Understanding Pashinyan New Security Doctrine
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has introduced what he calls a new security doctrine, signaling a departure from Armenia’s past reliance on military alliances and force projection.
Instead, he emphasizes legitimacy, border recognition, and reduced vulnerabilities as the foundations of national security.
This shift comes after years of regional turbulence, particularly the 2020 Karabakh conflict and Armenia’s cooling ties with traditional ally Russia.
Pashinyan’s remarks at the Comprehensive Security and Resilience Forum 2025 highlighted that Armenia’s army will be tasked with defending only Armenia’s recognized territory, not external conflicts.
Why the Pashinyan New Security Doctrine Matters?
By rooting his security strategy in international legitimacy, Pashinyan positions Armenia as a state ready to normalize relations with neighbors through dialogue, open borders, and economic connectivity.
Initiatives such as the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” underline his belief that trade and communication can enhance stability more than arms buildups.
Critics, however, argue this approach may be a strategic illusion a way to buy time while quietly rebuilding defense capabilities. Others see it as a risky gamble, given the resistance from nationalist voices inside Armenia.
Future of the Pashinyan New Security Doctrine:
The real test lies in implementation. Successful border demarcation with Azerbaijan, constitutional reforms that enshrine legitimacy as a guiding principle, and reduced dependency on Russia’s security umbrella will determine whether this doctrine becomes a sincere pivot or just political rhetoric.
For Armenia, the path forward is clear yet challenging: embrace reform, institutionalize peace, and prove that diplomacy can deliver lasting security in a volatile region.
This article is written by Mr. Elnur Enveroglu who works at the Azer News, Baku Azerbaijan. He is expert on Caucasian Politics and International Affairs.
