These questions are analyzed in the next episode of the program “Dilemma”, dedicated to security issues, by Gevorg Melikyan, founder of the Armenian Institute of National Resilience and PhD in political science, Robert Ghévondyan, expert at the Research Center on Security Policy and PhD in political science, and Areg Kochinyan, head of the Research Center for Security Policy.
- What developments have occurred in the CSTO and the EAEU, and what is the main difference in the formation processes of these organizations?
- What mechanisms can the EAEU use to create challenges for its member states, particularly Armenia?
- What is the current state of Armenia-CSTO relations?
- What risks could Armenia face if it withdraws from the EAEU, and how can those risks be avoided?
Gevorg Melikyan
“The issue is not that you are forced to go right or left, but that you know whether you want to go right or left and understand where your civilizational presence should be and with whom you see yourself more aligned.”
Robert Ghevondyan
“Armenia’s withdrawal from the EAEU at this time is problematic because the country’s economy is deeply integrated with the EAEU, and simply pulling out now would lead to the collapse of Armenia’s economy. Armenia needs to diversify its economy and gradually increase trade opportunities with other regions.”
Areg Kochinyan
“As for Armenia leaving the CSTO, this has become an obvious necessity for me, especially after the response received following the ultimatum. There is no longer any space for political dialogue or discussion. The same applies to the CIS. Essentially, the most complex question in the discourse unfolding in Armenia concerns the EAEU, because there is substance to the issue… On one hand, there are deep economic ties that connect Armenia to the EAEU, particularly with Russia. On the other hand, there is the possibility, the political window, which theoretically makes this political decision feasible.”
