forum

Yerevan, Armenia The 2025 APRI Forum, with the theme “Finding Stability in an Unstable World,” will take place June 11–13 in Yerevan. It will offer in-depth and thought-provoking conversations on the global uncertainties shaping Armenia and the South Caucasus. With ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the political metamorphosis under the Trump administration, and persistent instability, the Forum will provide a place to think through and discuss these challenges and how to navigate them. The three-day conference will bring together policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, civil society representatives, and engaged Armenians to address a range of critical issues—from fostering technology and investments and advancing energy security to navigating shifting geopolitics and strengthening civic engagement. Thought leaders from various fields will debate over actionable recommendations to confront Armenia’s challenges in an increasingly volatile world. Quotes that inspired us: “As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” Rumi   “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” Harriet Tubman   “I’m a pessimist because of intelligence, but an optimist because of will.” Antonio Gramsci, Letter from Prison, December 1929 The event is invitation-only.  Forum Agenda June 11 June 12 June 13 9:25 Welcome and Opening Remarks Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 9:30 Stability through Technology and Innovative Partnerships  In this opening session of the 2025 APRI Forum, Hakob Arshakyan, Vice President of the National Assembly, shares Armenia’s vision for finding stability in an unstable world through enhanced focus on technology and innovative partnerships. Hakob Arshakyan, Vice President, National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Moderator: Arda Haratunian, Board Member, APRI Armenia, AGBU, AUA and Adjunct Professor, Queens College 10:00 APRI Armenia’s Foreign Policy Report: Diversification in the Post-Unipolar World APRI Armenia’s foreign policy report traces Armenian foreign policy developments since the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War and examines the challenges in diversifying and deepening diplomatic, economic, and security relationships in the last four years. With the launch of this report, APRI Armenia provides an analysis of Armenia’s foreign policy diversification and offers recommendations on how the next phase can address ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 10:15 Decoding the Global (Dis)Order From wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other regions to a shattered global trade system, uncertainty is worsening. This session will focus on growing instability in the global order and how different and sometimes competing powers are responding to these changes. Iskander Akylbayev, Chief Executive Officer, Xander Group Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation Evgeniya Goryushina, Researcher at the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies (CCEIS), HSE / Head of the Caucasus Studies Sector (ICCA RAS) Stefan Meister, Head of the Center for Order and Governance in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, German Council on Foreign Relations, DGAP Moderator: Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 11:00 Coffee Break 11:30 Armenia–Azerbaijan Negotiations: Prospects for Progress Peace remains Yerevan’s top priority after the turbulence of recent years but the outstretched hand has often been met with a closed fist. Few signs suggest progress will be made toward a peace agreement with Azerbaijan this year—even as Armenia builds on its policy of constructive engagement while boosting deterrence. In conversation with Armenian experts, Rusif Huseynov, from the Topchubashov Center, presents the view from Azerbaijan on prospects for negotiations and regional peace. How will Baku respond and does it see any reason to make peace? Is no peace/no war the best the region can expect in the short- to mid-term perspective? Tatevik Hayrapetyan, PhD in History, Expert in Azerbaijani Studies Rusif Huseynov, Co-Founder and Director, Topchubashov Center (Zoom) Moderator: Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 12:15 Armenia–Turkey Normalization and the Quest for Regional Stability Despite high-level announcements, the Armenia–Turkey normalization process is at a standstill. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan links normalization with Ankara to the signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, leading to a seeming deadend. What is behind this and are there any prospects for change? How might a less Azerbaijan-focused Turkish foreign policy impact the region? Can external actors, including Europe, Russia, the United States, and Iran, provide effective support for Armenia–Turkey normalization? Mitat Çelikpala, Vice-Rector, Kadir Has University (Zoom) Varuzhan Geghamyan, Associate Professor, Chair of Turkic Studies, Yerevan State University Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 13:00 Networking Lunch & Musical Guests 14:00 Russia’s Foreign Policy and Russia–Armenia Dynamics Diplomatic relations between Yerevan and Moscow have intensified since mid-2024, while the economic relation remains strong. The need for a reset is now discussed between the two. How might Armenia and Russia capitalize on this moment? What are their mutual expectations? What role will Armenia, and the South Caucasus, take in Russia’s foreign policy? How will Armenia’s foreign policy diversification affect the Armenia–Russia relationship? Evgeniya Goryushina, Researcher at the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies (CCEIS), HSE / Head of the Caucasus Studies Sector (ICCA RAS) Moderator: Leonid Nersisyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 14:45 Prospects for Iran–Armenia Relations Relations between Iran and Armenia are reaching a new level, with Iran a key partner for Armenia’s connectivity and security. Maintaining open trade with its neighbor is vital, as is Iran’s opposition to Azerbaijani plans for the so-called “Zangezur Corridor.” However, US pressure on Iran may intensify if the two sides cannot reach a new deal on nuclear restraints. In the wake of this uncertainty, how can Yerevan and Tehran continue to build upon their partnership? How does Iran view its foreign policy in the South Caucasus amid relations with regional and nonregional actors? Sergei Melkonian, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Seyed Mohammad-Kazem Sajjadpour, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Institute for Political and International Studies Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 15:30 Understanding Europe’s Outlook on the South Caucasus Trade and security tensions between Europe and the United States are heightening as European leaders

New York, United States of America APRI New York Meeting, themed “Armenia’s New Balance: Russia, the West and the Future of the South Caucasus” took place on October 11, 2024 in New York City. The forum included distinguished experts in regional and global affairs, including leading voices engaged in shaping Armenia’s policy future. The three-hour conference covered Armenia’s new foreign policy balance between Russia and the West, the potential impact of the US presidential election on global stability, Armenia’s ongoing security and defense reforms, and the quest for peace and stability in the South Caucasus. In addition to serving as a vital platform for discussing Armenia’s foreign policy and peacebuilding in the South Caucasus, the event took place alongside the 93rd General Assembly of the Armenian General Benevolent Union. The assembled audience of community leaders, philanthropists, and young civic activists will present a unique opportunity to engage with some of the most constructive voices in the Armenian diaspora. get to know the Program 11 October 2024 1:00pm Lunch and Registration 2:00pm Musical Guest Ara Dinkjian 2:10pm Words of Welcome and About APRI Armenia Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 2:20pm The US Election and Strategic Interests in the South Caucasus In the opening session of the APRI New York Meeting, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council Eurasia Center Ambassador John E. Herbst discusses the upcoming US elections and how they could impact US foreign policy in the South Caucasus. Ambassador John Herbst, Senior Director, Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center Moderator: Nvard Chalikyan, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 2:45pm Armenia’s Foreign Policy Pivot in a Multipolar World Armenia is undergoing a significant transformation in its foreign policy, engaging both new-country partners and traditional allies to build up its resilience in military, political, and economic domains. This panel will assess the current state of Armenia’s foreign policy diversification, the potential for a new diplomatic architecture, and the impact of ongoing geopolitical events on the South Caucasus. Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, Observer Research Foundation America Anatol Lieven, Director, Eurasia Program, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Garo Paylan, Visiting Scholar, Europe Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Michael Rubin, Visiting Scholar, Europe Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President of Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 3:35pm Musical Guest Ara Dinkjian 3:45pm Armenia’s Security in the Quest for Regional Peace In a turbulent and unstable region, Armenia is advancing its security and defense capabilities to protect its territorial integrity. But there remain many challenges and open questions. Where does Armenia’s security balance stand today? How can foreign partners engage with Armenia to build up its deterrent and defensive capacities, diminishing the risk of future conflict? Colonel (Retired) Robert E. Hamilton, Head of Eurasia Research, Foreign Policy Research Institute Nerses Kopalyan, Associate Professor-in-Residence of Political Science, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Leonid Nersisyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Margarita Tadevosyan, Executive Director, Center for Peacemaking Practice, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 4:35pm Armenia’s Conservative Outreach: On Foreign Policy and Religious Freedom Armenia’s recent diplomatic and military challenges dovetail with the threat to religious freedom worldwide. This discussion will evaluate how Armenia can position itself as a cornerstone of the international religious freedom agenda to craft a more effective foreign policy. Ambassador Sam Brownback, Co-Chair, International Religious Freedom Summit, Senior Fellow, Global Christian Relief, Board Member, Save Armenia, Chairman, National Committee for Religious Freedom Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia Speakers Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo < Page1 Page2 Page3 Page4 Page5 > 11 October 2024 1:00pm Lunch and Registration 2:00pm Musical Guest Ara Dinkjian 2:10pm Words of Welcome and About APRI Armenia Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 2:20pm The US Election and Strategic Interests in the South Caucasus In the opening session of the APRI New York Meeting, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council Eurasia Center Ambassador John E. Herbst discusses the upcoming US elections and how they could impact US foreign policy in the South Caucasus. Ambassador John Herbst, Senior Director, Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center Moderator: Nvard Chalikyan, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 2:45pm Armenia’s Foreign Policy Pivot in a Multipolar World Armenia is undergoing a significant transformation in its foreign policy, engaging both new-country partners and traditional allies to build up its resilience in military, political, and economic domains. This panel will assess the current state of Armenia’s foreign policy diversification, the potential for a new diplomatic architecture, and the impact of ongoing geopolitical events on the South Caucasus. Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, Observer Research Foundation America Anatol Lieven, Director, Eurasia Program, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Garo Paylan, Visiting Scholar, Europe Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Michael Rubin, Visiting Scholar, Europe Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President of Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 3:35pm Musical Guest Ara Dinkjian 3:45pm Armenia’s Security in the Quest for Regional Peace In a turbulent and unstable region, Armenia is advancing its security and defense capabilities to protect its territorial integrity. But there remain many challenges and open questions. Where does Armenia’s security balance stand today? How can foreign partners engage with Armenia to build up its deterrent and defensive capacities, diminishing the risk of future conflict? Colonel (Retired) Robert E. Hamilton, Head of Eurasia Research, Foreign Policy Research Institute Nerses Kopalyan, Associate Professor-in-Residence of Political Science, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Leonid Nersisyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Margarita Tadevosyan, Executive Director, Center for Peacemaking Practice, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution,

Yerevan, Armenia APRI Armenia’s three-day Forum kicked off with in-depth discussions on the geopolitical challenges and opportunities facing Armenia and the region. Through engaging keynote addresses, fireside chats, and insightful panel discussions, we explored the basis of Armenia’s foreign policy strategy, navigated the security complexities of a changing world order, and unpacked some of the most promising diplomatic opportunities Armenia can offer. The day featured dedicated sessions examining bilateral relations and a forward-looking exploration of environmental diplomacy and building a sustainable future. Day 2 examined Armenia’s economic future and opportunities for sustainable prosperity. Inspiring examples of successful economic transformations from other countries were explored, with discussions focusing on how Armenia can attract significant investments and improve its infrastructure. Critical issues such as sustainable farming practices, clean energy solutions, and digital adaptation were also addressed. The afternoon broadened the conversation to encompass the environment, health, transportation, and artificial intelligence, reflecting a holistic perspective on Armenia’s future possible development. We wrapped up Day 2 with an inspirational intervention on creating a vibrant entrepreneurial culture in Armenia. The final day of our conference turned its focus toward Armenia’s long-term strategic development and its people. It explored public opinion on the country’s political journey, examine key bilateral relationships, such as with India, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, and analyze critical security considerations in a changing world. Additionally, the day featured discussions on building a future-proof workforce through education and international partnerships, along with sessions exploring the future of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh and empowering Armenia’s regional communities. Program Day 1 – JUNE 26 Day 2 – JUNE 27 Day 3 – JUNE 28 8:30 Registration 9:15 Opening Session Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 9:30 Keynote: Armenia’s Strategic Diversification in a Changing World Order The Republic of Armenia is undergoing its most important geopolitical shift since independence, engaging new country partners and building a new matrix of dependencies in the political, diplomatic, and military spheres. This opening session of the 2024 APRI Forum will draw on regional and international perspectives to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of Armenia’s strategic priorities. It will also shed light on the opportunities and challenges for peace and stability in the South Caucasus. Armen Grigoryan, Secretary, Security Council of Armenia Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 10:00 Forging New Country Partnerships: The Path Forward Over the past year, Greece, India, France, and Armenia have engaged in cross-cutting conversations that have opened the door to higher levels of cooperation. Where has this begun to bear fruit? Where could it lead next in bilateral and multilateral formats for collaboration? Despoina-Ino Afentouli, Executive Director, Institute of International Relations Colonel Bruno Cunat, Deputy Head of the Europe, North America and Multilateral Action Department, Direction Générale des Relations Internationales et de la Stratégie Leonid Nersisyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Lieutenant General Arun Sahni, Distinguished Fellow, CLAWS and Strategic Advisor, TATA Group Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President of Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 10:45 Expanding Engagement and Testing the Limits of EU–Armenia Relations Pledges of support and expansion of ties between the European Union and Armenia have publicly intensified over the past year, up to the point of open statements by Armenian officials around potential candidate status for EU accession. What are the opportunities and limitations of the EU’s engagement with Armenia? How do they align with its foreign policy vision for the South Caucasus? H.E. Vassilis Maragos, Ambassador of the EU to Armenia Armine G. Margaryan, President and Founder, Women and Global Security Architecture Stefan Meister, Head of the Center for Order and Governance in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, German Council on Foreign Relations (Zoom) Amanda Paul, Deputy Head of Europe in the World Programme and Senior Policy Analyst, European Policy Centre Hugo von Essen, Analyst, Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President of Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 11:30 Coffee Break 12:00 How to Harness Technology for the Good of Tomorrow Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia and one of the luminaries of the modern internet, shares his thoughts about building tomorrow through the emergence of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies and how they might shape our world. How can we harness the best of technology to build the future while avoiding the dangers it poses to our humanity? Jimmy Wales, Founder, Wikipedia (Zoom) Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 12:30 Advancing Environmental Diplomacy: Partnerships for a Sustainable Future Cohosted with the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment In addressing the urgent global challenges posed by the climate crisis, the rapid loss of biodiversity, excessive freshwater consumption, and the pervasive threat of hazardous chemical pollution, nations must forge innovative partnerships and draw on the experiences of peers worldwide. This panel discussion examines how countries cultivate these crucial alliances and leverage environmental issues as a cornerstone of their foreign policy. By examining how environmental diplomacy can resolve conflicts and reshape international relationships, the discussion will explore the transformative potential of such cooperation in advancing a sustainable, shared future. H.E. Nilakshi Saha Sinha, Ambassador of India to Armenia H.E. Patrik Svensson, Ambassador of Sweden to Armenia Moderator: Alen Amirkhanian, Director, Acopian Center for the Environment, American University of Armenia 13:00 Networking Lunch & Musical Guests 14:00 Future Security: The New Formula for Defense and Deterrence In the South Caucasus, as in many parts of the world, the old formula for maintaining security has been undone by geostrategic shifts in power and declining global norms of behaviour. What are the new rules of order that are rising to replace the old ones? How will emerging technologies and the changing nature of warfare impact peace and stability? What strategies will every country need to adopt in order to achieve future security? Experts will discuss evidence-based approaches and innovative technologies that are transforming national and international security frameworks, touching upon cyber defense, advanced military technologies, and the integration of traditional and nontraditional security measures. Tigran Hovhannisyan, Director, Independent Center for Defence Studies Manu Pubby, Senior Editor, The Economic Times Lieutenant General Arun Sahni,

Yerevan, Armenia The 2023 APRI Forum, the annual gathering of the Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia, brought together policymakers, academics, leading civil society voices and international experts under the theme “Making Progress in Times of Uncertainty.” The conference looked at ways to overcome the ongoing crisis, as well as pathways for enhancing the stability and sustainable development for Armenia. The program featured expert-led discussions on a range of themes and in-depth keynote sessions with high-level officials.   2023 APRI FORUM VIDEO GALLERY Gallery

Paris, France APRI Armenia and AGBU have organized a public conference on Friday, June 23, 2023, at Sciences Po in Paris on the theme: “Armenia at the Crossroads: Peace and Prosperity at the Edge of Europe.” This conference brought together policy, diplomatic, academic, and civil society leaders to discuss peacebuilding and sustainable development at a critical time in the region. 2023 APRI PARIS MEETING VIDEO GALLERY (members only) Photo Gallery

Yerevan, Armenia Organized by the Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia (APRI Armenia), “2022 APRI Fall Meeting: Where Do We Go From Here?” brought together experts to discuss issues ranging from geopolitics and security to crisis leadership and national development. Held as part of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) General Assembly week in Yerevan, the conference explored issues including behavioral change, regional security, the future of Armenia-India relations and the need for a new social contract. Participants included visiting members from around the world, as well as representatives of the public and private sector, academia, and civil society in Armenia. 2022 FALL MEETING VIDEO GALLERY (members only) Gallery Video Recordings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHOmBV4js_Ehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHOmBV4js_E

Yerevan, Armenia The APRI Forum: Security, Stability and Sustainable Prosperity was an invitation-only forum held in Yerevan from June 15–17, 2022. As the inaugural event of the Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia (APRI Armenia), the forum brought together insightful thinkers from around the world for a series of vitally important discussions, with topics ranging from geopolitics and security to crisis leadership and national development.   https://vimeo.com/814903199