Tag "Armenia"

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Europe Politics

Recovery from Covid-19 in Eastern Partnership Countries Faces Political Hurdles

With the support of the European Union, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced in December a scaling up of its financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the EU’s Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. However, potential for economic recovery from the pandemic in the region is undermined by EU marginalisation of issues in corruption and Russian subversion capabilities. It is unlikely that sustainable private-sector growth will be realised until the EBRD fiscal approach is complemented with a strategy to address these political challenges.

Europe Security

Armenia and Azerbaijan: Conflict in Nagorno Karabakh continues to erode regional security

A flare-up between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region raised concerns over the security and stability of the Caucasus for more than a month. A Russian-brokered deal between the two is highly likely to ensure the region’s security, although long-term peace is an unlikely outcome.

Europe Security

Nagorno Karabakh – The Conflict in Perspective

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is often wrongfully seen as another post-Soviet frozen conflict in both academia and in policy-making circles. Although the conflict is indeed a product of specific preconditions and deliberate Soviet policies, it differs from other protracted ethno-political conflicts like in Georgia or Moldova. Gaining a deeper understanding of how this conflict came about, and its underlying causes, is essential for understanding the current episode of fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

Europe Politics

Nikol Pashinyan and the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Earlier in 2018, Nikol Pashinyan made a historic entrance into the helm of Armenian politics after Serzh Sargsyan resigned in the face of large protests. While Pashinyan is making continued efforts to improve Armenia’s image abroad, an important question remains about his leadership towards the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict.

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

Iran’s waning involvement in the South Caucasus

With the JCPOA finalized in 2015, Iran seemed to finally build on its potential to become a shaping actor in the South Caucasus. Yet the scrapping of the JCPOA in April 2018 threatens to disillusion those who were optimistic about new trading and investment opportunities. Under growing pressure, the region seems to be neglected again by Tehran.

Europe Politics

The “Velvet Revolution” in Armenia: Cosmetic change or potential for democratic development?

On the 23rd of April, Armenian Prime Minister and ex-President Serzh Sargsyan unexpectedly resigned his post after almost two weeks of mass protests. People in the streets celebrated the change, but where will Armenia go from here?

Europe Security

The EU’s Eastern partnership summit: pragmatism and realpolitik

On 24 November, the 5th Eastern Partnership (EaP) Summit took place in Brussels. Security issues dominated the summit, while EU membership was off the table.

Europe Politics

Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan: future EU members?

The European Union has eyed the South Caucasus for the past two decades. After successful expansion to parts of Eastern Europe, GRI asks: could the South Caucasus could be next?

Europe Politics

Can Armenia’s new defence minister reset the country’s course?

On 3 October 2016, the Armenian President, Serzh Sargsyan, implemented a number of changes in a cabinet reshuffle, which saw the appointment of a new defence minister, Vigen Sargsyan. Discussions

Europe Security

Armenia’s daredevils and demonstrators: What lies ahead?

Since an armed group took over a police station on July 17th – taking the officers inside hostage – there has been substantial political unrest in Armenia. The hostage taking has spurred protests across the country; however the direction that this frustration is taking is more than unclear.