Armenia is a very little country in the South Caucasus, which has quite a tangled web of relations with other countries because of its history, geographical position, and regional wars. Armenia’s foreign relations are shaped by close ties with Russia, conflicts with Azerbaijan and Turkey, and efforts to integrate with the West through cultivating connections with its diaspora.
Relations with Russia
Russia is a major actor in Armenia’s international affairs and its closest friend. Both countries have signed a defense treaty, while Russia has also established military installations in Armenia. However, Armenia’s recent neutrality during the 2020 war raised questions about how deep the relationship was when Moscow was always seen as supportive of Armenia in its disputes with Azerbaijan regarding Nagorno-Karabakh. The former could also be said to be the largest trading partner of Armenia as well as a significant remittance source, thus proving the closeness of connection in the economic sense.
Relations with Azerbaijan
Long-drawn conflicts over Nagorno-Karabakh-an ethnically Armenia-dominated territory claimed as part of Azerbaijan by the international community-already signify the ties that Armenia has with Azerbaijan. This snowballing non-settlements over the decades of negotiations that fall under the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s (OSCE) Minsk Group compromise ceasefires interspersed with international therapeutic intercession. Yet, all these efforts have bubbled into tension, especially after Armenia lost many of its territories during the war in 2020.
Relations with Turkey
Tension-filled relations exist between Armenia and Turkey owing to the historical and political contexts surrounding the two nations. Armenia’s major bone of contention is the denial of the Armenian Genocide during the Ottoman Empire by Turkey, a matter still significant in Armenia’s foreign agenda. Moreover, Turkey’s support of Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh war has complicated issues. There hasn’t been any significant progress despite sporadic efforts at normalization, such as the 2009 protocols agreed to establish diplomatic ties.
Relations with the European Union
It is true that Armenia considers European Union a significant partner in governance and economic changes. Armenia is a participant in the Eastern Partnership, a forum that links the EU with the former Soviet governments. Signing the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the EU in 2017 demonstrated Armenia’s resolve to balance its alliance with Russia while pursuing deeper political and economic cooperation.
Relations with the United States
With the United States, Armenia maintains cordial but cautious ties. Washington has backed Armenia by promoting democratic changes, providing humanitarian assistance, and funding economic development initiatives. In areas like California, the Armenian-American diaspora is very important for promoting bilateral ties. The United States has, however, mostly avoided becoming involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh war, preferring to support a peaceful settlement via international channels.
Relations with Iran
Armenia has friendly ties with Iran, a significant commercial partner and neighbor. Due of its landlocked situation and tight borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan, Armenia finds these relationships especially vital. Iran is Armenia’s vital energy supplier and transit route, and the two nations work together on infrastructure projects including hydroelectric plants and gas pipelines. Their partnership demonstrates Armenia’s practical approach to regional security.
Relations with the Armenian diaspora
With an estimated 10 million individuals living abroad, the Armenian diaspora is a significant factor in Armenia’s international affairs. When it comes to influencing public opinion and promoting Armenian interests, especially in relation to Nagorno-Karabakh and the acknowledgment of genocide, communities in nations like the US, France, and Russia are powerful. By investing and sending money home, the diaspora also makes a substantial economic contribution to Armenia.
Relationships with global institutions
The United Nations, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) are among the worldwide associations wherein Armenia effectively takes an interest. Cooperation in the EAEU and CSTO features its help for Russia and other post-Soviet countries. Armenia’s commitment in preserving connections with Western organizations is shown by its participation in the OSCE and the Council of Europe.
Challenges in foreign relations
Reliance on Russia, unsolved disputes with Azerbaijan, and tense ties with Turkey are only a few of the diplomatic difficulties Armenia confronts. Furthermore, its capacity to conduct an autonomous foreign policy is constrained by its geographical placement between more powerful nations. Maintaining a careful balance with Russia and the West is still important, especially as Armenia works to develop its economy and fortify its democratic government.
Armenia must strike a balance between its regional disputes, historical allegiances, and ambitions for more extensive international involvement in its foreign policy dealings. Armenia aggressively seeks chances to expand its alliances, promote regional stability, and capitalize on the impact of its diaspora, even as its connections with Russia continue to be crucial. The future of the nation on the international scene will depend on its capacity to handle these challenges.
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