Armenia`s path to development lies not in subordination, but in  revising rules of regional interaction - ex- FM

ArmInfo. Armenia's path to progress lies not in blind submission, but in reconsidering the rules of regional interaction. In this sense, the idea that lasting peace can be achieved at any cost through reconciliation is not only naive  but also self-destructive.

This opinion, as reported by the press service of the Alternative Projects group, was expressed by former Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan.

He outlined the country's post-war recovery paths and the steps that,  on the contrary, constitute an obstacle to achieving this goal.  According to him, post-war state reconstruction lies not in slogans  or wishes, but in new ideas, bold plans, and the ability to correctly  understand global developments. In this vein, he emphasized that the  alternative to constant concessions is not endless confrontation and  war, but strategic deterrence.

"In Armenia's polarized political landscape, there is a widespread  belief that non-government forces have 'no alternative' to the  current path chosen by the current authorities. However, Armenia's  options, finding itself in a geopolitical impasse, are gradually  shrinking, while external pressure is growing, and this kind of  political fatalism is not only mistaken but also dangerous," the  former Foreign Minister noted.

In this vein, Ayvazyan noted that Armenia does not need a different  set of solutions, but a fundamentally new strategic approach, as well  as a rethinking of what it means to establish peace, achieve  security, and ensure sovereignty in a hostile and unstable  geopolitical environment. In this vein, he outlined the problems that  must be addressed to avoid irreversible consequences.

Ayvazyan noted that external players and unfolding geopolitical rifts  are increasingly shaping Armenia's domestic agenda. "Turkey and  Azerbaijan aren't just neighbors; they set the agenda for Armenia's  political life, using manipulation and pressure to control any  negotiations, ceasefires, or unblocking of communication channels in  order to manage Yerevan's behavior both domestically and  internationally," the former Foreign Minister explained.

In such circumstances, Ayvazyan noted, the most pressing task for any  Armenian government is not to define a vision of prosperity or  democracy divorced from regional reality, but, above all, to  determine how to resist and contain pressure. Meanwhile, he noted  that in practice, the country is faced with unilateral concessions  and the abandonment of previously formed state and national  positions. "However, the more Armenia concedes, the more Ankara and  Baku tighten their demands. The current settlement process has not  yielded any guarantees or security agreements," Ayvazyan emphasized.

As the former Foreign Minister noted, an effective foreign policy  requires not only military but also institutional, economic,  psychological, and informational development. In this vein, Ayvazyan  stated that to neutralize external threats, the mobilization of  internal capabilities should become a key principle of Armenia's  strategic doctrine. This should include, according to Ayvazyan,  defense reforms and national cohesion by overcoming the discourse of  defeat and strengthening unity around sovereignty, not partisanship.  Furthermore, as the former foreign minister noted, this implies  engaging the diaspora. "But not only for charity or lobbying, but  also as a strategic expansion of Armenia's influence in the  diplomatic, defense, economic, technological, and academic spheres,"  Ayvazyan explained.

Furthermore, he emphasized the need for economic resilience and  stability by reducing dependence on Turkish and Azerbaijani routes  and diversifying other communication options.

The former foreign minister also touched on Russia's diminishing role  in Armenia's security architecture.  He drew attention to the danger  of ignoring Russia as a strategic ally, noting that the country will  remain an important player for the foreseeable future, both with a  military and diplomatic presence, and in shaping regional balance.  "Yerevan must initiate a coordinated, transactional partnership with  Moscow, based on genuine strategic dialogue and military-industrial  cooperation. In this case, the choice is not between complete  dependence or a complete break, but between changing the relationship  and creating a mutually beneficial strategic alliance," the former  Foreign Minister believes.

Ayvazyan then touched on the "Trump route" and the agreement signed  in Washington. The former Foreign Minister believes that, in this  context, one of the most dangerous threats to Armenia's sovereignty  is Azerbaijan and Turkey's aggressive pursuit of the idea of opening  a route through Meghri, which they present as the so-called "Zangezur  Corridor." In this vein, he urged that the declaration signed in  Washington be viewed as part of a complex diplomatic process that  will require strict monitoring and oversight by Armenia, the  continuous strengthening of its internal defense and institutional  mechanisms.

"Furthermore, this will require an active search for alternative  allies and formats for international cooperation, a clear definition  of 'red lines,' and the development of strategies that will minimize  the risks of dependence on one party. Otherwise, blind faith in such  documents without real guarantees could lead to a loss of control  over critical strategic positions and the undermining of  sovereignty," Ayvazyan emphasized.

Summarizing the above, the former Foreign Minister noted that to  address all of the above-mentioned problems and avoid further  setbacks, it is necessary to assess the risks, rethink the country's  foreign policy, and build public awareness and strategic resistance.

"In a region where Turkey and Azerbaijan are pursuing expansionist  power politics, establishing a new balance is a prerequisite for  lasting stability. Pursuing clear national interests, establishing  strong internal resistance, and forming effective alliances must  become the cornerstones of Armenia's foreign and security policy. A  true alternative begins with rethinking strategic thinking and  understanding that the foundation of peace is stability, balance, and  sovereignty, not adaptability and subordination," Ayvazyan  emphasized.

Therefore, according to him, the country must first decide what kind  of state it wants to be and then choose the right tools and partners  to secure its place in an increasingly unstable world order.  "Stability isn't given, it's created. And peace doesn't emerge from  weakness; it must be earned through strength, strategy, and the will  to survive," Ayvazyan concluded.