The Yerevan Dialogue: Armenia’s Geopolitical Strategy in the South Caucasus

Launched in September 2024, the Yerevan Dialogue (hereafter the Dialogue) is a pivotal initiative for Armenia’s regional geopolitical standing. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation, an Indian government-affiliated think tank, the Dialogue underscores the deepening partnership and growing diplomatic and military ties between India and Armenia.

The Yerevan Dialogue strategically aims to advertise Armenia as the South Caucasus’s sole liberal hub amidst democratic setbacks in Georgia and increasing authoritarianism in Azerbaijan. It is organized in part as a response to similar regional initiatives, such as the Baku Security Forum and, to a lesser extent, forums in Georgia. With the initiative, Armenia aims to become a vital junction connecting Central Asia, Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. Beyond fostering regional connectivity and trade, Armenia also seeks to be an influential actor in conflict resolution, demonstrating its commitment to peace in the South Caucasus.

The second iteration of the Yerevan Dialogue, held in May 2025, focused on critical contemporary issues including connectivity, artificial intelligence, climate, international law, and geopolitical challenges. This aligns the Yerevan Dialogue with other prominent regional summits like the Halifax Security Forum, the Munich Security Conference, and the Warsaw Security Forum. The discussions were geared towards South and Eastern Europe as well as India, and to a lesser extent the Middle East, including Iran. Minimal representation from Central Asia at the Dialogue underscored Baku’s dominant regional position and diplomatic strategic advantage.

This policy analysis explores the significance of the Yerevan Dialogue within the evolving South Caucasus landscape, with a particular focus on the draft peace agreement with Azerbaijan, Armenia’s regional initiative — the Crossroads of Peace, and more broadly on international law and norms in a changing world. It shows how Armenia is banking on the rising status of the South Caucasus as a strategic nexus in global trade and connectivity to increase its relevance in international affairs; however, its diplomatic successes are tempered by Azerbaijan’s dominant geopolitical and military position.