Deepening U.S.-Armenia Relations: Exploring the Depths
In the midst of a questionable Trump presidency's waning internal power, the world, particularly the South Caucasus, clings to steadfast anticipation. For Armenia, revitalized ties with the U.S could spell a rejuvenation of regional stability and economic growth. Alas, Baku keeps the fire of escalation burning, and peace agreements remain in limbo.
Is the West on the verge of losing its last democratic outpost in the region? Time Jemal, the president of Global Arm, teams up with Voice of Yerevan to explore the evolving role of the Armenian-American lobby and advocate for beefed-up U.S. intervention in the South Caucasus' quest for peace.
The U.S.-Armenia relationship has witnessed a deepening of bilateral ties, with the signing of a Strategic Partnership Charter in 2025. This partnership kickstarted a boost in military cooperation, including distinctive joint peacekeeping exercises and the dispatch of an American adviser to Armenia's Ministry of Defense.
In essence, the U.S. has stepped up its role in facilitating negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, focusing on thorny issues such as border demarcation and regional stability. The Biden administration's strategy contrasts sharply with the hands-off approach taken during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.
The Trump administration, as suggested in mid-2025 assessments, is believed to possess the potential to deliver a decisive diplomatic push to finalize a peace agreement. The supposition is that, with a firm initiative from Trump, Azerbaijan could be persuaded to endorse previously agreed terms, resulting in a swift resolution and securing a U.S. legacy as a pivotal peace broker in the South Caucasus.
The U.S.'s renewed engagement unfolds amid a complex geopolitical stage, featuring Russia's power play and ongoing conflicts like the Russo-Ukrainian war, which have subtle ripples in the region. A peaceful settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan would enable Armenia to lessen its economic reliance on Iran by unlocking new trade avenues through Azerbaijan and Turkey, thereby fostering Armenia's westward shift. This change supports broader U.S. and Israeli interests in nurturing a stable and economically interconnected South Caucasus.
The U.S. presence also serves to counterbalance Russian dominance and engage with Armenia's multifaceted foreign policy, which sees Yerevan pursuing relations with Iran, India, China, and the EU, while maintaining a cautious relationship with Russia.
The extent of ongoing and future U.S. engagement under the Trump administration remains uncertain and contingent on broader geopolitical developments, such as the situation in Ukraine and negotiations with Iran. However, there's a strategic chance for U.S. and Israeli diplomatic initiatives to steer the region toward lasting peace, bringing both regional stability and economic integration opportunities to the South Caucasus.
Politics and general news continue to revolve around the South Caucasus, with the U.S.'s renewed interest in the region serving as a potential catalyst for peace and economic growth between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The deepening of bilateral ties between the U.S. and Armenia indicates a prime opportunity for the U.S. to step up as a peace broker amidst ongoing war-and-conflicts and complex politics.
