In this comprehensive article, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan explores the fundamental principles of nation-state building and Armenia’s place in the complex global order. It aims to contribute to the ongoing national debate by defining the boundaries of a shared consensus while acknowledging diverse approaches to achieving national goals.

The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime is reshaping Middle Eastern dynamics, underscoring Armenia’s need to rethink its regional strategy. Balancing pragmatism with principles, Armenia must leverage its strengths, recalibrate foreign policies, and foster resilience to navigate a volatile geopolitical landscape.

Ignoring the obvious political, moral and legal realities in addressing the plight of the people of Artsakh is tantamount to watering the seeds of further instability with proliferating effects, writes Armenia’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs Zohrab Mnatsakanyan.

Pursuing peace is a noble and vital objective, but only when it is genuine. Azerbaijani and Turkish rhetoric about peace is anything but convincing at this moment. Lopsided peace is unsustainable and fragile and will not work if it is pursued at our expense.