In this episode of Peace Matters, we discuss Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections and the country’s changing geopolitical orientation at a time of regional uncertainty.
For decades, Armenia was considered one of Russia’s closest allies in the post-Soviet space, relying heavily on Moscow for economic cooperation and security guarantees. But the aftermath of the Nagorno-Karabakh war of 2020, growing disappointment with Russia, and increased engagement with the European Union have started to reshape Yerevan’s foreign policy priorities.
How democratic is Armenia’s political system today, and what is at stake in the upcoming elections? Is Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan likely to stay in power, and how are the elections influenced by the unresolved conflict with Azerbaijan? We also examine the growing role of the EU in Armenia, Russia’s reaction to Armenia’s gradual westward shift, and whether the country can realistically balance relations between Moscow and Brussels.
Guests:
Christoph Bilban has been researcher in the Institute for Peace Support and Conflict Management at the Austrian National Defence Academy since 2016. Since June 2024 he is co-chair of the Regional Stability in the South Caucasus Study Group of the Partnership for Peace Consortium. His research covers Russian foreign policy and conflicts in the area of the former Soviet Union, with a focus on the conflict in Ukraine and the conflicts in the South Caucasus. He is an officer in the Austrian Armed Forces’ active reserve.
Hannes Meissner is a Managing Partner at LM-PRISK consultancy firm. His expertise relates to the post-Soviet space – a region that he has travelled extensively due to both business projects and scientific field research. Hannes regularly gives talks on political risk, most recently at the Chinese Economic Summit in Hong Kong, the Astana International Financial Centre, the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael and the University of Cambridge. Hannes holds a PhD in political science from the University of Hamburg. He is also a member of the research group Eastern Europe at the University of Vienna.
Moderation:
Marylia Hushcha, Researcher and Project Manager at the IIP.
The episode was recorded on 18 May 2026.