Armenian "Velvet Revolution" and the Dynamics of the Relationship Development between the Republic Of Armenia and the Russian Federation

Abstract

The driving factor of the Armenian "Velvet Revolution" was domestic politics in the post-revolutionary stage, the foreign policy agenda of the Republic of Armenia (RA) did not change significantly. During the Armenian Revolution, the Russian Federation (RF) did not intervene, considering its experience
with Ukraine and the massive support for Armenian opposition by the local population. Unlike other colour revolutions, Yerevan announced that it will maintain status-quo. From that perspective, the geopolitical balance in the region was maintained for the RF. At the same time, the population of RA perceived that the roots of this democratic movement are the domestic factors and are not related to the RF actions. In the post-revolutionary stage, the disputes between the RA and RF are more situational rather than strategic in nature. Kremlin perceives that they should deal with their ally differently, considering that in terms of quality they have a new ally before them. Armenia-Russia relations will continue advancing in the international and regional complicated condition and become mutually more beneficial and pragmatic.