In this episode of Insights, Eric Hacopian dissects the controversial comments regarding the Armenian Genocide made by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a recent visit to Switzerland. Eric provides an in-depth analysis of the political and diplomatic ramifications of the remarks. The episode also explores the latest business developments and economic trends unfolding in the country, offering a nuanced perspective on Armenia’s evolving commercial landscape.
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The Undoing of Armenia: Nikol Pashinyan’s Negotiation Debacle
Op-ed by Vartan Oskanian, Armenia’s former foreign minister (1998-2008) By any objective measure, Nikol Pashinyan has proven to be the worst negotiator Armenia has ever had. In the six years since he came to power, every diplomatic or strategic dossier he has touched has turned to ash. Armenia, once a resilient state, now stands hollowed out—Nagorno-Karabakh lost, mainland territories occupied, its defenses weakened, its alliances frayed, and its people disillusioned. This is not simply the result of Azerbaijani aggression; it is the product of breathtakingly poor leadership and a near-textbook violation of every core principle of sound negotiation strategy. Pashinyan’s […]
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What Turkey wants in the South Caucasus
Dr. Mustafa Aydin, a professor of international relations at Kadir Has University is in Yerevan to participate in a conference organized by the Caucasus Institute entitled “Gathering Storm: Regional Security of the South Caucasus in the Context of the Crisis of the Global Order.” He speaks with CivilNet about Turkey’s evolving role amid global and regional upheavals, as well as the country’s positioning between the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East. The discussion focuses on how Turkey views the South Caucasus and, in particular, normalization attempts with Armenia. Aydin emphasizes the importance of people-to-people contact between Turks and […]
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Georgian university accepts, then expels student from Nagorno-Karabakh
By Siranush Adamyan Anush Petrosyan, a displaced student from Nagorno-Karabakh, has been denied the opportunity to continue her education at a Georgian university due to her diploma. Anush was forced to flee Nagorno-Karabakh in late September 2023 following Azerbaijan’s military offensive against the region and the subsequent ethnic cleansing that led to the mass displacement of more than 100,000 Armenians. This was not the first time she had been uprooted. In 2020, during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, her hometown of Shushi was captured by Azerbaijani forces, forcing her and her family to relocate to Stepanakert, the region’s capital. Despite these […]
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Erdogan vs. İmamoğlu: The Battle for Turkey’s Presidency Begins
By Karena Avedissian Why İmamoğlu’s Arrest Matters “The security forces have deployed hundreds of police to my house,” Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main rival, said in a video message to supporters on Wednesday, March 19th. Moments later, he and several staff members were arrested. İmamoğlu’s detention is not just about removing a political rival—it signals Erdoğan’s deepening concern over his hold on power. As a leader who has spent more than two decades consolidating control, Erdoğan is now facing an existential political challenge. A leading figure in the Republican People’s Party (CHP), İmamoğlu’s popularity, especially […]
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70 Days Behind Enemy Lines: Surviving War and Finding Purpose
Kolya Stepanyan, a writer and a veteran made a life-changing decision to repatriate to Armenia in 2019 and serve in the military, only to find himself in an all out war and stranded behind enemy lines for 70 days. In this podcast interview with CivilNet, the 2020 Artsakh War survivor shares his story of survival, the bonds that he formed, and how he channeled his emotions into writing his debut novel Where.
Dear Eric,
I was surprised to see a pop-up featuring your video regarding Spring Funding for CivilNet. Over the years, CivilNet has produced high-quality programming and played an important role in providing news and analysis. However, I must express my concern regarding the increasingly relentless tone of criticism, particularly the approach taken by Vartan Oskanian, which often resembles a festival of doom rather than constructive journalism.
While frustration with the current leadership is understandable, filing endless, damning, and unqualified criticisms—especially calls for violent change – does not contribute to solving the dire and unforgiving geopolitical challenges that Armenia faces. In such a sensitive and critical time, emotional rhetoric that weakens the Armenian government can have unintended and harmful consequences. It is essential to distinguish between Pashinyan as an individual, who is temporary, and the Armenian government as an institution that must be preserved and strengthened.
Criticism, when offered, should be balanced and constructive. Simply condemning without offering a clear path forward or explaining why certain actions are wrong risks being counterproductive. Effective journalism should focus on reasoned arguments and viable alternatives, rather than engaging in a cycle of negativity that does not serve Armenia’s long-term interests.
At the same time, it is important to acknowledge areas of progress. While Pashinyan’s leadership has its shortcomings, there have been meaningful achievements, such as forging new partnerships with France, the U.S., the EU, Georgia, and India, as well as deploying EU observers, which have significantly improved border security. Recognizing these efforts does not mean absolving Pashinyan of mistakes but rather ensuring that criticism is constructive and does not weaken Armenia’s geopolitical standing.
Perhaps there is something to learn from the Israeli model, where citizens and members of the diaspora rarely criticize the State of Israel publicly—at least not in a way that undermines its stability. While they may express disapproval of certain leaders, they maintain a unified public stance rather than tearing each other down. Imagine how the world would react, even in the context of the Palestinian issue, if Israelis were constantly engaged in public infighting. That kind of division weakens a nation’s global standing, and we must be careful not to fall into the same trap.
If CivilNet’s goal is to inform and strengthen Armenia, then it may be time to reassess whether figures like Vartan Oskanian – whose rhetoric often exacerbates division – are contributing to that mission. Otherwise, CivilNet risks becoming “Oskanet,” reflecting a singular, polarizing viewpoint rather than a platform for balanced discourse.
I appreciate your time and consideration, and I hope my comments are taken in the spirit of constructive engagement.
Best regards,
Berge Jololian