Hrair Balian - From Karabakh to TRIPP: Armenia’s Security Dilemma | Ep 538, May 3, 2026

Conversations on Groong - May 3, 2026In 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/3032124891Topics:US-Iran war and failed diplomacyTRIPP and Armenia’s security risksKarabakh negotiations and missed chancesPashinyan’s Artsakh policy reversalArmenia’s June elections and monitoringGuest: Hrair BalianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 538 | Recorded: April 30, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/538VIDEO: https://youtu.be/5ubpIoBjAI0#HrairBalian #Groong #Armenia #Artsakh #NagornoKarabakh #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #ArmenianElectionsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong