Strategies of small states at the crossroads of regional development and global integration: The case of Armenia

In an era of global systemic transformations, small states encounter heightened challenges in safeguarding their sovereignty and maintaining strategic relevance. This article examines Armenia's foreign policy as a representative case of small state behavior in a contested geopolitical environment. Positioned at the intersection of competing regional and global powers, Armenia exemplifies the struggle to balance regional cooperation with broader international integration. Through the lens of strategic flexibility, societal resilience, and institutional adaptation, this study highlights the mechanisms by which small states respond to hybrid threats, navigate asymmetrical dependencies, and pursue multilateral diplomacy. The findings underscore the critical importance of coherent foreign policy, internal cohesion, and diversified international partnerships in reinforcing the security and agency of small states.