Armenian News Network - Groong: Week In Review Podcast

Conversations on Groong - May 10, 2026

This 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, and the public statements by investigators and government officials. The discussion focuses on whether this was a local failure, a systemic breakdown, or a deeper case of political responsibility, while asking what Armenia's justice and child-protection systems must do to prevent such cases from being ignored, delayed, or mishandled.

Topics:

• Vedi abuse case timeline
• Law-enforcement delays and failures
• Victim protection and privacy
• Political responsibility and accountability
• Child-protection system breakdown

Guest:

• Tatevik Soghoyan

Hosts:

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 542 | Recorded: May 9, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/542

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/jP9QJuMwDNo

#VediCase #ChildProtection #JusticeForChildren #RuleOfLaw #Accountability #Armenia #HumanRights #VictimsRights

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Conversations on Groong - May 8, 2026

In 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 also explore whether Russia’s relationship with Iran is truly strategic or mainly transactional, how China fits into the wider balance of power, and what all of this means for the South Caucasus, Armenia’s current path under Pashinyan, and Azerbaijan’s ambitions to turn wartime leverage into lasting regional influence.

Topics

• Russia, Iran, Europe, multipolar order
• Ukraine war and Russia-West tensions
• Iran war and diplomatic offramps
• Armenia, TRIPP, South Caucasus

Guest: Anatol Lieven

Hosts:

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 541 | Recorded: May 5, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/541

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/bnwKcnMSZTk

#AnatolLieven #Russia #Iran #Europe #UkraineWar #SouthCaucasus

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Conversations on Groong - May  6, 2026

This 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, regional war scenarios involving Iran, and the gap between international political theater and Armenia’s unresolved national security threats.

Topics:

• Strong Armenia security doctrine
• Azerbaijani occupation of Armenian territory
• TRIPP and Zangezur Corridor risks
• Diplomacy from a position of strength
• EPC optics and national insecurity

Guest: Mikael Darbinian

Hosts:

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 540 | Recorded: May 5, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/540

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/LhnSc26cT7c

#Armenia #Artsakh #StrongArmenia #MikaelDarbinian #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #ArmenianSecurity #SouthCaucasus

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Groong Week in Review - May 3, 2026

This 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 prime minister Shahin Mustafayev to Armenia, border demarcation, TRIPP, and the political theater around trade with Azerbaijan. The discussion turns to Azerbaijan’s destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral, the muted international response, and Pashinyan’s comments on the issue. The hosts also analyze the latest MPG poll, opposition coalition math, election fraud concerns, the EPC meeting, legal pressure on the opposition, mass surveillance, and Armenia’s falling press freedom ranking.

Topics:

• Iran War
• Mustafayev in Armenia
• Destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral by Azerbaijan
• Election politics

Hosts:

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 539 | Recorded: May 2, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/539

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/eIIg1IWYm1w

#Armenia #Azerbaijan #IranWar #TRIPP #Artsakh #Stepanakert #ArmenianElections #Groong

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Conversations on Groong - May 3, 2026

In 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 TRIPP/Zangezur Corridor and its security impact on Armenia, and the role of outside powers in shaping outcomes in the South Caucasus. The episode closes with a discussion of Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, opposition repression, election monitoring, and whether international observers will judge the vote by facts on the ground or political convenience.

Mr. Balian's book: https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Peacemaking-Nagorno-Karabakh-Opportunities-Rethinking/dp/3032124891

Topics:

• US-Iran war and failed diplomacy
• TRIPP and Armenia’s security risks
• Karabakh negotiations and missed chances
• Pashinyan’s Artsakh policy reversal
• Armenia’s June elections and monitoring

Guest: Hrair Balian

Hosts:

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 538 | Recorded: April 30, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/538

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/5ubpIoBjAI0

#HrairBalian #Groong #Armenia #Artsakh #NagornoKarabakh #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #ArmenianElections

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Conversations on Groong - Apr 30, 2026

In 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 democratic processes under Pashinyan. We also examine the situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians, including rights, return, voting access, and living conditions in Armenia. The episode explores competing narratives around “peace” with Azerbaijan, the implications of the Zangezur Corridor or TRIPP project, and how regional dynamics involving Iran, Russia, and Turkey shape Armenia’s security and political future. 

Topics:

• Strong Armenia and election dynamics
• New arrests and political pressure
• Artsakh Armenians and their rights
• TRIPP corridor and regional security

Guest: Arega Hovsepyan

Hosts:

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 537 | Recorded: Apr 28, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/537

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/G2lysDT6SSQ

#Armenia #Artsakh #StrongArmenia #AregaHovsepyan #ArmenianPolitics #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #Geopolitics

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Groong Week in Review - April 26, 2026

This 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. The episode also covers Armenia’s 2026 elections and rising elite tensions. In addition, we discuss the global commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, contrasting international messaging with domestic narratives and linking it to ongoing debates around Artsakh and historical continuity.

Topics:
  - TRIPP hinges on Iran war outcome
  - Armenian Genocide commemoration
  - Peace narrative vs corridor reality
  - Parliamentary election

Guest: Arthur G Martirosyan

Hosts:
  - Hovik Manucharyan
  - Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 536 | Recorded: April 27, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/536

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/tu49vlEYJKU

#Armenia #IranWar #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #Elections2026 #SouthCaucasus #Geopolitics #Groong

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Conversations on Groong - April 26, 2026

Dr. 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 administrative resources, questions about OSCE/ODIHR and EU impartiality, and the pressure facing opposition figures and parties before election day.

Topics
* IODA’s mission and election observation work
* Armenia’s June 2026 parliamentary election risks
* Questions around international observer impartiality
* Suspect voter lists, fraud, and transparency concerns
* Pressure on opposition figures and parties

Guest
* Philippe Raffi Kalfayan

Hosts
* Hovik Manucharyan
* Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 535 | Recorded: April 24, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/535

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/IuqGI9y6PGw

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #Election2026 #IODA #OSCE #ODIHR #Geopolitics #Democracy

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Conversations on Groong - April 25, 2026

In 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 involving Azerbaijan and Turkey. The discussion then turns to the Ukraine war, focusing on attrition, Europe’s growing militarization, and the prospects for a long-term Russia–Europe confrontation. Finally, we explore Russia’s policy in the South Caucasus, including Armenia’s political trajectory, tensions following Pashinyan’s Moscow visit, and the broader balance of power shaping Armenia’s future.

Topics:

• Iran war dynamics and Russia’s role
• Ukraine war and Europe’s militarization
• Armenia’s pivot and Russia’s response
• Regional power balance

• Dr. Dmitry Suslov

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 534 | Recorded: April 24, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/534

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/kjUQN8LVuFk

#Russia #IranWar #UkraineWar #SouthCaucasus #Armenia #TRIPP #Geopolitics #Eurasia

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Conversations on Groong - April 23, 2026

In 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 are responding. The conversation also looks at techno-economic sovereignty, thermoeconomic imperialism, and the wider geopolitical stakes for the emerging world order.

Warwick Powell’s Book: Thermoeconomics in a Time of Monsters: Rethinking Theory, China and International Geopolitical Economy

Topics:

• Thermoeconomics and global power
• Iran war and energy
• De-dollarization and sovereignty
• Armenia: AI data centers, SMRs, and imperialism

Guest: Warwick Powell

Hosts:

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 533 | Recorded: April 21, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/533

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/8upbRV0lzjE

#WarwickPowell #IranWar #Thermoeconomics #DeDollarization #EnergyPolitics #GlobalSouth #BRICS #AI #Geopolitics #DataCenters #Geoeconomics

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