Armenia has lost Nagorno-Karabakh, its border with Azerbaijan remains tense, and domestic political conditions have become more volatile. The country is undergoing a significant geopolitical realignment with real security implications.
We provide specialist cover for journalists, NGOs, researchers and field teams operating in Armenia and near its contested borders.
Armenia is moderate risk overall but significantly higher near the Azerbaijani border. Political instability has increased since the 2023 Karabakh crisis.
Specialist cover is advisable for border area reporting, field work and assignments with regional geopolitical dimensions.
Country risk context
The situation
Armenia is a small South Caucasus republic that has experienced two major wars with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh — in 2020 and again in September 2023 when Azerbaijan launched a 24-hour offensive that resulted in the full reconquest of the territory and the displacement of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians. The loss of Nagorno-Karabakh represents a significant geopolitical defeat for Armenia and has generated domestic political instability, large demonstrations and tensions between the Pashinyan government and opposition figures aligned with Russia.
The Armenian-Azerbaijani border remains a live risk zone. Clashes along the international border — separate from Nagorno-Karabakh — occurred in September 2022, resulting in casualties on both sides. Although a ceasefire has been maintained since then, no final peace agreement has been signed. Border areas near Syunik Province and other regions adjacent to Azerbaijan remain sensitive. Journalists and researchers operating near these areas require specific security protocols.
Armenia's relationship with Russia has also shifted significantly following the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis, which Armenia blamed partly on Russia's failure to intervene under the CSTO collective security treaty. Armenia has suspended its CSTO membership obligations, participated in US military exercises and moved closer to Western institutions. This shift creates its own risks in terms of Russian-Armenian relations and the potential implications for Russian nationals and interests in Armenia.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
Armenian-Azerbaijani border tension and potential clashes
The Armenia-Azerbaijan border has seen military confrontations as recently as 2022. No final peace agreement exists. Border areas — particularly in Syunik Province near the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan — remain sensitive. Non-combatants, including journalists, operating near the border require specific security protocols and monitoring.
Political unrest in Yerevan following Nagorno-Karabakh loss
The September 2023 Azerbaijani offensive and the displacement of Karabakh Armenians has generated significant political pressure on the Pashinyan government. Large demonstrations have occurred in Yerevan. Political conditions could deteriorate further if peace negotiations collapse or a new military confrontation occurs.
Geopolitical repositioning creating new risk dimensions
Armenia's move away from Russia and toward the West creates new risk dynamics. Russian intelligence operations in Armenia may intensify; pro-Russian elements within Armenian political and military structures could generate domestic instability. Non-combatants from Western countries may benefit from reduced Russian hostility but face new uncertainties.
Nagorno-Karabakh access restrictions
Nagorno-Karabakh is now under Azerbaijani control with heavily restricted access. Journalists and researchers attempting to enter or report on the territory face Azerbaijani authority jurisdiction, which has demonstrated willingness to detain foreign nationals.
Emergency support
NGS provides round-the-clock emergency support. Yerevan has reasonable medical infrastructure. Evacuation to Tbilisi or Istanbul is the established plan for complex emergencies.
24/7 response
Round-the-clock support every day of the year
Medical coordination
Coordinating care including evacuation to Tbilisi or Istanbul
Evacuation support
Managing exit via Zvartnots International Airport
Case management
Handling the incident through to a safer outcome
Exclusions
This policy is designed to protect people, not possessions.
Cover not included
Activity exclusions
Property exclusions
Also covered in the South Caucasus
Threat intelligence
For a deeper understanding of the current situation, including operational risks and regional dynamics, see our threat intelligence hub.
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