The Republic of Armenia is once again facing a moment of profound uncertainty.

Nestled in the South Caucasus, this small nation with a millennia-old history and an incomparable cultural legacy is confronted with challenges that threaten not only its territorial integrity but also the stability of its democracy and the cohesion of its people.

The loss of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), consummated by the mass exodus of more than 120,000 Armenians in 2023 following Azerbaijan’s offensive, has left a deep, unhealed wound.

Beyond the territorial aspect, it was a symbolic and human blow: entire communities were uprooted while the world watched in silence as ethnic cleansing unfolded. The indifference of traditional allies and the inaction of international organizations once again exposed the harsh reality of global geopolitics, where energy and strategic interests outweigh human lives and rights.

Domestically, the government of Nikol Pashinyan has undertaken a political shift that is straining the national fabric. His rhetoric of peace with Azerbaijan and Turkey—legitimate from a pragmatic standpoint—is perceived by wide segments of society as a surrender of historical principles and a renunciation of national aspirations. Criticism of his leadership style and his handling of popular demands is growing, and once again, the streets of Yerevan are filled with protesters concerned about the country’s direction.

Adding to this is the deterioration of relations with Russia, Armenia’s traditional military and economic ally. The country is now seeking closer ties with the West, but without clear guarantees of protection or substantial strategic investment. The withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers from Artsakh and Moscow’s mounting pressure are signs of a regional realignment that leaves Armenia increasingly vulnerable, caught between powers vying for influence.

Yet the Armenian people have time and again demonstrated their extraordinary resilience and strength.

From the 1915 Genocide to the independence of 1991, through the war of the 1990s and the most recent conflicts, the nation has managed to rebuild, drawing on its diaspora, its culture, and its identity.

Now, more than ever, Armenia needs national unity, strategic vision, and a foreign policy aligned with its vital interests.

The wounds of the past must not be used as an excuse for inaction, but neither can they be healed without memory or justice.

Peace is not achieved by surrendering national dignity, but by building a strong democracy, an efficient state, and an engaged citizenry.

Armenia stands at a historic crossroads. The decisions made today—as a people and as a state—will shape the destiny of generations to come.

History must be honored. The future demands responsibility.