Election recap: What’s next for Armenia, Turkey and Azerbaijan with Olesya Vartanyan

Olesya Vartanyan, a conflict analyst specializing in South Caucasus security and a researcher at George Mason University, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss the Armenian elections and what comes next for the region.This podcast dives into the many factors behind Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan’s re-election, plus the interplay between Armenia’s peace deal with Azerbaijan and normalization process with Turkey.Also covered is Russia’s energy leverage in Armenia, the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), as well as the human cost and deep distrust left by the Nagorno-Karabakh war.Referenced in this talk:Armenia election result revives hopes of reopening border with Turkey (RFI)Türkiye-Armenia Border Reopening: A Turning Point For The South Caucasus (CACI)Erdoğan congratulates Pashinyan on electoral victory (Armenpress)US and Armenia sign partnership agreement ahead of Armenian election (Reuters)Armenia votes West, but cannot quit Russia (EPC)Other ways to watch & listen:Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Get in touch at [email protected] here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics.Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentGözde Ocak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe