In the next episode of the “Dilemma” podcast dedicated to security issues, these questions are analyzed by Robert Ghevondyan, an expert at the Research Center on Security Policy, Tigran Grigoryan, President of the Regional Center for Democracy and Security, and Areg Kochinyan, Head of the Research Center on Security Policy.
- What is the current state of Armenia-Russia relations?
- Has the public’s perception of Russia changed?
- How have relations evolved following the events of 2018, 2020, and 2022?
- Why and how did Russian border guards come to be stationed in Armenia?
- Has Nagorno-Karabakh ever held significant strategic importance for Russia?
Robert Ghevondyan
“When Armenia seeks assistance, it doesn’t experience that parity, yet when certain processes occur concerning Azerbaijan, they manifest in the most extensive manner, raising numerous questions in Armenia about Russia’s policies. This ultimately leads to Armenia attempting to diversify. For now, the conversation is focused on security, but I believe diversification is also necessary in other areas. Economic diversification, which is one of the primary directions and a security component, should also be a priority on the Armenian authorities’ agenda.”
Tigran Grigoryan
“For a weakened Russia, creating the illusion of control is far more important than actual events.”
Areg Kochinyan
“We must acknowledge that, at this point, Armenia-Russia relations are a challenge for Armenia, and they present issues on four levels. The first is due to the mindset, the second relates to the established interests, the third concerns the scope of relations, and the fourth involves the application of influence.”
