A Changing Landscape for Armenia-Russia Relations: A Colonial Legacy?

A Changing Landscape for Armenia–Russia Relations: A Colonial Legacy argues that Armenia’s long-standing reliance on Russia—rooted in imperial rule, Soviet governance, and post-1991 security dependency—has produced a deeply asymmetrical, quasi-colonial relationship that continues to shape contemporary politics. The piece highlights how Russia’s role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, its use of “frozen conflicts” as leverage, and the economic and migratory ties binding Armenians to Russian structures have reinforced this dependency even as Armenia seeks greater sovereignty after the 2018 Velvet Revolution. Russia’s inconsistent support during crises, particularly the 2020 and 2023 conflicts, has accelerated an erosion of trust, prompting Armenia to reconsider its strategic orientation. Yet the legacy of Russian dominance—embedded in institutions, security arrangements, and political culture—complicates any attempt to reorient the country’s foreign policy, leaving Armenia caught between historical dependency and a desire for genuine autonomy.