From Independence to “Revolution”: the Evolution of Armenia's Diplomatic Service

Since gaining its independence in 1991, Armenia has faced the complex task of building a professional diplomatic service to support its statehood and navigate a challenging geopolitical landscape. This study examines the evolution of Armenia’s diplomatic service, focusing on critical milestones such as the adoption of the Law on Diplomatic Service (2001) and the establishment of the Diplomatic School of Armenia (2009). Using a mixed-methods approach, including primary source research and interviews with former diplomats and scholars, the study examines how institutional frameworks, political leadership, and external pressures have shaped the country’s foreign service. The findings reveal that Armenia’s diplomatic service was initially influenced by Soviet-era bureaucratic structures, supplemented by contributions from the Armenian diaspora and local graduates of specialized academic programs. Over time, successive administrations sought to professionalize the service through institutional reforms. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has frequently struggled with challenges such as centralization and politicization of decision-making. Recent developments under Nikol Pashinyan’s 'revolutionary' government highlight the erosion of institutionalized practices, including the weakening of the Diplomatic School’s role and the prioritization of political loyalty over merit-based appointments. This paper contributes to the understanding of state-building in post-Soviet contexts by analyzing the interplay between institutional development, bureaucratic politics, and sovereignty in Armenia’s diplomacy. The study concludes that while Armenia has made significant progress in institutionalizing its diplomatic service, sustaining these achievements requires addressing current trends that undermine its effectiveness.