Americans know how consequential elections can be for both domestic and foreign policy. Likewise, Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary election on June 7 is critical to the future of the country, the Caucasus, and a major Trump Administration initiative, the Trump Road for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). The stakes for Armenia could not be higher. This election will determine whether Armenia remains a Russian satellite advancing Moscow’s interests rather than its own, or becomes an independent, Westward-looking state approaching EU membership. A Westward trajectory serves the interests of both Armenia and America and would solidify one of the Trump Administration’s strategic achievements.

The stark choices confronting the Armenian people go even further. If voters elect the Moscow clients challenging Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government, they will renounce the peace and prosperity inherent in a turn toward Europe and instead embrace a policy of retaliation against Azerbaijan and Turkey. In other words, they will be voting for a future of continued violence and national poverty. However, if the voters support Pashinyan, Armenia will be able to conclude peace with Azerbaijan, balance against its relationship with Moscow, champion trade, and boost the national economy by facilitating the TRIPP’s potential to become a vital link in the growing transcontinental trade connecting Central and East Asia with the Caucasus and Europe.

Naturally, Russia, which is already losing ground in both the Caucasus and Central Asia, is trying to subvert this election. Besides threatening that Armenia will suffer Ukraine’s fate if it continues growing........

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