NEWS
New Research Presentation: Armenia's Structural Dependence on Russia
On September 27, the Regional Center for Democracy and Security (RCDS) presented its new research, "Armenia's Structural Dependence on Russia: Trade, Energy, Security," to an audience of invited guests. This research was conducted in collaboration with the Heinrich Böll Foundation's Yerevan Office for the South Caucasus region.
RCDS Visits to HCA Vanadzor and Journalists' Asparez Club: Supporting the Integration of Nagorno-Karabakh Refugees
On September 21, as part of the RCDS program focused on integrating Nagorno-Karabakh refugees into Armenia's NGO and analytical sectors
RCDS Head Tigran Grigoryan Testifies at U.S. Helsinki Commission Congressional Hearing on Armenia
On September 10, Tigran Grigoryan, head of the Regional Center for Democracy and Security (RCDS), delivered a testimony at the U.S. Helsinki Commission's Congressional hearing on Armenia. His address emphasized the urgent need for international support to strengthen Armenia’s democracy and security in the face of ongoing challenges.
RCDS Hosts Discussion on Integrating Artsakh Officers into Armenia's Security Structures
On August 30, the Regional Center for Democracy and Security hosted a discussion titled "Integration of NK refugees into Armenia's Security Structures: Challenges and Next Steps."
RCDS Retreat Equips Nagorno-Karabakh Refugees with NGO Skills
On August 24-25, the second RCDS retreat under the "Integration of Nagorno-Karabakh Refugees
Visit to APRI Armenia
On August 6, participants from the RCDS project, which focuses on integrating Nagorno-Karabakh
Visit to Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center
On July 12, participants from the RCDS project focused on integrating Artsakh refugees
visit to the caucasus institute
On June 20, we visited the Caucasus Institute research center with participants of the People's Democratic Party program for the integration of Artsakh refugees in the analytical and NGO fields of Armenia. During the meeting, Caucasus
RCDS retreat in aghveran
On May 25-26, a retreat organized by the Regional Center for Democracy and Security took place in Aghveran as part of the project "Integration of Nagorno-Karabakh Refugees in the Analytical and NGO Fields of Armenia."
Discussion on Housing Assistance Program for Displaced Families from Nagorno-Karabakh Organized by RCDS
On January 22, the Regional Center for Democracy and Security (RCDS) organized a discussion on the Armenian government's housing assistance program for displaced families from Nagorno-Karabakh. The speakers included RCDS expert Aram Tadevosyan and former Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures of Artsakh, Hayk Khanumyan. The discussion was moderated by RCDS head Tigran Grigoryan.
Meeting at the Eurasia Partnership Foundation
On May 7, we had the opportunity to accompany participants from the "Integration of Artsakh Refugees in the Analytical and NGO Fields in Armenia" project, generously supported by the Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF), on a visit to EPF headquarters. During the visit, EPF staff shared insights into their organization's mission and ongoing programs with our project’s participants, many of whom previously led NGOs in Artsakh that have recently re-registered in Armenia following forced displacement. This visit provided our project participants with valuable insights into the practical opportunities offered by EPF to support integration efforts.
RCDS Welcomes Eduard Arakelyan and Aram Tadevosyan
We're excited to announce Aram Tadevosyan and Eduard Arakelyan as the newest additions to RCDS. Aram brings extensive project management skills, while Eduard offers deep analytical expertise. Their combined experience in private and public sectors enriches our think tank's ability to deliver insightful solutions. We're eager to see their contributions in driving impactful outcomes
Inaugural Conference on Democratic Security in Armenia
The Regional Center for Democracy and Security (RCDS) hosted its first-ever Democratic Security in Armenia conference on December 14. The conference featured three dynamic panels, each exploring critical aspects of Armenia's democratic and security landscape.
Stephanie Thain Joins the RCDS Team as intern
Barev! I am Stephanie Thain, the most recent addition to the RCDS team, from London. My time in Armenia has been a remarkable experience for me thus far, and despite being only ten days into my journey, I am already contemplating extending my stay. Having recently completed my Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at the University of Bristol, I am eager to apply my research skills in this unique environment. I am currently enrolled in the Birthright program and have completed an intensive language course where I was able to improve my rudimentary knowledge of Western Armenian and build on my conversational abilities which I hope to use in my new role here.
Joint Statement by a Group of Armenian Civil Society Organizations on the Press Statement by Charles Michel
The undersigned civil society organizations in Armenia express their alarm over the press statement of July 15 made by Charles Michel, President of the European Council, following the latest trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Aliyev. Specifically, we are concerned that the announcement equates the Lachin Corridor and Aghdam as options to address the current humanitarian crisis.
Working Dinner with Matthias Lüttenberg
The head of the Regional Center for Democracy and Security Tigran Grigoryan had a working dinner yesterday with Matthias Lüttenberg, Director for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia of the German MFA. The deepening humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh and the ongoing peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan were discussed during the meeting.
Meeting with ''Shell'' Vice President Joanna Kunsberg at the RCDS Office
On June 30, Joyanna Kunsberg, Vice President of the ''Shell'' company, and Anatoly Leontiev, Regional Senior Advisor, visited the Regional Center for Democracy and Security. Issues related to regional security were discussed during the meeting.
Working Breakfast with Bundestag Member Ms. Merle Spellerberg
On June 26, Tigran Grigoryan, the Head of the Regional Center for Democracy and Security, had a working breakfast with Ms. Merle Spellerberg, a member of the German Bundestag, member of the committees on foreign affairs and defense, rapporteur for the South Caucasus of the green parliamentary group. During their meeting, they discussed various aspects of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, and issues related to Armenia’s foreign policy.
The Visit of the Finnish Ambassador to the RCDS Office
On May 24, the Regional Center for Democracy and Security hosted Ms. Kirsti Narinen, the roving Ambassador of Finland to the South Caucasus, along with Tanya Taminen and Dimitri Saramonov from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. They discussed the internal situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and several regional issues with the guests. Furthermore, they discussed the role of the EU in initiatives that contribute to the establishment of trust and stability in the Armenian-Azerbaijani context.
The visit of the Swedish ambassador to the RCDS office
The ambassador of Sweden to Armenia, Patrick Svensson, visited the office of the RCDS on May 11th. Ambassador Svensson and the head of the RCDS, Tigran Grigoryan, discussed the recent developments in the region and exchanged views on other pressing issues. Mr. Grigoryan stressed the importance of EU engagement in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and talked about the need for the creation of viable international security mechanisms in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The visit of the RCDS president Tigran Grigoryan to Brussels
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Yerevan and Brussels offices jointly organized an expert visit to the EU institutions from 5th June to 8th June 2023. This visit served as a platform for fruitful engagement, encompassing meetings and the exchange of ideas with members of the European Parliament, the European External Action Service, the Office of the Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia, the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, and the Directorate-General for Energy, among others.
Latest Publications
RCDS Research Paper: Armenia's Structural Dependence on Russia
Armenia's relationship with Russia has shifted from alliance to hostility due to Russia's security failures after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War and its growing alignment with Azerbaijan, particularly during attacks in 2022 and 2023. Despite efforts to strengthen ties with the West, Armenia remains deeply dependent on Russia in key sectors like trade, energy, and security, reinforced by its membership in Russian-led frameworks like the EAEU and CSTO. This research paper examines Armenia's dependencies on Russia and explores potential policies to mitigate these vulnerabilities while enhancing Armenian strategic autonomy.
Armenia's Ruling Party Resists Amending Controversial Constitutional Clause
On September 19, the Constitutional Reform Council debated and ultimately rejected a proposal by the Union of Informed Citizens (UIC) to remove the constitutional provision that guarantees a stable majority in parliament before the 2026 elections. This provision, a central issue in discussions on electoral reforms, ensures a parliamentary majority even if a party’s initial voter support is low.
The Cost of Compliance: Armenian Civil Society’s Missed Responsibilities
For the last few years, many Armenians have felt alone — left to contend with increasingly belligerent threats and the consequences of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. But, paradoxically, the country is receiving more interest from Western capitals than it has in its entire history, with hundreds of millions of dollars being spent on joint programs, institution building and bolstering civil society.
Building Empathy Bridges: Lessons from a Bookstore Event in Washington for Armenia's Polarized Society
On a recent work trip to Washington D.C.––my first visit to the United States––I found myself in my hotel room browsing online for interesting places to explore. I discovered Politics and Prose, a well-known bookstore, and decided to check it out. While looking through the shelves, I noticed the staff setting up for an event. A quick Google search revealed it was a book launch by the acclaimed sociologist Arlie Hochschild. Pretending I had come for the event, I took a seat to listen in.
Hate speech against Karabakh Armenian refugees as a domestic political tool in Armenia
In Democracy Watch’s previous report my colleague Karena Avedissian and I referred to remarks by Gagik Melkonyan, a ruling party lawmaker, who said, “The people of Karabakh should conduct themselves as guests in Armenia.” Melkonyan's statement, which has not been condemned by the ruling party, is not just a case of an irresponsible official making a statement, but rather part of a political pattern and deliberate policy, which aims to gain political dividends by instrumentalizing ‘Karabakhophobia’ and legitimizing anti-Karabakh narratives.