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Research

Research

New RCDS Report: Comparing Russian Information Influence in Moldova and Armenia: Patterns, Challenges, and Specificities

The Regional Center for Democracy and Security has published a new report titled “Comparing Russian Information Influence in Moldova and Armenia: Patterns, Challenges, and Specificities.” The report examines how Russian foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) campaigns are constructed, disseminated, and adapted across two distinct post-Soviet environments, with a particular focus on the narratives, actors, […]

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This image was generated using AI and is for illustrative purposes only. Any resemblance to real people or events is coincidental.
Research

Parliamentary Elections in Armenia and Hate Speech Against Nagorno-Karabakh Refugees: March 2026

This image was generated using AI and is for illustrative purposes only. Any resemblance to real people or events is coincidental. By Tigran Grigoryan and Hayk Khanumyan Following the ethnic cleansing that took place in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023 and the forced displacement of the entire population, numerous challenges continue to persist in the process […]

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Research

Parliamentary Elections in Armenia and Hate Speech Against Nagorno-Karabakh Refugees: April 2026

By Hayk Khanumyan The campaign for Armenia’s 2026 National Assembly elections has officially begun, although participating political forces have already been actively campaigning for several months. The intensification of political competition in an increasingly polarized environment has led to a rise in hate speech, visible both among social media users and various political actors, particularly […]

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Publications

RCDS Analytical Brief: Strategic Implications of the Iran Crisis for Armenia

The ongoing war around Iran represents a systemic challenge to the regional balance and carries significant implications for Armenia’s security, economy, and logistical connectivity. Iran plays an important role in Armenia’s external economic relations: key trade routes linking Armenia with the markets of the Persian Gulf and Asia pass through Iranian territory. Iran is also […]

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Publications

New RCDS Report: Lessons from the Ukraine War for Armenia

The Regional Center for Democracy and Security has published a new report titled “The New Face of War: Lessons from the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict for Armenia.” The report examines how the nature of warfare is evolving, showing that modern conflicts mobilize not only armies but entire societies, economies, and information spaces, blurring the lines between the […]

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Publications

New RCDS Report on Hate Speech Targeting Karabakh Armenian Refugees

The Regional Center for Democracy and Security has published a new report titled “Narratives of Division: Ruling Party-Linked Hate Speech Against Karabakh Armenian Refugees.” The report explores how government-affiliated actors have fueled disinformation and hate speech, deepening societal divisions and undermining Armenia’s democratic resilience.  Based on detailed analysis and interviews, the report reveals how harmful […]

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Publications

Policy Recommendation: Strengthening Refugee Assistance and Integration in Armenia

Introduction The Regional Center for Democracy and Security (RCDS) convened the “Direct Dialogue: Addressing Refugee Needs in Armenia” conference on February 4, facilitating discussions between forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh, international stakeholders, and Armenian civil society representatives. The discussions highlighted significant gaps in current assistance programs, legal frameworks, and integration policies. This policy recommendation outlines […]

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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, […]

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Publications

Urgent Policy Recommendations around the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

photo credits: Marut Vanyan   24.09.2023   On September 19, Azerbaijan initiated a large-scale offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh, marked by shelling and the targeting of key urban centers, resulting in extensive civilian displacement and casualties. Due to the nine-month blockade, and the lack of essential goods such as fuel, food, and munitions, as well as the […]

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