In this episode of Insights, host Eric Hacopian delves into two major developments in the region. He examines the ongoing show trials being conducted by the Azerbaijani regime against prominent Armenians, particularly the hunger strike by Ruben Vardanyan against the flagrant violations of his right to a fair trial. Eric also delves intoformer Armenian President Robert Kocharyan’s lengthy press conference, in which he made excuses for his close friend Vladimir Putin’s behavior and blamed Armenia for Russia’s betrayal and abdication of its treaty responsibilities towards its ally.
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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,
It is undeniable that our government, like any other, has its imperfections. However, it is important to acknowledge that Prime Minister Pashinyan has been elected twice by the people and that he alone does not represent the entire Armenian government. Rather than casting its efforts in a negative light, we must also recognize the meaningful strides our government has made on the international stage.
One of the most commendable achievements has been strengthening Armenia’s strategic partnerships. Pashinyan’s strong rapport with French President Emmanuel Macron has played a pivotal role in securing diplomatic support, bolstering military deterrence, and enhancing economic resilience. This was evident when President Macron advocated for Armenia at a high-level EU leadership meeting, urging European leaders to prioritize Armenia’s security and stability—an unmistakable sign of France’s deep commitment to our nation.
Likewise, our strategic partnership with the United States remains robust. The fact that the U.S. has granted Armenia a level of strategic importance—similar to what it has extended to countries like South Korea—underscores the success of Armenia’s diplomatic efforts. Such partnerships, built on mutual trust and sustained engagement, are crucial for Armenia’s long-term security and development.
Beyond these key alliances, Armenia has also expanded its diplomatic outreach with the EU (diplomatic, military and economic), India, Georgia, and the Baltic and Nordic countries. This reflects a deliberate and forward-thinking approach to international relations, spearheaded by – Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan -. It is worth recalling that Mirzoyan himself endured a brutal attack on the steps of Parliament years ago – an incident that underscores the challenges faced by those working toward progress. Yet, under his leadership, Armenia has made tangible diplomatic gains.
One of the government’s most critical achievements has been securing the deployment of EU observers along our borders. In the past, we suffered hundreds of casualties annually due to Azerbaijani sniper attacks. With the presence of EU monitors, the situation has significantly improved, offering a level of stability we had long struggled to achieve.
It is crucial to understand that any attempts to destabilize our government or discredit Pashinyan’s leadership would not go unnoticed by our international partners. If we fail to support and respect our own government, how can we expect others to stand by us? History has shown that internal division has often been Armenia’s greatest weakness. As you yourself pointed out, one must reflect on why Armenians remained stateless for centuries—time and again, we have allowed rumors and infighting to undermine our unity instead of relying on reasoned judgment and collective vision.
Rather than undermining the government, efforts should be directed toward strengthening it, ensuring it has the capacity to navigate Armenia’s complex geopolitical realities.
As Paruyr Sevak wisely wrote, “We are few, but we call ourselves Armenian, and we must help one another endlessly.” Armenia’s path forward must be shaped by resilience, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to securing its rightful place in the international community.
Best regards,
Berge Jololian