Course Title
Business, Government and Society at a Geopolitical Crossroads
Faculty
Aram Donigian T’08 -Clinical Professor of Business Administration; Faculty Director, Tuck Business Bridge Program
Dates
November 2026
Destination City
Yerevan
Course Description
The Republic of Armenia has a population of approximately 3 million people and is roughly the size of Maryland. Home to the world’s oldest winery as well as a rapidly expanding tech sector dubbed by some as the “Taiwan of the Caucasus,” Armenia boasts a growing economy. As a strategic piece of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP, a trade route from China to Europe that bypasses Russia and Iran), it saw the first visit by a sitting U.S. President or Vice President in February 2026. Historically it’s heritage and culture are rich, as it claims to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark (on Mount Ararat – the defining geographic landmark in the region), the first nation to adopt Christianity in 301 AD, and the reason that the word “genocide” was coined following the mass extermination of over 1.5 million Armenians during WWI. Furthermore, despite the NY Times naming Armenia as one of 52 places to go in 2026, it continues to remain a hidden gem from most of the world.
This GIX explores the intersection of Armenian business, government, and society, as a case study for countries navigating the challenges of post-totalitarian regimes, regional insecurity, and economic transformation. We will examine how Armenian leaders are building competitive industries while operating within the constraints of geography, history, and evolving geopolitical alignments. Students will analyze how firms in sectors such as technology, wine, and energy are positioning themselves for growth as Armenia seeks to diversify its economy.
By engaging with entrepreneurs, policymakers, and civil society leaders, participants will gain insight into how business decisions are shaped in developing countries. We will explore the economic implications of Armenia’s regional dynamics, including its relationships with neighboring states and global partners, and assess how these forces influence investment, innovation, and long-term growth strategy.
Integral to the experience are company visits, discussions with government and diplomatic officials, and engagement with NGOs and educational institutions that are contributing to Armenia’s development trajectory. Through these interactions, students will develop a broader understanding of how leaders operate at the nexus of market opportunity and societal constraint, and consider how lessons from Armenia’s experience may inform decision-making in other emerging and geopolitically complex environments. All this while gaining a deeper appreciation for a rich, vibrant culture and people.