Conversations on Groong - September 17, 2026 In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Hrant Mikaelian about chip diplomacy, the TRIPP framework, and Armenia's structural economic vulnerabilities. We discuss how the U.S. fast-tracked advanced AI exports to secure the Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process agreement, the massive energy demands of the planned Firebird data center, Armenia's deepening education crisis, and the risks of energy dependence as the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant approaches shutdown. Topics: - AI chips tied to TRIPP diplomacy - Data centers raise major energy questions - Armenia faces severe education outcomes - Government reforms versus poor student performance - Azerbaijan targets Armenian heritage in Artsakh - Gas dependence exposes Armenia to shocks Guest: Hrant Mikaelian Timestamps: 0:00 Intro to show with Hrant Mikaelian 0:31 Chip Diplomacy - Chips for TRIPP - What's in it for Armenia? 8:41 What will be the water consumption profile of Armenia's data centers? 10:33 How are Armenian banks involved in the data center project? 12:52 Is there enough electricity to power the data centers in Armenia? 20:03 On Iran-Russia coordination in the South Caucasus, and TRIPP 28:49 Iran has clearly indicated its position on TRIPP, is Armenia hearing it? 32:06 PISA - Armenian Students failing functional literacy in many subjects 38:05 Given that the survey shows positive student and logistical indicators, why are they failing literacy? 44:20 The government's deprioritization of school in favor of its international conferences 49:27 Hajiyev's revisionist show to erase Armenian history and delight western diplomats 55:23 CBA chair Martin Galstyan's Types B and X scenarios 1:05:07 About Hrant Mikaelian 1:05:19 SUPPORT GROONG - podcasts.groong.org/donate Hosts: - Hovik Manucharyan - Asbed Bedrossian Episode 586 | Recorded: September 16, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/586