As part of a media tour we organized in collaboration with the Association of Economic Journalists, we brought together Armenian and Georgian professionals in Yerevan to explore new opportunities for collaboration in the fields of economy, culture, and education. The program featured a series of panel discussions that addressed the current economic agenda and the state of cultural and academic ties between the two countries. Experts from both sides highlighted the untapped potential that exists in areas such as trade, tourism, and energy. At the same time, they drew attention to ongoing challenges in the transit of goods and stressed the importance of closer cooperation in the tourism sector.

With this initiative, we aim to create fresh momentum for a stronger partnership between Armenia and Georgia—one rooted in dialogue, shared interests, and long-term regional development.

USA Enters Land Connection Talks as Pashinyan Meets Aliyev and Erdoğan
On July 4, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held their first-ever direct bilateral meeting without mediators in Abu Dhabi, focusing on transit access through Armenia and Pashinyan’s Crossroads of Peace initiative. The talks followed Pashinyan’s June 20 visit to Istanbul, where he met Turkish President Erdoğan in a symbolic but inconclusive step toward normalization. Meanwhile, the United States has offered to oversee the disputed 32-km corridor between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan under a 100-year lease to a neutral American operator—a proposal aimed at addressing Azerbaijan’s demand for guarantees without undermining Armenian sovereignty. The offer has so far been declined by the Armenian government.

Coup Allegations - Conflict between Pashinyan and Armenian Church escalates

Authorities in Armenia have unveiled what they describe as a foiled coup attempt involving Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and Kremlin-linked figures, citing audio recordings, seized weapons, and detailed plans to destabilize the country. Galstanyan and several opposition figures were arrested, while Prime Minister Pashinyan accused the Armenian Church of shielding “terrorists” and threatened to forcibly remove Catholicos Garegin II. The confrontation reflects a sharp escalation of Pashinyan’s deteriorating relationship with the Church, following months of open hostility and calls to unseat its top clergy.

Armenia Nationalizes Power Grid Amid Political Tensions

Yerevan has passed legislation to nationalize the Electric Networks of Armenia, shortly after the arrest of its Russian-Armenian owner Samvel Karapetyan for remarks authorities interpreted as inciting unrest. Prime Minister Pashinyan cited persistent grid disruptions and alleged political interference as justification, while the opposition warned of reputational damage and legal risks. The law enables rapid state intervention in utility operations, and ENA has announced plans to pursue international arbitration. Opposition forces have already brought the law before the constitutional court in an effort to prevent its implementation.

Crackdown Deepens as GD keeps targeting Civil Society and Protesters
Georgian Dream (GD) has escalated pressure on civil society and dissenting voices. Multiple human rights and advocacy groups were ordered to hand over sensitive data, such as beneficiary identities and internal records—demands widely condemned as unlawful and intimidating. Simultaneously, Giorgi Bachiashvili, a former associate of Bidzina Ivanishvili, reported being severely beaten in prison in what he called a coordinated act of intimidation. Meanwhile, courts sentenced two young protesters, 21-year-old Giorgi Mindadze and 19-year-old Saba Jikia, to years in prison for alleged assaults on police officers during anti-government rallies, amid growing concerns over politicized trials and unchecked law enforcement abuses.

GD passes more repressive legislation, harasses activists

Since early July, the Georgian Dream government has escalated its pressure on dissenters through broad drug testing sweeps, arrests over social media posts, and new laws restricting court transparency and speech. Activists and opposition members report being selectively targeted in late-night drug checks, while courts have begun issuing detentions for online “insults” under recently expanded defamation and protest laws. Simultaneously, GD pushed through legislation criminalizing mild drug possession, banning courtroom recording, and redefining defamation in ways that weaken media protections. 

Miners’ Protest in Chiatura Reaches Breaking Point

As hunger strikes that began on June 19 entered a third week and the broader labor protest surpasses 130 days, miners in Chiatura are demanding the release of four detained colleagues and an end to deteriorating working conditions. On July 4, two protesters on dry hunger strike were hospitalized, while three others had already sewn their mouths shut in a stark act of resistance. The four miners were arrested on April 29, shortly after Georgian Manganese announced a controversial reorganization plan that followed months of unrest over unpaid wages.

Tensions Between Baku and Moscow Increase Further

Azerbaijan has opened a criminal case against Russian security forces after two Azerbaijanis died in custody, while leaked audio published in July suggests Russian forces intentionally downed a passenger jet last December. On June 30, police raided Sputnik’s Baku office, detaining staff over alleged FSB links. Cultural events were cancelled, and pressure is mounting on Russian-language institutions amid a sharp deterioration in relations.

Bahruz Samadov & Abzas Media Journalists Receive Severe Prison Sentences

In an alarming escalation of repression, seven Abzas Media journalists were sentenced on July 8 to an average of over eight years each on dubious smuggling charges. Just days earlier, political researcher Bahruz Samadov received 15 years for his anti-war views. Observers see both cases as clear warnings to critics of the Azerbaijani regime and part of an ever intensifying campaign against independent voices.

Azerbaijan Denies Allegations of Intelligence Cooperation with Israel

Amid escalating Iran-Israel tensions, Azerbaijani officials have rejected claims that Baku is aiding Israeli intelligence operations. Social media posts and fringe outlets alleged Azerbaijan has opened military bases to Israel and may have facilitated strikes on Iran, though no evidence has been presented. While presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev called the reports disinformation, critics point to Azerbaijan’s opaque security ties and deep cooperation with Israel as fueling speculation.

Interested in what we’re doing in the South Caucasus but don’t speak Georgian or Armenian? We’ve got you covered. With the launch of our new international Instagram channel @kas_southcaucasus, you can now follow our work across Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan more closely than ever.
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