In Armenia, paramilitary organizations are teaching children, some as young as nine, how to handle weapons and engage in combat. Amid the threat from Azerbaijan and the weaknesses of the regular army, these camps have seen renewed interest since the fall of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023.
But behind the stated goal of defending the country lie signs of nationalist radicalization, while other paramilitary groups have been implicated by the authorities in alleged coup plots. Between patriotism, radicalization, and the militarization of youth, an inside look at a school of war.
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Armenian paramilitary groups train teenagers and children for the eventuality of war
Armenian paramilitary groups train teenagers and children for the eventuality of war
Armenian paramilitary groups train teenagers and children for the eventuality of war
Armenian paramilitary groups train teenagers and children for the eventuality of war
Armenian paramilitary groups train teenagers and children for the eventuality of war
Armenian paramilitary groups train teenagers and children for the eventuality of war
Armenian paramilitary groups train teenagers and children for the eventuality of war
Armenian paramilitary groups train teenagers and children for the eventuality of war
Armenian paramilitary groups train teenagers and children for the eventuality of war
