Expert: Russia obstructing Armenia’s foreign policy diversification
Political science professor argues Moscow is attempting to enforce a geopolitical binary on Armenia, which she says is instead emerging as a sovereign and independent actor.
Anna Ohanyan, a political science professor at Stonehill College, has asserted that Russia is actively attempting to prevent Armenia from diversifying its connectivity. Speaking to FRANCE 24’s Sharon Gaffney, Ohanyan characterised the current geopolitical dynamic as an effort by Moscow to restrict Yerevan’s ability to expand its international relationships beyond its traditional sphere of influence.
Ohanyan challenged the prevailing narrative that Armenia is pivoting away from Russia and towards Europe. She described this interpretation as a misconception, arguing instead that Vladimir Putin is attempting to apply a geopolitical binary on Armenia. This framework, she suggested, seeks to force the country into a rigid alignment that ignores its evolving strategic interests.
According to the expert, the reality on the ground is more complex. Ohanyan stated that Armenia is diversifying its foreign policy rather than abandoning Russia for a Western alliance. This shift represents a move away from being a peripheral state under Russian influence towards becoming a sovereign and independent state.
The commentary was provided during an interview segment on the FRANCE 24 programme 'A propos'. Ohanyan, who holds the Richard B. Finnegan Distinguished Professorship in Political Science and International Relations at Stonehill College, offered this analysis as part of a broader discussion on regional security and diplomatic trends.
While the specific mechanisms of connectivity diversification were not detailed in the transcript, the core of Ohanyan’s argument focuses on the political intent behind Russia’s actions. She posits that Moscow’s resistance is driven by a desire to maintain control over Armenia’s foreign policy direction, countering what she views as the country’s natural progression towards greater autonomy.
The source material is an expert opinion and interview transcript rather than a verified factual report of a specific incident. Consequently, the claims regarding Russia’s intentions and Armenia’s status are presented as Ohanyan’s analysis of geopolitical trends rather than established objective facts.
