Armenian News Network - Groong: Week In Review Podcast

Harut Sassounian - Armenia’s Identity Crisis: Church, State, and Diaspora | Ep 592, Oct 2, 2026 Oct 2, 2026 3244 Conversations on Groong - October 2, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Harut Sassounian about Armenia's identity crisis amid escalating conflict between the Armenian government and the Armenian Apostolic Church. We discuss Catholicos Garegin II's statements at the May 2025 World Council of Churches conference in Bern, Pashinyan's public attacks on senior

From Yerablur to Etchmiadzin: Armenia’s Battle Over Memory | Ep 591, Sep 27, 2026 Oct 1, 2026 3438 Week in Review - September 27, 2026In this week's Groong Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed mark the sixth anniversary of the 44-Day War and examine Armenia's deepening crisis over historical memory and national identity. We discuss the Armenian government's controversial response to September 27 commemorations, escalating tension between the state and the Armenian Church, internationa

Dziunik Aghajanian - From Moscow to Riyadh: New Fault Lines Around Armenia | Ep 590, Sep 25, 2026 Sep 25, 2026 3955 Conversations on Groong - September 25, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dziunik Aghajanian about shifting geopolitical pressures on Armenia following Russia's September 2026 parliamentary elections. We discuss Putin's strengthened domestic position, the Armenia-Russia confrontation over the 102nd base, asset confiscation and anti-corruption efforts targeting

Arthur Khachatryan - Opposition Strategy, TRIPP, and the Russian Base | Ep 589, Sep 23, 2026 Sep 23, 2026 3405 Conversations on Groong - September 23, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Arthur Khachatryan, MP from Armenia Alliance, about opposition strategy following the June 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We discuss the Established Opposition's plans to counter Pashinyan's agenda, territorial concessions including Tigranashen, Azerbaijani attacks on Armenian her

Armenia at 35: Independence, Loss, and Unfinished Wars | Ep 588, Sep 20, 2026 Sep 23, 2026 2617 Week in Review - September 20, 2026In this week's Groong podcast episode, Hovik and Asbed reflect on Armenia's 35th independence anniversary amid ongoing regional tensions and unresolved conflicts. We discuss the state of Armenian statehood three years after the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, Armenian prisoners of war still held in Baku, rising citizenship costs, government opacity over wa

Warwick Powell - From BRICS to AI: The Infrastructure Multipolarity | Ep 587, Sep 20, 2026 Sep 20, 2026 4033 Conversations on Groong - September 20, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Professor Warwick Powell about multipolarity, infrastructure, and the strategic implications of emerging power blocs. We discuss tangible outcomes from the SCO and BRICS summits, the shift toward local-currency settlement and financial alternatives to Western institutions, China's role as an

Hrant Mikaelian - Chips for TRIPP, Education Crisis, and Economic Risks | Ep 586, Sep 17, 2026 Sep 18, 2026 3978 Conversations on Groong - September 17, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Hrant Mikaelian about chip diplomacy, the TRIPP framework, and Armenia's structural economic vulnerabilities. We discuss how the U.S. fast-tracked advanced AI exports to secure the Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process agreement, the massive energy demands of the planned Firebird data center, Arme

Gandzasar Erasure, Chips for Territory, Russian Money & Pashinyan in Space | Ep 585, Sep 13, 2026 Sep 16, 2026 2862 Week in Review - September 13, 2026In this Groong Week in Review episode, Hovik and Asbed examine the fourth anniversary of the September 2022 border war, Azerbaijan's ongoing occupation of Armenian territory, and Pashinyan's political trajectory toward recognizing Artsakh's loss. We discuss Hajiyev's inflammatory rhetoric, Armenia's muted diplomatic response, TRIPP and se

Artsakh Remembered, SCO Theater, Russian Signals, and the Cucumber Paradox | Ep 584, Sep 6, 2026 Sep 7, 2026 3387 Week in Review - September 6, 2026In this week's Groong episode, Hovik and Asbed review September 2026 developments across Armenia and the South Caucasus. We examine Artsakh's remembered independence declaration on September 2, 1991, and its unresolved cause following the 2023 ethnic cleansing; Putin's signaling on Russia's military base presence; ongoing Armenian Church prosec

Suren Sargsyan - Central Asia, TRIPP, Iran, and Armenia in the New Great Game | Ep 583, Sep 5, 2026 Sep 5, 2026 3227 Conversations on Groong - September 5, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Suren Sargsyan about the Iran War and great power competition for Armenia's strategic position. We discuss Washington's unclear endgame in the conflict with Iran, the future of Russia's military presence in Armenia and CSTO membership, and competing U.S. and European interests in new

Armenia at the SCO Summit as Ukraine and Iran Wars Intensify | Ep 582, Aug 30, 2026 Sep 2, 2026 3599 Week in Review - August 30, 2026In this week's Groong news roundup, Hovik and Asbed examine Armenia's position at the SCO Summit amid intensifying global conflicts. We discuss Russia's escalation in Ukraine, unprecedented Western diplomatic visits to Moscow, the renewed US-Iran War, and Pashinyan's meetings with regional and global leaders including Aliyev and Putin. We also ad

Arthur Martirosyan - The Fourth Republic and the Politics of Erasure | Ep 581, Aug 29, 2026 Aug 29, 2026 4147 Conversations on Groong - August 29, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Arthur G. Martirosyan about Armenia's post-election political crisis and Pashinyan's governance agenda. We discuss the arrest of opposition leaders including Robert Kocharyan, attacks on the Armenian Church, border concessions including Tigranashen, the TRIPP corridor, and how the Establish

Ambassador Jack Matlock - Did the West Fumble the Post-Cold War Peace? | Ep 580, Aug 28, 2026 Aug 28, 2026 3782 Conversations on Groong - August 28, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Ambassador Jack Matlock, the last US Ambassador to the Soviet Union, about whether the West missed a historic opportunity to integrate Russia into Western security architecture after the Cold War. We discuss the internal collapse of the Soviet Union, Reagan-Gorbachev diplomacy, NATO expansion and Rus

Dziunik Aghajanian - Armenia Between Iran, Russia & the New Middle East Order | Ep 579, Aug 22, 2026 Aug 21, 2026 3570 Conversations on Groong - August 21, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dziunik Aghajanian about Armenia's precarious position between Iran, Russia, and emerging Middle East power shifts. We discuss the Mecca joint defense pact signed by Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, Iran's warnings over TRIPP, Ilham Aliyev's militarization plans in Nakhijevan, Armen

Aliyev’s TRIPP, Russia’s Deadline, Iran’s Warning | Ep 578, Aug 16, 2026 Aug 19, 2026 2913 Week in Review - August 16, 2026In this episode of Groong Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discuss Armenia's precarious position amid escalating Iran War risks, Russia's December ultimatum on the Eurasian Economic Union, and deepening security threats from TRIPP. We examine how a broader US-Iran conflict could devastate Armenia through refugee flows and logistics collapse, why Pashinyan&a

Richard Campbell - The AI Infrastructure Race and Armenia’s High-Stakes Bet | Ep 577, Aug 16, 2026 Aug 16, 2026 5200 Conversations on Groong - August 16, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Richard Campbell about artificial intelligence infrastructure and Armenia's Firebird project. We discuss the global AI race, the economics and energy demands of data centers, whether current AI valuations align with physical and economic realities, and what sovereign AI capacity means for Armeni

Pashinyan’s Church War, the Russia-EU Choice, and TRIPP | Ep 576, Aug 9, 2026 Aug 12, 2026 2921 Week in Review - August 9, 2026In this week's Groong episode, the hosts examine Pashinyan's confrontation with the Armenian Church, Armenia's strategic positioning between Russia and the EU, and the geopolitical implications of TRIPP. We discuss the trial of Catholicos Garegin II, Iran's military leadership realignment, the Turkey-Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense pact, and how the

Hrant Mikaelian - Armenia’s Western Pivot: Strategy or Wishful Thinking? | Ep 575, Aug 8, 2026 Aug 10, 2026 3784 Conversations on Groong - August 8, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Hrant Mikaelian about Armenia's Western pivot and the opening of the new parliament. We discuss Ruben Rubinyan's appointment as speaker, Armenia-Russia-EAEU relations, lessons from the 44-Day War, European aid for Armenia, the role of the Armenian Church in national identity, and Armenia&apo

Tigranashen Unanswered, Russia’s Railways Challenged | Ep 574, Aug 2, 2026 Aug 4, 2026 1570 Week in Review - August 2, 2026In this week's Groong Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discuss Armenia's new parliament sworn in on August 2, 2026, and the Armenia Alliance's direct challenge to Civil Contract over Tigranashen. We examine the government's evasive responses on territorial red lines, Armenia's challenge to Russia's railway concession, and how TRIPP reshap

Pietro Shakarian - Memory Under Siege: From Stalin to Pashinyan | Ep 573, Aug 3, 2026 Aug 3, 2026 4569 Conversations on Groong - August 3, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Pietro Shakarian about memory, repression, and state power in Armenia across Soviet and contemporary periods. We discuss the Great Purge in Soviet Armenia, the assassination of Aghasi Khanjyan, the suppression of Armenian national institutions under Stalin and Beria, and the parallels between Stal

Christine Arakelian - Forever Wars, NATO 3.0, Armenia's High-Stakes Western Pivot | Ep 572, Jul 31, 2026 Aug 1, 2026 5633 Conversations on GroongIn this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Christine Arakelian about American foreign policy fractures, Iran war risks, and Armenia's pivot to the West. We discuss whether the United States has coherent foreign policy, the collapse of the MAGA coalition over Forever Wars, NATO 3.0 and Europe's militarization, and how Pashinyan's post-2026 Armeni

From Caspian Drones to Armenia’s Cold Winter | Ep 571, Jul 26, 2026 Jul 29, 2026 3375 Week in Review - July 26, 2026In this week's edition of the Armenian News podcast, Hovik and Asbed analyze escalating regional tensions as Ukraine expands operations into the Caspian Sea, striking Iranian and Russian assets. We examine how this merger of the Northern and Southern conflicts affects Armenia, Kazakhstan's energy security, and Pashinyan's diplomatic positioning amid new

Archil Sikharulidze - Armenia and Georgia Between Russia and Europe | Ep 570, Jul 26, 2026 Jul 27, 2026 5183 Conversations on Groong - July 27, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Archil Sikharulidze about Russia's shifting strategy in the South Caucasus and Armenia and Georgia's diverging paths. We discuss Moscow's assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process developments, Georgia's widening dispute with Europe, Armenia's shift away from Russia, a

Anthony Barsamian - Armenia-Diaspora checkpoint | Ep 569, Jul 25, 2026 Jul 25, 2026 3942 Conversations on Groong - July 25, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Anthony Barsamian about Armenian Diaspora advocacy, Armenia-Diaspora relations, and the next phase of Armenian-American activism. We discuss decades of work securing U.S.-Armenia relations and aid packages, the achievement of U.S. Armenian Genocide recognition and what comes next, and the role of the A

Iran War, TRIPP Money, and Armenia’s Political Purgatory | Ep 561, Jul 19, 2026 Jul 22, 2026 2864 Week in Review - July 19, 2026In this week's Groong Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed break down escalating tensions across the Middle East as the US-Iran war intensifies following the collapse of the June ceasefire. We examine the strategic implications for Armenia and the South Caucasus, the role of TRIPP advocates like Konstantin Sokolov, and how regional instability intersects with Pashinya

NATO in Ankara, War in Iran, and the Scissors Over Armenia | Ep 567, Jul 12, 2026 Jul 15, 2026 2613 Week in Review - July 12, 2026In this Groong Week in Review episode, Hovik and Asbed cover the 36th NATO summit in Ankara, escalating Iran war developments, and Armenia's removal of murals honoring fallen soldiers. We discuss NATO's defense spending surge, Trump's shift on Turkey and F-35 access, Ukraine aid commitments, and what these geopolitical shifts mean for Armenia and the So

Dmitry Suslov - Ukraine’s Endgame, Armenia’s Crossroads | Ep 566, Jul 11, 2026 Jul 11, 2026 5055 Conversations on Groong - July 11, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Dmitry Suslov about Russia's strategic position across multiple fronts: the Ukraine War, Armenia's post-election Western pivot, TRIPP and Syunik, and Europe's rearmament against Russia. We discuss the long-term confrontation between Russia and NATO, Pashinyan's Western alignment

Sergey Markedonov - Ukraine, TRIPP, and Armenia’s Western Pivot | Ep 565, Jul 10, 2026 Jul 10, 2026 4704 Conversations on Groong - July 10, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Sergey Markedonov about Russia's strategic position amid the Ukraine War and its implications for Armenia. We discuss why Moscow remains bogged down in Ukraine despite its military superiority, how the war of attrition shapes Russian bandwidth for the South Caucasus, the geopolitical role of t

The Constitutional Court has ruled, now what? | Ep 564, Jul 5, 2026 Jul 8, 2026 3186 Week in Review - July 5, 2026In this episode of Groong Week in Review for July 5, 2026, Hovik and Asbed analyze Armenia's Constitutional Court ruling upholding the disputed 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election results. We examine the disqualification of Prosperous Armenia votes, Civil Contract's three-fifths majority, the opposition's parliamentary leverage, and what these outcomes

Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War, Election Aftermath, Russian Warnings, Israeli Recognition | Ep 563, Jul 3, 2026 Jul 3, 2026 5005 Conversations on Groong - July 3, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Amb. Dziunik Aghajanian about the Iran-Israel conflict, Armenia's 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election aftermath, and Israeli recognition of the Armenian Genocide. We discuss whether the US-Iran MOU represents genuine de-escalation or a tactical pause before renewed confrontation, the Constitutiona

When Israel Recognizes and Yerevan Dodges | Ep 562, Apr 25, 2026 Jul 1, 2026 2336 Week in Review - June 28, 2026In this week's Groong Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discuss Israel's historic recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Russia's ongoing warnings toward Armenia, and the political uncertainty following the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We examine the geopolitical context behind Israel's decision, Pashinyan's measured response, and what t

Iran Talks, Election Challenges, and Political Retaliation | Ep 561, Jun 21, 2026 Jun 24, 2026 2509 Week in Review - June 21, 2026In this Groong Week in Review episode, Hovik and Asbed examine the fallout from Armenia's 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Elections, the ongoing US-Iran War ceasefire negotiations and their regional implications, and escalating political persecutions following the vote. We discuss how six opposition parties-including Strong Armenia, Armenia Alliance, Prosperous Armen

Arman Grigoryan - US-Iran Negotiations, Post-Election Armenian Politics | Ep 560, Jun 23, 2026 Jun 23, 2026 5074 Conversations on Groong - June 23, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Arman Grigoryan about US-Iran negotiations and Armenia's contested post-election landscape. We discuss the prospects for a US-Iran agreement, its implications for TRIPP and Iran-Russia relations, the aftermath of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, and how shifting great-power dynamics r

Hrant Mikaelian - Election Aftermath and Polls in Armenia | Ep 559, Jun 20, 2026 Jun 20, 2026 3599 Conversations on Groong - June 20, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Hrant Mikaelian about the disputed aftermath of Armenia's June 7, 2026 parliamentary election. We discuss allegations of electoral fraud, threats against opposition parties, the Anti-Corruption Committee's proposed ban on opposition groups, Armenia-Russia tensions following the vote, and the

Armenian Parliamentary Election, US-Iran Agreement | Ep 558, Jun 14, 2026 Jun 16, 2026 2680 Week in Review - June 14, 2026In this episode of Groong Week in Review for June 14, 2026, we analyze the aftermath of Armenia's 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, shifting Armenia-Georgia relations, and a landmark interim US-Iran agreement that reshapes regional stability. We discuss the ceasefire framework, sanctions relief, and how the Iran war's resolution affects Armenian security

Arthur Martirosyan - After the Anger, What Next? | Ep 557, Jun 10, 2026 Jun 11, 2026 4290 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 represent

2026 Elections: A Mandate Under Dispute | Ep 556, June 7, 2026 Jun 10, 2026 2966 Week in Review - June 7, 2026In this episode of Groong Week in Review, we analyze the disputed results of Armenia's June 7, 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We examine Civil Contract's contested majority, alleged irregularities and invalid ballots, the OSCE/ODIHR preliminary report, the last-minute exclusion of Prosperous Armenia, opposition arrests and pressure, and what a three-fi

Spotlight on Silence: Selective Justice in Armenia’s Election Campaign | Ep 555, Jun 6, 2026 Jun 6, 2026 3258 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

Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - IODA's Second Mission and Armenia's Dire Election Climate | Ep 554, Jun 4, 2026 Jun 4, 2026 4071 Conversations on Groong - June 4, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan about Armenia's deteriorating democratic conditions ahead of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We discuss IODA's second election observation mission, widespread arrests of opposition figures, state intimidation of voters, selective prosecution, and the serio

May 28, Rubio’s Armenia Deals, and the Cost of Strategic Drift | Ep 553, May 31, 2026 Jun 2, 2026 3338 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

Sergey Markedonov - Russia-Armenia Relations Before the Vote | Ep 552, June 1, 2026 Jun 1, 2026 4704 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 Arts

Arthur Khachatryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 551, May 31, 2026 May 31, 2026 3844 Conversations on Groong - May 31, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Arthur Khachatryan of the Hayastan Dashinq, Armenia Alliance about the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election scheduled for June 7. We discuss whether free and fair elections are possible given foreign interference from the West, abuse of administrative resources by the ruling Civil Contract party, media

Rubio Visit, New MPG and IRI Polls, Hidden Votes and Why Are You Alive? | Ep 550, May 24, 2026 May 26, 2026 3590 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&quot

Edgar Elbakyan - The Battle for Armenia’s Political Future | Ep 549, May 24, 2026 May 24, 2026 3461 Conversations on Groong - May 24, 2026This Conversations on Groong episode features Edgar Elbakyan in a broad discussion of Armenia's upcoming election and the wider political climate around it. The conversation looks at whether this vote marks a turning point for Armenia, how public fear and pressure shape voter behavior, and why polling results differ so sharply. It also examines the main p

Parties and Alliances in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 548, May 22, 2026 May 23, 2026 2576 Conversations on Groong - May 23, 2026This Conversations on Groong episode provides a primer on Armenia's June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections, reviewing the 17 parties and 2 alliances registered to compete. The discussion explains the election rules, thresholds, coalition process, and the "stable majority" mechanism, while stressing the uneven political environment facing oppositio

Pashinyan's Hate Speech, Threats, and the June 7 Election Climate | Ep 547, May 17, 2026 May 19, 2026 2502 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 ad

Arman Grigoryan - Revolutionary Recklessness: Armenia After the War | Ep 546, May 15, 2026 May 15, 2026 3428 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

Week in Review - EPC in Armenia, Russia, Parliamentary Election, Swiss Peace Initiative | Ep 545, May 10, 2026 May 13, 2026 2984 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

Anna Grigoryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 544, May 11, 2026 May 11, 2026 3662 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, Ar

EU Interference and Armenia’s 2026 Elections | Ep 543, May 10, 2026 May 10, 2026 4631 Conversations on Groong - May 10, 2026Hovhannes Ishkhanyan and Nare Navasardyan discuss the growing role of the EU, fact-checking networks, and counter-disinformation programs in Armenia's 2026 election environment. The conversation examines claims of foreign interference, the use of "hybrid threats" and "disinformation" labels against domestic dissent, and the political b

Tatevik Soghoyan - Who Failed the Children of Vedi | Ep 542, May 10, 2026 May 10, 2026 2539 Conversations on Groong - May 10, 2026This Conversations on Groong episode examines the Vedi abuse case, a disturbing story involving alleged sexual abuse of vulnerable minors and serious questions about Armenia's law-enforcement response. Attorney Tatevik Soghoyan joins the program to discuss the known timeline, the delays between the first reports and arrests, the treatment of the victims,

Anatol Lieven - Russia, Iran, Europe, and the Remaking of World Order | Ep 541, May 8, 2026 May 8, 2026 3960 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

Mikael Darbinian - Armenia’s Borders, TRIPP, and the Price of Weakness | Ep 540, May 6, 2026 May 6, 2026 3753 Conversations on Groong - May 6, 2026This Conversations on Groong episode with Mikael Darbinian examines Armenia’s security crisis through the lens of the Strong Armenia doctrine. The discussion focuses on deterrence, diplomacy from a position of strength, Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory, the risks around TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor, the rights of Artsakh Armenians,

Trump’s Iran Ceasefire, Operation Kochari, and Armenia’s Election Fog | Ep 539, May 3, 2026 May 5, 2026 4474 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

Hrair Balian - From Karabakh to TRIPP: Armenia’s Security Dilemma | Ep 538, May 3, 2026 May 3, 2026 4610 Conversations on Groong - May 3, 2026In this Conversations on Groong episode, Hrair Balian joins us to discuss his book Anatomy of Peacemaking: Nagorno Karabakh Conflict & Missed Opportunities, the failure of diplomacy around Artsakh, and what Armenia should learn from the long collapse of the peace process. The conversation also looks at the Iran war, US and Israeli goals in the region, the T

Arega Hovsepyan - June 2026 Parliamentary Election in Armenia | Ep 537, Apr 30, 2026 Apr 29, 2026 3764 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 democra

Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, TRIPP, April 24, and Election Stakes | Ep 536, Apr 26, 2026 Apr 28, 2026 4175 Groong Week in Review - April 26, 2026This Week in Review on Groong examines how the Iran war fallout and the extension of the ceasefire are reshaping Armenia’s geopolitical position. We break down the push for the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor and the claims of Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization, and assess how they tie to regional power dynamics involving Iran, Russia, Turkey, and the United States.

Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - Monitoring the June 2026 Election in Armenia | Ep 535, Apr 26, 2026 Apr 27, 2026 3922 Conversations on Groong - April 26, 2026Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan joined Groong to discuss the International Observatory for Democracy in Armenia (IODA), its work ahead of Armenia’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections, and the risks it sees in the pre-election environment. The conversation covered IODA’s mission, its first fact-finding trip to Armenia, concerns about judicial control and admini

Dmitry Suslov - War, Leverage, and Corridors, Russia’s View from All Fronts | Ep 534, Apr 25, 2026 Apr 25, 2026 4208 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 involv

Warwick Powell - Thermoeconomics, Iran, and the New Geopolitical Economy | Ep 533, Apr 23, 2026 Apr 22, 2026 4708 Conversations on Groong - April 23, 2026In this Conversations on Groong episode, Warwick Powell joins us to examine the Iran war through the lens of thermoeconomics, energy flows, de-dollarization, and shifting global power. We discuss how oil, gas, AI, data centers, and financial infrastructure shape modern conflict, why the dollar-based order is under pressure, and how BRICS and the Global South

Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War, Antalya, Armenian Parliamentary Elections | Ep 532, Apr 19, 2026 Apr 21, 2026 4033 Groong Week in Review - April 19, 2026In this Week in Review episode, Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian discusses the stalled Iran negotiations after the Islamabad talks, the renewed pressure around Hormuz and the naval blockade, Turkey’s posture toward Israel and the region; Armenia’s lower-profile participation in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum; Russia’s shifting rhetoric on TRIPP and the South Caucas

Hovik & Asbed - Iran War, April 2016 War, Armenia & Russia, Politics & Election | Ep 530, Apr 5, 2026 Apr 19, 2026 3506 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/groon

Hrant Mikaelian - US-Iran Talks, Orban Loses, Armenia, Polls | Ep 531, Apr 12, 2026 Apr 15, 2026 4581 Groong Week in Review - April 12, 2026In this episode, we examine a fast-moving regional and political landscape, from the collapse of the US-Iran talks in Islamabad and the threat of a new naval blockade, to Viktor Orban’s election loss in Hungary and what it may signal for Armenia and the wider region. We also dig into new polling from Armenia, including public views on security, the Iran war, f

Pietro Shakarian - Iran War, Armenia and Russia, June Parliamentary Elections | Ep 529, Apr 4, 2026 Apr 4, 2026 3661 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 f

Anna Karapetyan - Iran War, Pashinyan Fake Narratives, Fear-mongering, Silencing Talk of Artsakh | Ep 528, Mar 29, 2026 Mar 31, 2026 3435 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

Hovik & Asbed - Karekin II travel-banned from Ilia II Funeral, Iran War, Armenia Parliamentary Election | Ep 527, Mar 22, 2026 Mar 24, 2026 2652 Groong Week in Review - March 22, 2026This Week in Review featured Asbed and Hovik without a guest. We discussed the death of Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II and the Armenian government’s blocking of Catholicos of all Armenians Karekin II from attending the funeral; the latest turn in the Iran war and what it could mean for Armenia and the wider region; Israel’s renewed ground operation in s

YoungMin - Travel Blogger’s Visit to Occupied and Ethnically Cleansed Artsakh | Ep 526, Mar 22, 2026 Mar 22, 2026 2875 Conversations on Groong - March 22, 2026South Korean travel blogger YoungMin visited Artsakh after Azerbaijan's 2023 ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh, becoming one of the few independent foreign visitors to document conditions on the ground after more than 100,000 Armenians were forced from their ancestral homeland. In this episode, YoungMin discusses what motivated his trip, what he saw

Eldar Mamedov - Iran War: The Northern Front | Ep 525, Mar 22, 2026 Mar 22, 2026 2834 Conversations on Groong - March 22, 2026Topics:Iran at WarThe Northern Front: Turkey & AzerbaijanChanging Nakhijevan's ConstitutionGuest: Eldar MamedovHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 525 | Recorded: March 20, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/525VIDEO: https://youtu.be/pWd_-iNIM8E#GroongPodcast #EldarMamedov #IranWar #Azerbaijan #SouthCaucasusSubscribe and follow

Varuzhan Geghamyan - Iran War, Zangezur Corridor, Nakhijevan Constitution | Ep 524, Mar 20, 2026 Mar 20, 2026 4012 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 an

Scott Horton - Why Are We at War with Iran? | Ep 523, Mar 20, 2026 Mar 20, 2026 3245 Conversations on Groong - March 20, 2026Topics - Why this war began - U.S. fallout and political costs - Paths to wider regional escalationGuest: Scott HortonHosts: - Hovik Manucharyan - Asbed BedrossianEpisode 523 | Recorded: March 20, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/523#IranWar #ScottHorton #USIsrael #MiddleEastWar #GeopoliticsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.

Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, June Parliamentary | Ep 522, Mar 15, 2026 Mar 17, 2026 3085 Groong Week in Review - March 15, 2026Arthur Martirosyan examines the ongoing U.S.–Israel war on Iran and its uncertain trajectory, focusing on escalation risks, strategic objectives, and potential diplomatic offramps. The discussion then turns to regional spillover effects, particularly the risks for Armenia amid Iran–Azerbaijan tensions and broader geopolitical shifts. We conclude with an analys

Hrant Mikaelian - Iran War Update, IRI Poll Review, Armenian Political Landscape | Ep 521, Mar 8, 2026 Mar 11, 2026 4622 We discuss with Hrant Mikaelian the expanding war on Iran and what it could mean for the region. We took a close look at the latest IRI poll and its disputed methodology and findings, and the emerging shape of Armenia’s parliamentary race. Hrant Mikaelian argued that Iran’s leadership transition signals greater resolve rather than collapse, that Azerbaijan is still constrained from direct action a

Hrant Mikaelian - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, Sumgait Pogroms, | Ep 520, Mar 1, 2026 Mar 4, 2026 2963 Groong Week in Review - March 1, 2026TopicsUS and Israel launch war against IranDecapitation strikes, mass civilian casualtiesIran retaliates region-wide, war expandsArmenia leadership silentSumgait rememberedGuestHrant MikaelianHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 520 | Recorded: March 2, 2026#IranWar #EpicFury #MiddleEastWar #ArmeniaForeignPolicy #Sumgait1988 #IranIsraelConflictSubscrib

Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War Fears, June Vote Rules, State-Church Clash | Ep 519, Feb 22, 2026 Feb 26, 2026 3313 Groong Week in Review - February 22, 2026Topics:Iran War FearsJune Parliamentary ElectionsAttacks on the Armenian ChurchGuest: Dziunik AghajanianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 519 | Recorded: February 25, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/519VIDEO: https://youtu.be/1FFkLOeY2lI#Armenia #Iran #ArmeniaElections #ArmenianChurch #SouthCaucasusSubscribe and follow us everywhere

Zaroui Pogossian - Vardanank, The Battle of Avarayr in 451 AD | Ep 518, Feb 24, 2026 Feb 24, 2026 4177 Groong Deep History - February 24, 2026In the inaugural Groong Deep History episode, historian Prof. Zaroui Pogossian joins the show to unpack the Vardanank wars and the Battle of Avarayr (451 AD). The conversation sets the longer political and religious context behind the conflict, explains what we can and cannot know from the main Armenian sources, and revisits the standard “moral victory” story

JD Vance in Armenia and Azerbaijan | Ep 517, Feb 15, 2026 Feb 14, 2026 3694 Conversations on Groong - Feb 15, 2026TopicsVance visit, protocol and opticsTsitsernakaberd tweet, “autocorrect diplomacy”TRIPP corridor stake and sovereignty risksNuclear SMR deal, costs and dependencyFirebird AI project, power and valueDrones, church silence, Baku charter and prisonersHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 517 | Recorded: February 13, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groo

Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - Europe and America, JD Vance in Armenia, Pashinyan vs. The Armenian Church | Ep 516, Feb 8, 2026 Feb 11, 2026 3702 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

James Carden & Pietro Shakarian - Global Affairs in the Age of Trump 2.0 | Ep 515, Feb 7, 2026 Feb 7, 2026 4076 Global Affairs in the Age of Trump 2.0Conversations on GroongTopicsTrump 2.0 and the “Donroe Doctrine”Rules-Based Disorder?Iran vs. the “Big, Beautiful Armada”US Cohesion and MidtermsJD Vance in the South CaucasusGuestsJames CardenPietro ShakarianHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 515 | Recorded: February 6, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/515Subscribe and follow us everywhe

Andrei Tsygankov - Canceling Russia and The Towers of the Kremlin | Ep 514, Feb 5, 2026 Feb 5, 2026 4686 Conversations on Groong - February 5, 2026Topics:Defining the “Canceling Russia” phenomenonThe “cancel Russia” lobbyContainment shifts to coercive transformationRussian Orthodox Church as battlegroundKremlin “towers” and civilizational logicBooks by Tsygankov:“Canceling” Russia (2026): https://a.co/d/0izauT7TRussia’s Foreign Policy (2025): https://a.co/d/07NNNT6dGuest: Andrei TsygankovHosts:Hovik

Christian Solidarity International Visits Jailed Armenian Clergy | Ep 513, Feb 4, 2026 Feb 4, 2026 1486 Conversations on Groong - February 4, 2026Topics:CSI Visits Jailed ClericIRF SummitPACE MP Speaks UpGuest: Joel VeldkampHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 513 | Recorded: February 3, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/513VIDEO: https://youtu.be/gi1yk302jts#ArmenianChurch #ReligiousFreedom #ClergyArrests #IRFSummit2026 #ChristianSolidarityInternationalSubscribe and follow us ev

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