Tag: Armenia

September 15, 2023

Ep. 251: The Week in Review (15.09.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 15, 2023: Tensions in the region continue to dominate headlines, including the growing rift between Russia and Armenia; a Russian Red Cross truck carrying humanitarian aid crosses into Artsakh through the Aghdam road; the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hosts a hearing on the situation in Artsakh and more.

September 14, 2023
Examining the Context: Azerbaijan’s Madman Strategy and the Normalization of Coercion

Examining the Context: Azerbaijan’s Madman Strategy and the Normalization of Coercion

EVN Report's Editor-in-Chief Maria Titizian speaks with Dr. Nerses Kopalyan, author of the monthly series "EVN Security Report" who explains the madman theory, a strategy in coercive bargaining, where the perceived extremism of an actor is leveraged to achieve one-sided outcomes. In this context, Kopalyan explains how Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s bargaining posture operates off of the logic that if his terms are not met, he reserves the right to wage war, thus anchoring the threat of destruction to force acquiescence from Armenia and the international community.

September 8, 2023
Ep. 250: The Week in Review (08.09.23)

Ep. 250: The Week in Review (08.09.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 8, 2023: Heavy Azerbaijani military buildup around Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia as fears of a new war mount; three students arbitrarily detained by Azerbaijani forces at the Hakari bridge are released; amid escalating tensions, US-Armenia joint military exercise to take place in Armenia next week and more.

September 5, 2023

Mariam Torosyan: Building a Virtual Safe Space for Women

Mariam Torosyan, the CEO and founder of Safe YOU, joined us to discuss her platform's mission to empower women by providing tools to report cases of sexual and domestic violence, seek help, and to create a virtual safe space for women. We delved into the progress Safe YOU has made since its inception three years ago, including the thoughtful consideration of various cultural factors that guide their implementation strategies. Lastly, Mariam shared her insights on the current state of women in the tech industry in Armenia, highlighting the efforts and challenges in ensuring that women not only have access to opportunities but are also encouraged to establish companies and assume leadership roles.

August 18, 2023

Ep. 247: The Week in Review (18.08.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of August 18, 2023: The UN Security Council convenes emergency meeting to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh where the first case of death by starvation was recorded; Azerbaijan cuts Internet supply to the population of Artsakh for several hours; eleven people are killed in a tragic car crash on the Yerevan-Gyumri highway and more.

August 15, 2023

Narek Aslikyan: Armenia’s Talent Infrastructure

In this episode, Narek Aslikyan, co-founder and CEO of Armenian Code Academy, provides insight into the Armenian tech industry's talent infrastructure. He explains how the Academy prepares individuals for employment in both technical and non-technical roles. We also discussed what is required to create employment opportunities outside Yerevan, and the strategies to encourage various stakeholders to expand into different regions of Armenia.

August 4, 2023

Ep. 245: The Week in Review (04.08.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of August 4, 2023: Despite calls from around the world to lift the blockade of Artsakh, Baku continues to strangulate 120,000 people; the abduction and arrest of a 68-year-old resident of Artsakh during a humanitarian transfer raises fears of deepening the already acute crisis in the region; diplomats accredited to Armenia and UN agencies visit Kornidzor where trucks of humanitarian aid continue to be blocked by Baku.

July 25, 2023
A Peace to Fail All Peace

A Peace to Fail All Peace

International mediators have to step up their pressure on Baku, which must include the threat of sanctions in response to further military action against Armenia and continued refusal to unblock the Lachin Corridor.

July 21, 2023
Memory Erases Memory

Memory Erases Memory

Photojournalist Vaghinak Ghazaryan and Russian writer and journalist Yan Shenkman explore notions of immigration, exile, perhaps even sojourner through images and words to describe the challenges of leaving one life to start another one in a new country.

July 18, 2023

Suzanna Shamakhyan: Finding Innovative Solutions to Education in Armenia

Suzanna Shamakhyan, Vice President of Strategic Programming at the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST), joins us to discuss the organization’s initiatives to improve education and science in Armenia. She breaks down how the current poor state of the country’s education system can be viewed as an opportunity to pilot innovative new solutions. We also discussed FAST’s new Generation AI program, which aims to bring artificial intelligence education to high schools in Armenia.

July 14, 2023

Ep. 242: The Week in Review (14.07.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of July 14, 2023: Baku bans the ICRC from providing humanitarian aid through the Lachin Corridor, accuses the organization of smuggling illegal goods; a large rally takes place in Stepanakert, Artsakh demanding the unblocking of the Lachin Corridor and an adequate international response; the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan are set to meet in Brussels tomorrow.

July 4, 2023
Hamlet Azarian

Hamlet Azarian: How to Grow a Start-up

Hamlet Azarian, CEO and founder of Azarian Growth Agency joins us to discuss validating start-up ideas, gaining traction, and scaling companies. Azarian breaks down the data-driven approach the agency takes to growth marketing, and what metrics they track to ensure that start-ups reach their growth goals. We also discussed Azarian Growth Agency’s upcoming initiative called “ Growth Academy” that aims to teach growth marketing in Armenia.

June 30, 2023

Ep. 240: The Week in Review (30.06.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of June 30, 2023: Four servicemen are killed in an Azerbaijani attack in Artsakh; the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan conclude the latest round of talks in Washington; after a total blockade, the ICRC is able to resume the transfer of patients from Artsakh to Armenia for now.

June 13, 2023

Hayk Margaryan: Facilitating Technology Transfer in Armenia

Hayk Margaryan, the CEO of the National Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NCIE), joins us to discuss initiatives to facilitate technology transfer in Armenia. Margaryan also speaks about the scope of NCIE’s mission, and what plans the center has for the near future. Lastly, we discussed the Mars Simulation Mission, which is scheduled to take place in Armenia in spring of 2024.

June 6, 2023

Hovakim Zakaryan: Drug Discovery With Reinforcement Learning

In this episode, Hovakim Zakaryan, co-founder and CEO of Denovo Sciences, discusses how his company is using reinforcement learning for drug discovery, making the process faster and more efficient. He shares insights on the challenges involved in drug discovery, and how AI tools can help overcome them. Additionally, Hovakim sheds light on Armenia's biotech industry and makes the case for why strategic investments should be made in this area.

June 2, 2023

Ep. 236: The Week in Review (02.06.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of June 2, 2023: The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan meet in Chisinau on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit; Armenia applies to the ECHR requesting the court to indicate provisional measures for the protection of the rights of two Armenian soldiers captured by Azerbaijan; a statement issued by the U.S. State Department causes a stir in Armenia and Artsakh.

May 19, 2023
Ep. 235: The Week in Review (19.05.23)

Ep. 235: The Week in Review (19.05.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of May 19, 2023: An Armenian soldier is killed by Azerbaijani fire in Gegharkunik as Baku continues to violate the ceasefire regime; the foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia meet in Moscow today; Armenia’s Government appoints a military attache to India and more.

May 12, 2023

Ep. 234: The Week in Review (12.05.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of May 12, 2023: Azerbaijani Armed Forces launch attack against Armenian positions in Sotk, leaving six Armenian soldiers wounded; EU-mediated meetings between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan are expected in the coming weeks; over 450,000 tourists visited Armenia in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of over 80% compared to the previous year.

May 9, 2023
Old Neighbors, New Realities

Old Neighbors, New Realities

Iran will never accept any Azerbaijani military or political control of southern Armenia. While Tehran is pursuing a policy of strategic patience vis-à-vis Azerbaijan, it does have red lines that, if crossed, would likely produce a swift reaction.

May 9, 2023

Rem Darbinyan: From Computer Vision to Influencer Marketing

Rem Darbinyan, the founder and CEO of Viral Mango and Smart Click, joins us to speak about the work being done in AI and influencer marketing by his companies. During the first half of the show, we delved into Smart Click's technology-as-a-service approach that makes computer vision algorithms accessible through APIs. In the second half, we explored Viral Mango, an influencer marketing platform, and discussed the inner workings of influencer marketing and its effectiveness. We also examined the impact of influencer and social media culture on society.

May 5, 2023

Ep. 233: The Week in Review (05.05.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of May 5: The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan hold four-day talks in Washington; Turkey closes its airspace to Armenia’s national carrier in response to the unveiling of a statue for OperationNemesis; while in Prague, PM Nikol Pashinyan says mechanisms for safeguarding the rights and security of Armenians of Artsakh are still uncertain and more.

April 28, 2023

Ep. 232: The Week in Review (28.04.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of April 28: Azerbaijan installs checkpoint at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor in flagrant violation of the tripartite statement that ended the 2020 war; Azerbaijani eco-activists, who had been blocking the Corridor for 138 days, have temporarily suspend their protest; France’s Foreign Affairs Minister is in Armenia, says Baku must comply with the ICJ decision on the Lachin Corridor and more.

April 14, 2023

Ep. 230: The Week in Review (14.04.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of April 14: Four Armenian soldiers are killed, another six wounded after Azerbaijani troops open fire near the Armenian village of Tegh; two Azerbaijani serviceman cross into Armenian territory from Nakhijevan, and are captured; the people of Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh continue to remain under siege as the blockade of the Lachin Corridor enters its 124th day.

April 13, 2023
More Than Just Brandy

More Than Just Brandy

Armenia's alcoholic beverage industry is a prominent sector in the country’s economy. Production and trade data for brandy, wine and beer showcase a dynamic pattern of growth. Hovhannes Nazaretyan explains.

April 11, 2023
Border Watch Armenia

Border Watch Armenia

Since the end of the 2020 Artsakh War, Azerbaijan’s warmongering has extended to the borders of Armenia proper through incursions and provocations bringing about human and territorial losses. Follow live updates from Armenia’s security situation in EVN Report’s Border Watch.

April 7, 2023

Ep. 229: The Week in Review (07.04.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of April 7: 27 civilians, trying to return home to Artsakh with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers are prevented entry by Azerbaijanis; Azerbaijan continues to violate the ceasefire on the Line of Contact with Artsakh; Russia moves to ban imports of Armenian dairy products and more.

April 4, 2023
Davit Buniatyan: Building the Database for AI

Davit Buniatyan: Building the Database for AI

Davit Buniatyan is the co-founder and CEO of Activeloop, a data infrastructure company that specializes in building optimized data lakes for deep learning. Davit discusses the importance of optimized data infrastructures for deep learning and how the MLOps ecosystem is evolving with the rise of foundational models such as GPT. We also explore the exciting future of AI, including the role of multimodal models and how they will shape the landscape of deep learning.

March 28, 2023

Dr. Anu Noorma: Estonia’s Innovation Ecosystem

Dr. Anu Noorma, the director general of the Estonian Research Council, joins us to discuss the development of Estonia’s scientific and innovation ecosystems over the last 30 years. We also spoke about the importance of communicating the need for public funding of science research to society. Lastly, Dr. Noorma shared her thoughts on how to make innovation more inclusive, so that its positive impacts are felt across all of society.

March 24, 2023

Ep. 227: The Week in Review (24.03.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 24: An Armenian soldier is killed by Azerbaijani fire near the village of Yeraskh in Armenia; while in Talish, now under Azerbaijani control, Ilham Aliyev makes threatening statements against Armenia; Armenia’s Constitutional Court announces decision declaring obligations enshrined in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to be constitutional and more.

March 21, 2023

Tony Safoian: Accelerating Cloud Adoption

Tony Safoian, CEO of SADA Systems, joins us to discuss how his company helps businesses utilize cloud solutions and how current trends in the industry are accelerating the rate of cloud adoption. Lastly, we spoke about SADA’s presence in Armenia, and what the implementation of new cloud infrastructure will bring to the country’s tech ecosystem.

March 17, 2023

Ep. 226: The Week in Review (17.03.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 17: European Parliament adopts resolution on EU-Armenia relations, strongly condemning Azerbaijan’s aggression, welcoming reforms made by Armenia; former NATO Secretary General visits Lachin Corridor, says EU must push Baku to lift blockade; Yerevan’s mayor resigns and more.

March 10, 2023

Ep. 225: The Week in Review (10.03.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 10: Three police officers in Artsakh are killed following an Azerbaijani ambush; in the Freedom in the World 2023 report, Azerbaijan is designated as one of the “worst of the worst” in the world for political rights and civil liberties; U.S. Intelligence Community warns of Azerbaijan’s readiness to use “calibrated military pressure” to advance its goals in talks with Armenia and more.

March 7, 2023

Gor Nazaryan: Bringing Tech Education to the Regions

Last year, Teach for Armenia launched the Tech4Armenia initiative. The program allows tech professionals to move to underprivileged areas of Armenia and teach computer science while continuing to work remotely in their current roles. Gor Nazaryan, the managing director of talent initiatives at Teach for Armenia joins us to discuss the program’s objectives and the overall state of education in Armenia.

March 3, 2023

Ep. 224: The Week in Review (03.03.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 3: Despite the ICJ ruling ordering Azerbaijan to ensure free movement, the Lachin Corridor still remains blockaded; Azerbaijan violates the ceasefire in Artsakh three times; Germany’s Chancellor advocates for a peaceful resolution that respects the right to self-determination for the people of Artsakh and more.

February 10, 2023

Ep. 221: The Week in Review (10.02.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of February 10: The population of Artsakh has been left without gas supply again Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor enters its 61st day; Armenia sends humanitarian aid and rescue teams to Syria and Turkey in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes; Seyran Ohanyan, Armenia’s former defense minister and member of the opposition Armenia Alliance was stripped of his parliamentary immunity this week.

February 10, 2023
A Pyrrhic Peace

A Pyrrhic Peace

Armenian experts help make sense of the ongoing discussions surrounding a possible peace deal between Baku and Yerevan, and what developments can actually be expected in the coming months.

February 9, 2023

Փնտրելով հին եկեղեցու նոր ձևերը

Բայց և սակայն, այնուամենայնիվ… Հայ առաքելական եկեղեցիների ձևերի արդիականացումը Հայաստանում, թերևս, առավել զգայուն թեմաներից է հայկական ժամանակակից ճարտարապետության պարունակում։ Եթե արևմտյան եկեղեցում կրոնական գործառույթի ազատ ու համարձակ մեկնաբանությունը ճարտարապետների կողմից վաղուց ի վեր քաջալերվում է, ապա մեզ մոտ եկեղեցու ավանդական ձևերը համարվում են անձեռնմխելի նախապայման ու արժեք, ինչպես օրինակ քաղկեդոնական ու մահմեդական կրոնների դեպքում։ Որքանո՞վ են, սակայն, նման փոփոխություններն անհրաժեշտ կամ «վտանգավոր»։ Կարո՞ղ է ճարտարապետությունն ինքնին ներազդել կրոնի ընկալման, նշանակության ու իմաստների վրա, թե՞ ոչ։ Ու արդյոք մեր եկեղեցական ճարտարապետությունը եղել է այնքան անփոփոխ, որքան ընդունված է համարել։ Այս և ուրիշ հարցեր քննարկում ենք ճարտարապետ, Փամբակ գյուղի նոր եկեղեցու նախագծի հեղինակ Տիգրան Գալստյանի հետ։

February 7, 2023
Դաշտանադադար. խոսելն «ամոթ» չէ

Menopause: Nothing to Be “Ashamed Of”

While menopause is generally a taboo subject and not something openly discussed in Armenian society, in recent years, the situation seems to be changing. Gohar Abrahamyan speaks to healthcare professionals and women who are going through this change in their lives.

February 3, 2023

Ep. 220: The Week in Review (03.02.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of February 3: The International Court of Justice hears cases presented by Armenia and Azerbaijan against each other on the application of CERD; Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor is now in its 54th day; Russia’s Foreign Affairs Minister says that as a result of the 2020 Artsakh War, Azerbaijan was able to reclaim the territories which belonged to it and more.

January 27, 2023

Ep. 219: The Week in Review (27.01.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of January 27: The population of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) continues to be under siege as Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor is now in its 48th day; this week the EU approved the deployment of a 100-person civilian mission to Armenia for a two-year term, triggering a furious response from the Russian Foreign Ministry; U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken tells Aliyev to reopen the Lachin Corridor, underscoring the risk of a humanitarian crisis and more.

January 20, 2023

Ep. 218: The Week in Review (20.01.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of January 20: Fifteen soldiers are killed when a fire erupts in a military barrack in Armenia’s Gegharkunik region; Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor is now in its second month; Armenian children returning to Nagorno-Karabakh accompanied by Russian peacekeepers are harassed by masked Azerbaijanis and more.

January 17, 2023

Viktoria Khechumyan: Armenia’s Blockchain Ecosystem

Viktoria Khechumyan, the CEO of nooor, joins us to discuss the evolution of Armenia’s blockchain ecosystem over the past few years. Nooor is a consulting company that advises on topics related to blockchain technology, including idea validation and talent recruitment. They’ve been involved in developing the blockchain ecosystem in Armenia from the early days. Viktoria also shared her thoughts on current trends in blockchain, and what the coming years hold for the technology.

January 13, 2023
Armenia, Russia, France and the Changing Dynamics at the UN Security Council

Ep. 217: The Week in Review (13.01.23)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of January 13: The blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan enters second month; Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev says the road is not closed for those Armenians of Artsakh who do not wish to become citizens of Azerbaijan, they can leave; a delegation headed by the President of France’s National Assembly arrives in Yerevan and more.

December 27, 2022

Raffi Kassarjian: The Armenian Tech Sector in 2022

Raffi Kassarjian, CEO of Sensyan and advisor to the CEO of the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises, joins us to recap the major events that took place in Armenia’s tech sector over the last year. We spoke about the state of the global tech sector and how it relates to Armenia’s context, particularly the slowdown of venture capital financing and how start-ups are thinking about their run rates. Raffi also shared his thoughts on the influx of Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian tech talent to the country this year, and the arrival of several global tech companies. Lastly, we spoke about the impact of the appreciation of the Armenian dram and its impact on the industry.

December 23, 2022

Ep. 216: The Week in Review (23.12.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 23: For 12 days now, Azerbaijan has been blockading Artsakh; the European Court of Human Rights applied interim measures against Baku for the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor; PM Nikol Pashinyan criticizes the inaction of Russian peacekeepers and says Azerbaijan’s blockade grossly violates provisions of the November 9 trilateral statement.

December 16, 2022

Ep. 215: The Week in Review (16.12.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 16: Artsakh continues to remain in a blockade after so-called Azerbaijani “environmental activists” shut down the Lachin Corridor; after international pressure, Azerbaijani authorities restore natural gas supply to Artsakh; Armenia’s parliament adopts bill on creating a Ministry of Internal Affairs and more.

December 16, 2022
The Legal and Humanitarian Implications of the Lachin Blockade

The Legal and Humanitarian Implications of the Lachin Blockade

Armenia's Human Rights Defender Kristinne Grigoryan speaks to EVN Report about the consequences of Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the violation of the rights of the people of Artsakh as a result of that blockade and the legal instruments that Armenia can and has implemented to counter the consequences.

December 14, 2022
The Lachin Corridor: A Looming Humanitarian Catastrophe

The Lachin Corridor: A Looming Humanitarian Catastrophe

A group of Azerbaijani “environmental activists” blocked the Lachin Corridor on December 12, effectively isolating the population of Artsakh. Later, Azerbaijani authorities shut off the natural gas supply to the Republic triggering a pending humanitarian catastrophe. The blockade of Artsakh continues. Live updates on the unfolding situation.

December 9, 2022

Ep. 214: The Week in Review (09.12.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 9: A group of Azerbaijanis in civilian clothes block only highway linking Armenia and Artsakh for several hours citing “illegal exploitation of minerals”; Armenia’s Parliament approves the Government’s 2023 budget and adopts number of new laws including the establishment of a Foreign Intelligence Service; airlines registered in Armenia to remain on the EU black list and more.

December 2, 2022

Ep. 213: The Week in Review (02.12.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 2: Azerbaijani Armed Forces consistently violated the ceasefire with Armenia and Artsakh over this past week, injuring three Armenian servicemen; France’s parliament unanimously adopts a resolution supporting Armenia and calls for sanctions against Azerbaijan; Russia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov states that asking Moscow to reconfirm its offer regarding leaving the status of Nagorno-Karabakh to the future is not in the spirit of the negotiations.

November 25, 2022

Ep. 212: The Week in Review (25.11.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of November 25: The CSTO Summit and Collective Security Council Session takes place in Yerevan; Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan refuses to sign final CSTO document, says text does not include appropriate assessment of the September Azerbaijani attack against Armenia; Azerbaijani Armed Forces continue to violate ceasefire with Armenia and Artsakh on a daily basis and more.

November 22, 2022
Hovsep Patvakanian: Attracting Top Talent to Armenia

Hovsep Patvakanian: Attracting Top Talent to Armenia

Earlier this year, the Armenian Government announced a new subsidy program to help attract top talent to the country. The program will subsidize anywhere from 20%-70% of the salaries of graduates from top 400 universities or people who have 10 years of work experience at leading global companies. The program was developed jointly by the Investment Council of Armenia and the Ministry of Economy. Hovsep Patvakanian, head of the Investment Council, joins us to discuss the impact he hopes this program will have, and what other legislative proposals they are currently working on. Hovsep also shared with us his take on Armenia’s economic growth in 2022.

November 18, 2022

Ep. 211: The Week in Review (18.11.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of November 18: Azerbaijani Armed Forces violate the ceasefire several times in Armenia and Artsakh; France’s Senate adopts resolution calling on the French Government to sanction Azerbaijan for its aggression against Armenia and Artsakh; Russian President Vladimir Putin will be in Armenia taking part in the summit of the leaders of CSTO member states next week.

November 17, 2022
Հակակոռուպցիոն դատարան. արդարադատության նոր ճակատ

Armenia’s New Anti-Corruption Court

Armenia’s new Anti-Corruption Court is now operational and will hear criminal cases on corruption and civil cases of confiscation of illegally obtained assets. Was the creation of a new court necessary and can it have an impact on the fight against corruption?

November 11, 2022

Ep. 210: The Week in Review (11.11.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of November 11: Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan meet in Washington, agree to expedite negotiations; Azerbaijani President makes egregious comments in Shushi triggering a retaliation by PM Nikol Pashinyan; the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention expresses grave concern regarding Aliyev’s speech; Russian President Vladimer Putin to visit Yerevan for the summit of CSTO leaders and more.

November 4, 2022
Ep. 209: The Week in Review (04.11.22)

Ep. 209: The Week in Review (04.11.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of November 4: The leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia meet in Sochi; Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan travels to Tehran; Artsakh’s Parliament holds extraordinary session, states that any attempt to forcibly annex Artsakh to Azerbaijan would be a gross violation of international law and a license to commit another genocide, while a massive rally takes place in Stepanakert’s central square and more.

November 1, 2022
Reimagining Education Policy

Reimagining Education Policy

The Armenian government has recently attempted to reconfigure the country’s educational system, with the stated goal of increasing efficiency and enhancing quality. While this is a noble effort, without quantified analysis, it leads to more questions than answers.

October 28, 2022
Ep. 208: The Week in Review (28.10.22)

Ep. 208: The Week in Review (28.10.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of October 28: The Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization holds extraordinary session about potentially providing assistance to Armenia; Russian President Vladimir Putin says Armenia has two options for settling the conflict; leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia to meet in Sochi on October 31 and more.

October 28, 2022
EVN Security Report: October 2022

EVN Security Report: October 2022

The security context for the month of October can be better understood as the changing configuration between Armenia’s implementation of its diplomatization-of-security doctrine against Azerbaijan’s multi-tiered hybrid warfare doctrine.

October 21, 2022
Ep. 207: The Week in Review (21.10.22)

Ep. 207: The Week in Review (21.10.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of October 21: OSCE Needs Assessment Mission expected to arrive in Armenia today; while in India for an official visit, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan meets his counterpart and takes part in DEFEXPO defense exhibition; while in Yerevan, Iran’s Foreign Minister reiterates Tehran’s stance that it will not accept any change of historical borders in the region, which he called a red line for Iran.

October 10, 2022
Strong Foundations, Missing Blueprints

Strong Foundations, Missing Blueprints

Despite leading the region in many progressive metrics, the past few years have reinforced how peace isn’t something Armenia can take for granted: it must cultivate optimal conditions for innovation because of external threats, and that will take conscious architecting.

October 4, 2022
Dr. Mary Papazian: The Role of the University Today

Dr. Mary Papazian: The Role of the University Today

This week on EVN Disrupt we are launching a new series of podcasts that were recorded with guests and participants of the Science and Technology Convergence Conference that took place on September 28-29, 2022. Our first guest of the series is Dr. Mary Papazian, the former president of San Jose State University. We discussed the evolving role of the university today, and her thoughts on Armenia’s higher education ecosystem.

September 30, 2022

Ep. 204: The Week in Review (30.09.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 30: Three Armenian servicemen killed after another attack by Azerbaijani Armed Forces this week; Prime Minister Nikol Pahsinyan meets with French President Emmanuel Macron; diplomats accredited in Armenia visit Gegharkunik region to assess damage to civilian infrastructure following Azerbaijani attack and more.

September 26, 2022

Ձայնագիր. Սեփական շահերին և ուժերին ապավինմանը, ինքնավստահությանն ու համախմբմանն այլընտրանք չունենք

Զոհրաբ Մնացականյանի՝ կայուն և ոչ միակողմ խաղաղության ձեռքբերման ճանապարհին հանդիպող մարտահրավերներն ու Հայաստանի անելիքները մատնանշող հոդվածի ՁայնաԳիրը։

September 23, 2022

Ep. 203: The Week in Review (23.09.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 23: After days of relative calm, Azerbaijani forces have started violating the ceasefire on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border; Armenia’s Prime Minister delivers speech at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly; Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives leads a congressional delegation to Armenia and more.

September 19, 2022
The Biden Doctrine Comes to Armenia

The Biden Doctrine Comes to Armenia

Azerbaijan has made an enormous strategic mistake, Russia has allowed for a sizable power vacuum in the region, and the United States has determined to capitalize on these developments, undertaking a policy pivot in the South Caucasus.

September 16, 2022

Ep. 201: The Week in Review (16.09.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 16: This week our editors Maria Titizian and Roubina Margossian present a chronology of events following Azerbaijan’s large-scale attack against the sovereign territory of Armenia that was launched just after midnight on September 13.

September 13, 2022
Name the Aggressor

Name the Aggressor

Following Azerbaijan’s latest attack, this time against Armenia proper, international actors are calling on both sides to de-escalate the situation. Bothsidism in this context is ridiculous, tiresome, and shameful. Not naming the aggressor or who is benefiting from violence is not a neutral act. It is not telling the truth.

September 12, 2022
EBRD in Armenia

EBRD in Armenia

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has been working in Armenia for the past three decades focusing on developing the country’s financial sector, supporting development of value-added industrial companies, improving the business environment and more. Head of EBRD’s Yerevan Resident Office, George Akhalkatsi, speaks to EVN Report about the organization’s activities and plans for the future.

September 9, 2022

Ep. 202: The Week in Review (09.09.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 9: Five Armenian POWs are repatriated following the Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting in Brussels; the new U.S. co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group is in Armenia; opposition forces announce that they will boycott parliament again; Starmus Festival kicks off in Yerevan and more.

September 2, 2022

Ep. 201: The Week in Review (02.09.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 2: The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan meet in Brussels; former Artsakh Defense Army commander arrested for negligence and abuse of power; three people arrested in connection with the deadly Surmalu market blast and more.

August 26, 2022

Ep. 200: The Week in Review (26.08.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of August 26: The villages of Aghavno, Berdzor, and Sus were handed to Azerbaijan; a temporary road linking Armenia to Artsakh to be used starting September 1; Pashinyan and Aliyev to meet in Brussels on August 31

August 24, 2022

Azerbaijan’s Violations of International Law Through the Lens of Racial Discrimination

This year, Azerbaijan, along with seven other countries, is under review by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in Geneva. Tamara Voskanian is the co-founder of the Center for Truth and Justice (CFTJ) and lawyer Talin Hitik is heading up the CFTJ’s delegation in Geneva, presenting the organization’s report based on primary evidence on Azerbaijan’s ongoing violations during the CERD hearing. They spoke to EVN Report about their ongoing efforts to bring to the world’s attention the crimes committed by Azerbaijan and the impact this will have on the Armenia v. Azerbaijan case at the International Court of Justice.

August 23, 2022

Zareh Zurabyan: Understanding the Biotech Ecosystem

Zareh Zurabyan, the head of the Americas division at eLabNext, a European biotech company, joins us to discuss problems the biotech industry is currently working to solve. Zareh describes who the different players in biotech ecosystems are and what trends he is seeing in the industry in 2022. We also discussed his efforts to mentor Armenian start-ups and his thoughts on Armenia’s biotech scene.

August 19, 2022

Ep. 199: The Week in Review (19.08.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of August 19: Major blast at a shopping center in Yerevan leaves 16 dead; Russian diplomat says peacekeepers will not be redeployed until the new corridor is complete; Armenian government intends to open three checkpoints on border with Azerbaijan.

August 12, 2022

Ep. 198: The Week in Review (12.08.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of August 12: Residents of the Armenian village of Aghavno, located on the Lachin Corridor have been told to leave their homes by August 25 when the village will be handed over to Azerbaijan; following another Azerbaijani attack in Artsakh, Armenia’s prime minister announces the necessity to clarify the actions of the Russian peacekeeping mission; Iran is set to open a consulate in Armenia’s southern town of Kapan in Syunik region and more.

July 22, 2022
Armenia and the West: Reassessing the Relationship

Ep. 196: The Week in Review (22.07.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of July 22: Human Rights Watch criticizes new EU-Azerbaijan energy deal; CIA director in Yerevan as part of a regional visit to the South Caucasus; Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei announces that Iran will not tolerate efforts to block its border with Armenia and more.

July 20, 2022
Ձայնագիր. Մաս 2. Ի՞նչ կարող է պատահել Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի հայերին

Ձայնագիր. Մաս 2. Ի՞նչ կարող է պատահել Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի հայերին

Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի հակամարտության հետ համեմատելի՝ Նախիջևանի, Հարավային Օսեթիայի, Հյուսիսային Կիպրոսի, Բոսնիա և Հերցեգովինայի, Արևելյան Թիմորի և Կոսովոյի հակամարտությունների զարգացումը ներկայացնող Սոսի Թաթիկյանի հոդվածի ՁայնաԳիրը։

July 15, 2022

Ep. 195: The Week in Review (15.07.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of July 15: A new Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces has finally been appointed; Armenia’s Prime Minister has a telephone conversation with Turkey’s President; Armenia’s parliament discusses the reestablishment of an Interior Ministry and more.

July 13, 2022

Ձայնագիր. Մաս 1. Ի՞նչ կարող է պատահել Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի հայերին. անվտանգության և մարդու իրավունքների երաշխիքների բացակայությունից բխող անորոշություններ

«Քաղաքականություն» բաժնում հրապարակված՝ Սոսի Թաթիկյանի «Մաս 1. Ի՞նչ կարող է պատահել Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի հայերին. նրանց անվտանգության և մարդու իրավունքների երաշխիքների բացակայությունից բխող անորոշություններ» հոդվածի ձայնագիրը: Ընթերցում է Սոնա Ներսեսյանը: Երեք մասից բաղկացած հոդվածաշարի առաջին մասում Սոսի Թաթիկյանը վերլուծում է Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի անորոշությունները և հնարավոր սցենարները, եթե Հայաստանի ղեկավարությունը ճանաչի Ադրբեջանի տարածքային ամբողջականությունը։

July 12, 2022
Liana Karapetyan: Angel Investing in Armenia

Liana Karapetyan: Angel Investing in Armenia

Liana Karapetyan, an associate at SmartGateVC and the director of Hero House Angels, joins us this week to discuss angel investing opportunities in Armenian start-ups. The Hero House Angels program allows individual investors from around the world to be connected with the Armenian start-up ecosystem and make investments. We also discussed Armenia’s ecosystem's trajectory as the number of start-ups in the country grows.

July 8, 2022

Ep. 194: The Week in Review (08.07.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of July 8: Azerbaijani Armed Forces open fire on Armenian villages twice in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia; Artsakh authorities report that the Kanach Zham Church in Shushi is being converted to an orthodox church under the pretense of restoration work; Russia responds to Canadian embassy opening in Yerevan and more.

July 7, 2022
Seven Who Made History: Stepan Shahumyan

Seven Who Made History: Stepan Shahumyan

This episode explores the “Lenin of the Caucasus” – Stepan Shahumyan. Originally from the Georgian capital Tbilisi, Shahumyan would forge his revolutionary legacy in Baku, as the leader of the Baku Commune during the Russian Revolution and Civil War. However, the story of Shahumyan is not only the story of the Baku Commune. He also played an instrumental role in developing the Bolshevik (and later Soviet) policy on nationalities. Executed by the British-aligned Socialist Revolutionaries in the Turkmen desert, Shahumyan continues to live on in the monuments and memories of Armenia today. The series is hosted by historian Pietro A. Shakarian and produced by Sona Nersesyan.

July 5, 2022

Arek Der-Sarkissian: Armenia Tech Trip

This week on EVN Disrupt, Arek Der-Sarkissian from Hero House Glendale joins us to recap the 2022 Armenia Tech Trip, a program that brings tech professionals from the Diaspora to Armenia to familiarize them with the country’s tech sector. During the program participants visit the offices of Armenia’s leading tech companies and participate in networking events with members of the industry. We also discussed Hero House Glendale, a start-up hub in Southern California.

July 4, 2022

Ձայնագիր. Հիվանդությունից ձերբազատվելու հրաշքի սպասումը Գերմանիայում. մաս 2

«Մարդ և հասարակություն» բաժնում հրապարակված՝ Անահիտ Հարությունյանի «Հիվանդությունից ձերբազատվելու հրաշքի սպասումը Գերմանիայում. մաս 2» հոդվածի ձայնագիրը։ Ընթերցում է Գոհար Աբրահամյանը։ Բուժման նպատակով մարդիկ հաճախ նախընտրում են մեկնել Գերմանիա՝ հույսով ու մեծ ակնկալիքներով, սակայն որոշ դեպքերում «հեքիաթային երկրում» ապրելու պատկերացումները սխալ են լինում ու մնում են ձեռնունայն։

July 1, 2022

Ep. 193: The Week in Review (01.07.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of July 1: Parliament votes to strip two opposition MPs of their positions in the National Assembly for their prolonged absences; Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says several Armenian villages will be handed over to Azerbaijan; Armenia has its first woman Prosecutor General and more.

June 27, 2022
The Supremacy of State Interests

The Supremacy of State Interests

Almost all systemic and structural political and military weaknesses of Armenia share a fundamental root cause: the chronic absence of a culture and tradition of Statehood, both in the mindset of the political leadership and the general public.

June 24, 2022

Ep. 192: The Week in Review (24.06.22)

In EVN report’s news roundup for the week of June 24: An Armenian soldier is shot dead by Azerbaijani Armed Forces in Armenia’s Gegharkunik region; Artur Vanetsyan, head of the Fatherland Party and leader of the “I Have Honor” bloc resigns his seat in parliament; while in Baku, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the OSCE Minsk Group ceased its activities because of the U.S. and France plus more.

June 23, 2022
Diaspora Models, Part 4: Greece

Diaspora Models, Part 4: Greece

There are several million Greeks living in North America, Western Europe, Oceania and Africa. What are the specificities of the Greek diaspora model? This is part four of a series of studies on State-Diaspora relations.

June 20, 2022
Armenia in Demographic Crisis

Ձայնագիր. Հայաստանը ժողովրդագրական ճգնաժամում

«Մարդ և հասարակություն» բաժնում հրապարակված՝ Գայանե Մկրտչյանի «Հայաստանը` ժողովրդագրական ճգնաժամում» հոդվածի ձայնագիրը: Ընթերցում է Գոհար Աբրահամյանը: Ժողովրդագրական վերջին տվյալները գուժում են Հայաստանում ճգնաժամային իրավիճակի մասին։ Ծերացման բարձր ցուցանիշ ունեցող երկրում ժողովրդագրական իրավիճակը բարելավելու և ծնելիությունը խթանելու նպատակով իրականացվում են ծրագրեր, սակայն արդյոք դրանք արդյունավետ են։

June 17, 2022

Ep. 191: The Week in Review (17.06.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of June 17: After more than six weeks of ongoing protests, the opposition Resistance Movement remove their tents from France Square; Armenia’s new Criminal Code will not include the article for grave insults; Armenia’s national airline FlyArna launches its first flight and more.

June 16, 2022

Seven Who Made History: Shushanik Kurghinyan

A native of Aleksandropol (Gyumri), Shushanik Kurghinyan was a prominent Armenian writer, feminist, and social activist. Inspired by the 1905 Russian Revolution, she became a tireless advocate of the working people and advocated for their cause in her poetry. She was also a staunch advocate for women's rights, and she cared for Armenian refugees fleeing the 1915 Genocide in Rostov-on-Don. She later returned to Armenia, at the urging of her old friend Aleksandr Myasnikyan, during the NEP period. The series is hosted by historian Pietro A. Shakarian and produced by Sona Nersesyan.

June 15, 2022

Ձայնագիր. Հիվանդությունից ձերբազատվելու հրաշքի սպասումը Գերմանիայում. մաս 1

«Մարդ և հասարակություն» բաժնում հրապարակված՝ Անահիտ Հարությունյանի հոդվածը «Հիվանդությունից ձերբազատվելու հրաշքի սպասումը Գերմանիայում. մաս 1» հոդվածի ձայնագիրը։ Ընթերցում է Գոհար Աբրահամյանը։ Դյուսելդորֆի փախստական հայցողների կացարանում մարդիկ տարիներ շարունակ ապրում են, բուժվում ու միշտ սպասում՝ կամ լիարժեք բուժմանը, կամ արտաքսմանը։ Հոդվածաշարում հայերը ներկայացնում են, թե ինչպես են հասել Գերմանիա՝ հրաշքի սպասումով։

June 14, 2022

Hovsep Patvakanyan: Armenia’s Investment Climate

Hovsep Patvakanyan, the CEO of Invest in Armenia, joins us today to discuss the investment climate in Armenia, and the recently launched Investin.am platform which allows investors to invest in Armenian companies. We also discussed what aspects of Armenia’s economy are attractive for investment, and what reforms are necessary to continue attracting interest from investors.

June 10, 2022

Ep. 190: The Week in Review (10.06.22)

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of June 10: While in Yerevan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says that Armenia will control any transportation links between Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan; a Government bill proposes subordinating the Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces to the Minister of Defense; an investigation has been launched following violent clashes between protesters and police in the country’s capital and more.

June 10, 2022

Ձայնագիր. Ինչու է Հայաստանին պետք ռեալպոլիտիկ, հիմա՛

«Կարծիք» բաժնում հրապարակված՝ Գևորգ Օսկանյանի «Ինչու է Հայաստանին պետք ռեալպոլիտիկ, հիմա՛» հոդվածի ձայնագիրը։ Ընթերցում է Գոհար Աբրահամյանը։ Ավելի քան 30 տարիների ընթացքում մշտապես խոսվել է Հայաստանի ազգային նպատակների արդարացիության և չափազանց քիչ` այդ նպատակներին հասնելու միջոցների և ընտրված նպատակների իրագործելիության մասին: