic prosperity, is seen as key to strengthening the rapprochement between Armenia, Azerbaijan and their Turkish neighbours. It's a rapprochement that could also be vital to resisting any future threat from Russia, which is seeking to reassert itself in the region. However, such threats of renewed instability could also prove a major obstacle to any large-scale infrastructure investment by Europe.

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of March 13: the director of the Armenian Genocide Museum resigns following the prime minister's request; Armenia's Investigative Committee says the secret services of an unnamed country are pressuring Armenian citizens there to support certain parties running in the elections in Armenia; Pashinyan says Armenia is ready to provide a road connecting Azerbaijan's western regions and Nakhichevan along the Kornidzor–Goris–Yeghegnadzor–Yeraskh route.

In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Nina and Alexandra run through the week's key stories, from renewed diplomatic manoeuvring around Russia's war in Ukraine (and fresh EU support for Kyiv) to political turbulence in Bosnia and Hungary and concerns over media independence in Europe. The second half features an interview with political scientist and NEE contributing editor Tatevik Hovhannisyan on Armenia's upcoming June elections, the post–Nagorno-Karabakh political landscape, and Yerevan's tricky balancing act between Russia, the EU and the US. The hosts also share details on an upcoming Patreon-onlyfilm screening and discussion connected to Srebrenica. Want to learn more – join us on patreon: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeFurther reading:“For Armenia, peace dividends are finally starting to show up. In 2026, they need to keep coming” by Nicholas Castillo. New Eastern Europe 10 Feb 2026: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2026/02/10/for-armenia-peace-dividends-are-finally-starting-to-show-up-in-2026-they-need-to-keep-coming/

Groong Week in Review - February 8, 2026TopicsA European View of AmericaJD Vance in ArmeniaPashinyan vs. The Armenian ChurchEurope and ArmeniaGuestPhilippe Raffi KalfayanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 516 | Recorded: February 9, 2026https://podcasts.groong.org/516Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - December 21, 2025Topics:Ukraine War and EU RiftSiege on Etchmiadzin and the ChurchPeace Dividend or Political TheaterTRIPP and Competing Power ClaimsGuest: Dziunik AghajanianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 498 | Recorded: December 23, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/498VIDEO: https://youtu.be/Ui21tqO_d2U#ArmenianChurch #Etchmiadzin #TRIPP #ArmeniaPolitics #GroongSubscribe 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

Former Glendale Mayor and current High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan sits down with the Wise Nuts for a no-holds-barred 2+ hour conversation from Yerevan.We dive deep into:Why Armenia was completely unprepared for the 2020 Artsakh WarThe Velvet Revolution: real revolution or just regime musical chairs?Pashinyan's real record: economy, corruption, military reform, wages & inflationThe explosive Armenian Church crisis and why archbishops are in jailDiaspora vs. Armenia reality check: misinformation, lobbying failures & why LA Armenians are out of touchHostages still in Baku, peace talks, security guaranteesRepatriation, education, Nvidia's half-billion AI investment, universal healthcare2026 elections: will Pashinyan win again?This is one of the most honest and controversial conversations about modern Armenia you'll hear in the diaspora.Follow us on all Social Media: YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WiseNutsInstagram: instagram.com/wisenuts_podcastWisenuts Merchandise: https://wisenutspodcast.com/General Sponsors:Megeredchian Law

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 2, 2025Topics:Ukraine war status and U.S.–Russia dynamicsChurch–state tensions and religious prosecutionsOpposition arrests, trials, and civil libertiesBorder demarcation, enclavesGuestBenyamin PoghosyanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 483 | Recorded: November 3, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/483VIDEO: https://youtu.be/KqMS6eji7sc#UkraineWar #ArmeniaPolitics #ChurchPersecution #OppositionCrackdownSubscribe 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

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of October 3: Pashinyan and Aliyev meet on sidelines of the European Political Summit; Health Ministry to roll out universal healthcare next year; Armenia to build a small modular nuclear reactor to replace the aging Metsamor plant and more.

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

Conversations on Groong - September 5, 2025In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Lenna Hovanessian of the ANC-Western Region about the aftermath of the August 8 White House meeting between Pashinyan, Aliyev, and Trump. The discussion examines what was left out of the agreements, including Artsakh's right of return, the release of hostages, and cultural heritage protections, while highlighting the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group and the waiver of Section 907 for U.S. arms sales to Azerbaijan. We also explore strained diaspora–Armenia relations, Pashinyan's retreat from Genocide recognition, and Azerbaijan's lobbying playbook, including the bribery charges against Congressman Henry Cuellar, where the ANCA is pressing for Armenian Americans to be recognized as victims.Topics: Reflections on August 8 White House Meeting Tough Times for DIaspora-Armenia Relations Challenges to Armenian American AdvocacyGuest: Lenna HovanessianHosts:  Hovik Manucharyan  Asbed BedrossianEpisode 470 | Recorded: September 5, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/470VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ruwhwAhRUN0#ArmenianNews #Artsakh #ANCA #CaviarDiplomacy #CuellarSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan shocks his own people by questioning the value of genocide recognition, aligning with Turkey's Erdogan. PBD and the Home Team react, comparing Biden and Netanyahu's recognition, politics at play, and whether Pashinyan is protecting Armenia or betraying its history.

Groong Week in Review - August 31, 2025In this Week in Review, we look at Armenia's role at the SCO summit, where Pashinyan struck a new “strategic partnership” with China while also meeting Putin, raising questions about Yerevan's shifting alignments. We examine the August 8 Washington documents on TRIPP, where words like “corridor” and “99-year lease” swirl despite Armenia's denials, and ask what Azerbaijan's demand for constitutional change really means. We cover rising tensions between Moscow and Baku after Aliyev called Russia an occupier and Zatulin warned against seeing Azerbaijan as a partner. And we discuss the UK's push to raise relations with Armenia to a strategic level, even as London courts Baku and maintains loopholes in its arms embargo.Topics:  - SCO Summit in China  - The UK in Armenia  - TRIPP / Zangezur Corridor  - Russian Azerbaijani RelationsGuest:  Benyamin PoghosyanHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan  - Asbed BedrossianEpisode 467 | Recorded: September 1, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/467VIDEO: https://youtu.be/kTh52542vtUSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

In EVN Report's news roundup for the week of August 29: The full texts of the three MOUs signed between Pashinyan and Trump are released; Armenia and the UK agree to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership; Pakistan, which has refused to recognize Armenia, is now in talks with the Armenian foreign ministry about possibly establishing diplomatic relations and more.

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

Armenia in the Crosshairs of US Geopolitical WindsConversations on Groong - Recorded: August 11, 2025TopicsUS Geopolitics#Gaza, #Iran, #Russia, #Ukraine#DonaldTrump, #Pashinyan, #Aliyev meet in the #WhiteHouseGuestChristine ArakelianCol. Douglas A. MacGregorHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 460 | Recorded: August 11, 2025Subscribe 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

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited Turkey late last week for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the first formal meeting of its kind and a move Yerevan described as a "historic" step. Despite previous efforts - and a slew of concessions by Pashinyan to both Azerbaijan and Turkey over the past years - there has been little tangible progress in normalizing relations. Dr. Laurence Broers, an associate fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Program at Chatham House and an expert on the South Caucasus region, joins Thanos Davelis as we take a closer look at this normalization effort.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Armenia's Pashinyan, Turkey's Erdogan to hold 'historic' talks amid Iran-Israel warArmenian PM Pashinyan meets Erdogan in Turkey on 'historic' visitArmenian prime minister discusses reconciliation with Erdogan in landmark Turkey visitPM touts defense spending at NATO summitLibya, Turkey sign MoU on offshore areas, Athens reiterates rejection

Over the past decades we've heard a lot about the potential impacts of climate change, from rising temperatures to wildfires and droughts. Greece is on the frontline of many of these shifts. Today we're taking a closer look at how climate change will impact Greece's economy. Nikos Vettas, the General Director of the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research and a Professor of Economics at the Athens University of Economics and Business, joins Thanos Davelis as we break down the challenges and opportunities for Greece's economy.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Climate change to cost up to 327,000 jobsCompetitiveness deficit shows no sign of easingGreek PM opens door to a shift on nuclear powerArmenia's Pashinyan, Turkey's Erdogan to hold 'historic' talks amid Iran-Israel war