Armenia’s strategic dependence on Russia centers on protection against Muslim neighbors

Evidence

Armenia has historically identified its interests with Russia and Russia has prided itself as Armenia’s defender against its Muslim neighbors. This relationship has been reinvigorated in the post-Soviet years. The Armenians have been dependent upon Russian economic and military support and have backed Russia on issues concerning relations among the former Soviet republics. The two countries have converging strategic interests. — Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the…, 445