ARMENIA | A New Strategic Direction?

In November 2023, Armenia decided to boycott the latest summit of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation, the CSTO. Coming on top of growing tensions between Yerevan and Moscow, this was seen as yet further evidence that Armenia is steadily distancing itself from Russia. This has even led to speculation that it is on the verge of a final break with Moscow and will pursue a new relationship with the West, joining NATO and the EU. So, could Armenia really be about to pursue an entirely new strategic direction? Armenia has a long and fascinating history stretching back thousands of years. Over that time, it has frequently been caught between the major powers of the day, including Greece, Persia, Rome, Parthians, Arab Islam, Byzantium, the Seljuks, Mongols, and the Ottomans. However, in modern times, its closest relationship has been with Russia. Having come under imperial Russian rule in the nineteenth century, it then became a part of the Soviet Union. But even after the break up of the