Tigran Grigoryan
@tigartsakh.bsky.social
Director of Regional Center for Democracy and Security. Columnist and political commentator at CivilNet. Focus on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict & developments in the South Caucasus.
Reposted by Tigran Grigoryan
#DemocracyWatch – On October 15, the Investigative Committee of Armenia detained ten clergymen from the Aragatsotn Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church and conducted a search at the diocesan headquarters.
@tigartsakh.bsky.social
@tigartsakh.bsky.social
Criminal Justice as a Political Tool in Armenia - CIVILNET
By Tigran Grigoryan #DemocracyWatch – On October 15, the Investigative Committee of Armenia detained ten clergymen from the Aragatsotn Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church and conducted a search a...
www.civilnet.am
October 21, 2025 at 6:52 AM
#DemocracyWatch – On October 15, the Investigative Committee of Armenia detained ten clergymen from the Aragatsotn Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church and conducted a search at the diocesan headquarters.
@tigartsakh.bsky.social
@tigartsakh.bsky.social
I have included some personal anecdotes and general observations in this column.
Two Years After September 19, 2023: Memory, Grief, and Political Silence - CIVILNET
On September 19, 2023, I went to work as usual, with several meetings scheduled for the day. Before midday, a Georgian scholar who was working on a paper about the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukrai...
www.civilnet.am
September 20, 2025 at 1:59 PM
I have included some personal anecdotes and general observations in this column.
Reposted by Tigran Grigoryan
On September 8, Armenia’s political discourse sank to a new low when Artur Hovhannisyan, secretary of the ruling Civil Contract faction, launched a personal and sexist attack against opposition MP Taguhi Tovmasyan.
#democracywatch
@tigartsakh.bsky.social
#democracywatch
@tigartsakh.bsky.social
Armenia’s ruling party’s sexism problem - CIVILNET
By Tigran Grigoryan and Tatev Ghazaryan On September 8, Armenia’s political discourse sank to a new low when Artur Hovhannisyan, secretary of the ruling Civil Contract faction, launched a personal and...
www.civilnet.am
September 15, 2025 at 10:04 AM
On September 8, Armenia’s political discourse sank to a new low when Artur Hovhannisyan, secretary of the ruling Civil Contract faction, launched a personal and sexist attack against opposition MP Taguhi Tovmasyan.
#democracywatch
@tigartsakh.bsky.social
#democracywatch
@tigartsakh.bsky.social
In this op-ed for OC Media, I explain how Nikol Pashinyan is attempting to portray the greatest catastrophe in recent Armenian history as a strategic success and opportunity, trying to avoid responsibility. I also discuss the evolution of these narratives.
Opinion | Sovereignty through defeat: Pashinyan’s reframing of Armenia’s post-2020 reality
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent comments on the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict reflect a reframing of history for propaganda needs.
oc-media.org
September 3, 2025 at 1:55 PM
In this op-ed for OC Media, I explain how Nikol Pashinyan is attempting to portray the greatest catastrophe in recent Armenian history as a strategic success and opportunity, trying to avoid responsibility. I also discuss the evolution of these narratives.
In this interview with Radio Free Europe's Armenian Service, published a couple of days ago, I discuss not only Lavrov's visit to Armenia but also the joint Azerbaijan-Iran military drills held in Nagorno-Karabakh. Read the English transcript.
What Lavrov’s Visit and Iran-Azerbaijan Drills Mean for Armenia: Interview with RFE/RL — Tigran Grigoryan
Post by Tigran Grigoryan
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May 23, 2025 at 5:16 PM
In this interview with Radio Free Europe's Armenian Service, published a couple of days ago, I discuss not only Lavrov's visit to Armenia but also the joint Azerbaijan-Iran military drills held in Nagorno-Karabakh. Read the English transcript.
I wrote a few words about Lavrov’s visit to Armenia—what it tells us about the current state of Armenia-Russia relations and how it fits into Yerevan’s increasingly situational and reactive foreign policy amid a volatile international environment.
Lavrov's Yerevan Visit: Crisis Management, Not Alliance Revival - CIVILNET
By Tigran Grigoryan Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov paid a working visit to Armenia on Wednesday following earlier visits by his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan to Moscow and Prime Ministe...
www.civilnet.am
May 23, 2025 at 12:09 PM
I wrote a few words about Lavrov’s visit to Armenia—what it tells us about the current state of Armenia-Russia relations and how it fits into Yerevan’s increasingly situational and reactive foreign policy amid a volatile international environment.
Russia’s renewed nuclear energy push in Armenia signals growing concern over Yerevan’s broader diversification efforts. I break down Moscow’s reaction in this short RFE/RL interview. Read the English transcript.
Russia Reacts to Armenia’s Energy Diversification efforts: Interview with Tigran Grigoryan — Tigran Grigoryan
Post by Tigran Grigoryan
buymeacoffee.com
May 15, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Russia’s renewed nuclear energy push in Armenia signals growing concern over Yerevan’s broader diversification efforts. I break down Moscow’s reaction in this short RFE/RL interview. Read the English transcript.
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Armenia and Azerbaijan could join the Abraham Accords. I delve into his statement in this week’s episode of my CivilNet podcast. Read the English transcript.
Abraham Accords and the Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process — Tigran Grigoryan
Post by Tigran Grigoryan
buymeacoffee.com
May 14, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Armenia and Azerbaijan could join the Abraham Accords. I delve into his statement in this week’s episode of my CivilNet podcast. Read the English transcript.
Reposted by Tigran Grigoryan
Following the March 29 rally organized by displaced Artsakh Armenians in Yerevan’s Freedom Square, the Armenian authorities and their affiliated media have continued a sustained campaign of hate speech and defamation against the participants.
#DemocracyWatch
@tigartsakh.bsky.social
#DemocracyWatch
@tigartsakh.bsky.social
State-Sponsored Hate: How Armenia's Ruling Party and Pro-Government Media Target Karabakh Refugees - CIVILNET
By Tigran Grigoryan and Aram Tadevosyan Following the March 29 rally organized by displaced Artsakh Armenians in Yerevan’s Freedom Square, the Armenian authorities and their affiliated media have continued a sustained campaign of hate speech and defamation against the participants. The primary cause of the demonstration was the government’s decision to scale back a social assistance program that covered housing expenses. During the rally, speakers also addressed the right of return and other related issues. The scale of the hate campaign targeting Artsakh refugees by Armenian officials and pro-government media outlets has grown to such an extent that it underscores […]
www.civilnet.am
April 23, 2025 at 5:48 AM
Following the March 29 rally organized by displaced Artsakh Armenians in Yerevan’s Freedom Square, the Armenian authorities and their affiliated media have continued a sustained campaign of hate speech and defamation against the participants.
#DemocracyWatch
@tigartsakh.bsky.social
#DemocracyWatch
@tigartsakh.bsky.social
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If you believe in the importance of our work and want to help ensure its continuity, please consider becoming a supporter.
Your contribution makes a real difference!
rearmenia.com/en/fundraise...
April 6, 2025 at 8:03 AM
We’re close to reaching our first monthly goal!
If you believe in the importance of our work and want to help ensure its continuity, please consider becoming a supporter.
Your contribution makes a real difference!
rearmenia.com/en/fundraise...
If you believe in the importance of our work and want to help ensure its continuity, please consider becoming a supporter.
Your contribution makes a real difference!
rearmenia.com/en/fundraise...
It's April Fools' Day in Armenia, and I've written an essay on political satire as a powerful tool against propaganda. I share how one of my tweets helped debunk a disinformation narrative and the story behind the launch of the Strangled pigeon twitter account. Enjoy!
Armenia’s Nuclear Submarines and the Strangled Pigeon: Fighting Propaganda with Humor — Tigran Grigoryan
Post by Tigran Grigoryan
buymeacoffee.com
March 31, 2025 at 8:06 PM
It's April Fools' Day in Armenia, and I've written an essay on political satire as a powerful tool against propaganda. I share how one of my tweets helped debunk a disinformation narrative and the story behind the launch of the Strangled pigeon twitter account. Enjoy!
My comment for CivilNet on the Rubio-Pashinyan phone call.
www.civilnet.am/en/news/8245...
www.civilnet.am/en/news/8245...
March 26, 2025 at 2:42 PM
My comment for CivilNet on the Rubio-Pashinyan phone call.
www.civilnet.am/en/news/8245...
www.civilnet.am/en/news/8245...
In my latest Democracy Watch piece, I discuss the concerning trend of Armenia's ruling party officials making sexist and offensive remarks about journalists and government critics, all without facing any accountability.
Sexism, Stereotypes, and Insults: Armenia’s Ruling Party’s Troubling Rhetoric - CIVILNET
Armenian politicians face criticism for offensive language, including sexist attacks on journalists and ethnic stereotypes.
www.civilnet.am
March 24, 2025 at 8:26 PM
In my latest Democracy Watch piece, I discuss the concerning trend of Armenia's ruling party officials making sexist and offensive remarks about journalists and government critics, all without facing any accountability.
Discussed the finalization of the peace treaty text with Vadim Dubnov (RFE/RL) and exiled Azerbaijani analyst Rauf Mirkadyrov. Mirkadyrov's views on the process do not differ much from Azerbaijan's official stance. Read the English transcript of the discussion.
Azerbaijan – Armenia: Will the Peace Treaty Be a Step Toward Peace? — Tigran Grigoryan
Post by Tigran Grigoryan
buymeacoffee.com
March 19, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Discussed the finalization of the peace treaty text with Vadim Dubnov (RFE/RL) and exiled Azerbaijani analyst Rauf Mirkadyrov. Mirkadyrov's views on the process do not differ much from Azerbaijan's official stance. Read the English transcript of the discussion.
In this policy recommendation, RCDS analyst Aram Tadevosyan summarizes the key problems in refugee support and integration discussed during our February conference and presents policy solutions.
Policy Recommendation: Strengthening Refugee Assistance and Integration in Armenia
he Regional Center for Democracy and Security (RCDS) convened the
rcds.am
March 19, 2025 at 5:19 PM
In this policy recommendation, RCDS analyst Aram Tadevosyan summarizes the key problems in refugee support and integration discussed during our February conference and presents policy solutions.
This funding crisis is like the COVID of the nonprofit world. At first, you think it will pass you by, but nope—it hits. Then, you adapt to the new reality, hoping you'll emerge stronger and with immunity.
March 17, 2025 at 6:09 PM
This funding crisis is like the COVID of the nonprofit world. At first, you think it will pass you by, but nope—it hits. Then, you adapt to the new reality, hoping you'll emerge stronger and with immunity.
This is such a shame. Georgian Institute of Public Affairs admitted a refugee from NK, only to declare months later that her Artsakh State University diploma is not recognized. Dozens of students with the same diploma have studied at the world's top universities.
«Չճանաչված դիպլոմ». Վրաստանի բուհը արցախցուն դուրս է թողել ուսումնառությունից - CIVILNET
Արցախից տեղահանված ուսանողն ընդունվել է Վրաստանի համալսարան, բայց ԱրՊՀ դիպլոմի չճանաչման պատճառով չի կարողանում շարունակել ուսումը։
www.civilnet.am
March 17, 2025 at 5:17 PM
This is such a shame. Georgian Institute of Public Affairs admitted a refugee from NK, only to declare months later that her Artsakh State University diploma is not recognized. Dozens of students with the same diploma have studied at the world's top universities.
I spoke with Azatutyun (RFE/RL) on Friday about the peace treaty. Given the latest unfortunate news, I can only hope that Azatutyun finds a way to continue its vital work, as it remains an indispensable outlet in Armenia. Read the English transcript:
Abandoning the EU Monitoring Mission Poses Significant Threats — Tigran Grigoryan
Post by Tigran Grigoryan
buymeacoffee.com
March 16, 2025 at 2:26 PM
I spoke with Azatutyun (RFE/RL) on Friday about the peace treaty. Given the latest unfortunate news, I can only hope that Azatutyun finds a way to continue its vital work, as it remains an indispensable outlet in Armenia. Read the English transcript:
If Radio Free Europe's Armenian service shuts down, it will deal a huge blow to the entire Armenian media landscape. The space for independent journalism will shrink even further, deepening polarization and limiting access to credible information. We are witnessing truly dark times.
March 15, 2025 at 9:25 PM
If Radio Free Europe's Armenian service shuts down, it will deal a huge blow to the entire Armenian media landscape. The space for independent journalism will shrink even further, deepening polarization and limiting access to credible information. We are witnessing truly dark times.
In my latest CivilNet podcast, I take a closer look at the finalized peace treaty text between Armenia and Azerbaijan, exploring its implications, potential risks, and what lies ahead. Read the English transcript.
Armenia and Azerbaijan Finalize Peace Treaty Text: What Comes Next? — Tigran Grigoryan
Post by Tigran Grigoryan
buymeacoffee.com
March 14, 2025 at 8:11 PM
In my latest CivilNet podcast, I take a closer look at the finalized peace treaty text between Armenia and Azerbaijan, exploring its implications, potential risks, and what lies ahead. Read the English transcript.
Reposted by Tigran Grigoryan
A must-read piece from @tigartsakh.bsky.social
Through the deliberate erasure of entire neighborhoods and villages, and the settlement of people with no connection to these places, the Aliyev regime seeks not only to seize physical space but also to manipulate the collective memory of the region.
Through the deliberate erasure of entire neighborhoods and villages, and the settlement of people with no connection to these places, the Aliyev regime seeks not only to seize physical space but also to manipulate the collective memory of the region.
Recently, Ilham Aliyev visited the Aygestan/Baluja village in Nagorno-Karabakh, where Azerbaijan has settled over 100 families with no connection to the area. In this deeply personal piece, I reflect on what the village means for my identity.
Echoes of a Village: Memory and Erasure in Nagorno-Karabakh — Tigran Grigoryan
Post by Tigran Grigoryan
buymeacoffee.com
March 13, 2025 at 8:59 PM
A must-read piece from @tigartsakh.bsky.social
Through the deliberate erasure of entire neighborhoods and villages, and the settlement of people with no connection to these places, the Aliyev regime seeks not only to seize physical space but also to manipulate the collective memory of the region.
Through the deliberate erasure of entire neighborhoods and villages, and the settlement of people with no connection to these places, the Aliyev regime seeks not only to seize physical space but also to manipulate the collective memory of the region.
I have written a quick piece on what today’s announcement about the agreement on the peace treaty text means, what to expect, and what not to expect.
Armenia-Azerbaijan: Peace Treaty Agreed, But Signing of the Document Remains Uncertain - CIVILNET
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov announced today to local media that Armenia has accepted Azerbaijan’s proposals regarding the peace treaty, and the text has been fully agreed upon. Armeni...
www.civilnet.am
March 13, 2025 at 2:25 PM
I have written a quick piece on what today’s announcement about the agreement on the peace treaty text means, what to expect, and what not to expect.
Recently, Ilham Aliyev visited the Aygestan/Baluja village in Nagorno-Karabakh, where Azerbaijan has settled over 100 families with no connection to the area. In this deeply personal piece, I reflect on what the village means for my identity.
Echoes of a Village: Memory and Erasure in Nagorno-Karabakh — Tigran Grigoryan
Post by Tigran Grigoryan
buymeacoffee.com
March 12, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Recently, Ilham Aliyev visited the Aygestan/Baluja village in Nagorno-Karabakh, where Azerbaijan has settled over 100 families with no connection to the area. In this deeply personal piece, I reflect on what the village means for my identity.
RCDS analyst Eduard Arakelyan has been following Azerbaijan for years. He is also fluent in Azerbaijani. Read his take on Baku’s decision to expel multiple international organizations and media outlets.
Azerbaijan’s Tightening Grip: Expelling International Organizations and Silencing Media
Recently, the Azerbaijani authorities have made several decisions that effectively limit the presence of international organizations and independent media in th
rcds.am
March 11, 2025 at 5:48 PM
RCDS analyst Eduard Arakelyan has been following Azerbaijan for years. He is also fluent in Azerbaijani. Read his take on Baku’s decision to expel multiple international organizations and media outlets.
Reposted by Tigran Grigoryan
'Both European institutions and individual states should condemn the trial instead of merely calling for a fair process.'
In our new podcast episode, we discuss how Baku is attempting to weaponize the sham trials of Armenian POWs against Armenia, what Yerevan could have done, what it should do now, and how the Armenian public should respond. Read the English transcript.
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Armenia's international partners must unequivocally denounce the sham trial in Baku — Tigran Grigoryan
Post by Tigran Grigoryan
buymeacoffee.com
March 6, 2025 at 7:56 AM
'Both European institutions and individual states should condemn the trial instead of merely calling for a fair process.'