Profound shifts in the geopolitical dynamics of the South Caucasus, driven by the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War and the onset of the Russia-Ukraine War, have shaped the Armenian government’s pursuit of foreign policy diversification. This report analyzes key developments in and around Armenian foreign policy from November 2020—the end of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War—through March 2025. It also offers recommendations to guide the overall trajectory of Armenian foreign policy, both broadly and at the level of specific bilateral relationships.
The report is based on extensive desk research and draws on a wide range of publications, official statements, and conducting more than 25 interviews with Armenian officials, as well as Armenian and foreign experts focusing on the region.
Executive Summary
The 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War, the onset of the Russia-Ukraine War in 2022, and Azerbaijan’s military takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023 disrupted the regional status quo. In light of the repeated incursions by Azerbaijan and in the absence of a tangible response from Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Armenian government intensified its foreign policy diversification efforts. It sought to deepen diplomatic and military cooperation with new and existing partners, notably India, France, the EU, and the US, while opening multiple embassies worldwide.
Deepening Diversification for Greater Deterrence: Recommendations
- Strengthen deterrence through dual-track efforts based on military modernization, fortified borders, and diplomatic outreach.
- Engage Turkey: Continue efforts toward normalization with Turkey while seeking to decouple this process from Armenia–Azerbaijan negotiations to weaken the Ankara–Baku alliance.
- Strengthen economic ties across open borders: Expand economic, energy, and infrastructure cooperation with Iran and strengthen economic relations with Georgia with the active involvement of Armenian businesses.
- Reset relations with Russia: As the character of the bilateral relationship evolves, Armenia should clearly articulate its vision for a new relationship with Moscow.
Cite this report: Poghosyan, Benyamin. "Armenia’s Foreign Policy after the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War: Diversification in the Post-Unipolar World." May 2025. Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia (APRI Armenia). https://doi.org/10.71308/ESAH1639 
