As Armenia prepares for parliamentary elections on June 7, the country has once again become a focal point for international powers. The geopolitical rivalry between the West and Russia is turning Armenia into a crossroads of interests.
In recent years, official Yerevan has expanded ties with the European Union, while Russia seeks to maintain its influence. The extent to which the political agenda is shaped by domestic or foreign forces is up for debate.
Political groups are polarized along pro-Western and pro-Russian lines, with independent platforms having limited impact. The election campaign is not just a struggle between government and opposition but also a phase of geopolitical confrontation for regional influence.
Italian political commentator Carlo Marino told Oxu.Az that Armenia's transformation into an arena of rivalry is no coincidence. Three key changes followed the 2020 Karabakh war: Russia's waning influence, Western efforts to fill the void, and Pashinyan's pro-Western integration course.
Marino emphasized that Armenia can mitigate the rivalry's effects through a pragmatic foreign policy. Strengthening neutrality, transparent management of financial influence, and economic diversification are crucial. The June election will test this strategy.
