Russia's influence in (and on) Armenia

Armenia is at a long-term disadvantage in its rivalry with its neighbor, Azerbaijan. For the past 30 years, it has depended on Russia for support, but with Russia having been somewhat ... distracted as of late, Armenia is looking for broader international backing.

"The arrival of US soldiers for a peacekeeper training exercise in Armenia has rankled the Russian government, which has for decades acted as the sole security guarantor for the former Soviet republic. The 10-day “Eagle Partner” exercise, which began Monday, involves 85 US and 175 Armenian soldiers and aims to prepare the Armenians to take part in international peacekeeping missions." [Source]

Does the exercise I'm working on now portend a broader trend in Armenia's international relations? I don't know, but it *is* rewarding to see my project making news.