Archil Sikharulidze - Armenia and Georgia Between Russia and Europe | Ep 570, Jul 26, 2026

Conversations on Groong - July 27, 2026 In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Archil Sikharulidze about Russia's shifting strategy in the South Caucasus and Armenia and Georgia's diverging paths. We discuss Moscow's assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process developments, Georgia's widening dispute with Europe, Armenia's shift away from Russia, and how regional transit corridors reshape geopolitical competition between Moscow, Brussels, and Washington. Topics: Russia's changing South Caucasus strategy Georgia's widening dispute with Europe Armenia's shift away from Russia Georgia's role in regional transit Armenia-Georgia ties under pressure Guest: Archil Sikharulidze Timestamps: 0:00:04 Intro to show with Dr. Archil Sikharulidze 0:01:44 Discussions on the South Caucasus in Moscow and Pyatigorsk 0:02:32 At the Primakov Readings 0:04:56 In Pyatigorsk 0:07:28 Does Moscow see Georgia and Russia as two different problems, or a connected issue? 0:10:31 What is Russia thinking about its evolving and diminished role in the South Caucasus? 0:16:50 Do Russians understand why they've lost the hearts & minds of Armenians in the case of Artsakh? 0:23:24 Do Russians understand Georgia's neutrality doesn't mean Georgia is now "pro-Russian"? 0:29:16 Are the Russsians consider the use of soft power in the South Caucasus? 0:34:31 Why does Kiev suddenly want to reestablish better relations with Georgia? 0:39:57 Does Georgia's importance as a transport hub change Europe's stance towards it? 0:46:58 What is the real value of Georgia for the EU, are they trying to create alternatives to bypass it? 0:52:33 Have Georgia-EU differences expanded into the cultural realm as well as the political? 0:59:01 Why is Georgian Dream defending church and conservative values, and Is Europe trying to diminish the Georgian church? 1:04:00 Is there really a "civil society" in Georgia & Armenia? 1:05:29 On Pashinyan's relationship with the Armenian Church 1:08:21 Assess the relationship between Georgia & Armenia 1:13:42 What tensions was Kobakhidze warning about foreign powers attempting to divide Armenia and Georgia? 1:18:01 Can Georgia & Armenia develop a cohesive foreign policy worldview to progress as strategic partners? 1:24:57 About Dr. Archil Sikharulidze 1:25:30 SUPPORT GROONG - podcasts.groong.org/donate Hosts: Hovik Manucharyan Asbed Bedrossian Episode 570 | Recorded: July 24, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/570 #Armenia #Georgia #Russia #EuropeanUnion #SouthCaucasus #GeorgianDream #NikolPashinyan #MiddleCorridor