The 2020 Artsakh War revealed an outdated and languishing security sector in Armenia combined with major shortcomings in defense policymaking. As Armenia continues navigating the shifting winds of regional powers and alliances—and considers its options for reform—national security journalism and research warrants greater attention. This is critical to assessing the post-war performance and reforms of Armenian security agencies, as well as the country’s rapidly changing threat landscape.

 

By all accounts, the Armenian government’s tepid response to its mounting defense challenges (i.e. stalled military reforms and insufficient border safeguards) has raised many questions about its capacity to protect its citizens from aggressive foes and formidable adversaries in the region.

 

Armenia’s security quandary is further compounded by a lack of transparency surrounding defense matters, preventing serious political discourse on potential policy options. Remedying these deficits and improving Armenia’s defense posture begins with cultivating a cadre of highly trained national security professionals who can share information across the spheres of interest and authority.

 

It is time to dig deep to uncover where the fault lines exist and what underlying deficits in the overall system contributed to the devastating loss of the Second Artsakh War.