Neutrality Studies [Back issue] Drums Of War: Georgia and Armenia On the Brink | P. Shakarian & L. Kasradze
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Oct 3, 2025 Pietro Shakarian, an Armenian historian, joins Lasha Kasradze, a Georgian international relations analyst, to delve into the complex dynamics of the Caucasus. They discuss Armenia's crackdown on the Armenian Church and its implications for national identity. The role of the EU in regional politics comes under scrutiny, particularly as it praises Armenia despite these tensions. The two also explore Azerbaijan's strategic gains and the emerging split between the Turkic bloc and the Russia-Iran axis, making for a lively analysis of the geopolitical landscape.
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Church As Pillar Of National Identity
- The Armenian Apostolic Church is central to Armenian identity and retains immense public trust.
- Pietro argues Pashinyan's crackdown targets an independent power base and deeply hurts his legitimacy.
Crackdown Linked To Geopolitical Shifts
- Pietro links Pashinyan's EU courting to wider regional shifts after tensions with Iran.
- He suggests Pashinyan seeks EU backing to offset renewed Russian and Iranian interest in the Caucasus.
Attacking Church Risks Political Backlash
- Lasha compares assaults on churches to past Georgian experiences under Saakashvili.
- He warns that attacking entrenched religious institutions provokes strong societal backlash.
