Past event
Georgia's peace and conflicts in the shadow of Russia MECACS Seminar Series Event - MS Teams - Guest Speaker Dr Sergi Kapanadze - Online via MS Teams -- email [email protected] for the link
Georgia is currently navigating the challenges of rising authoritarianism while also witnessing the determined resistance of pro-democracy forces. These internal struggles are deeply intertwined with Russia's enduring influence in the region, including its role in shaping narratives through propaganda, disinformation, and strategic interference, as well as occupation of Georgia's two regions — Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Over the past three decades, Russia has systematically undermined Georgia's democracy and stability, fostering divisions in Abkhazia and South Ossetia while exploiting political polarisation within the country and increasing its influence in domestic politics. With the Georgian Dream in power, Russia seems to be achieving its goals. This talk will also explore how these dynamics have shaped Georgia's recent trajectory and examine the scenarios that lie ahead. It will also focus on the unique window of opportunity Georgia currently has for European integration—a moment that risks slipping away amidst the erosion of democracy, growing isolationism and waning Western confidence.
Dr Sergi Kapanadze is a founder and a board director of a Tbilisi-based think tank, Georgia's Reforms Associates (GRASS). Dr. Kapanadze is also a Professor of Peace Studies, International relations and European integration at the Ilia State University (Tbilisi) and a Jean Monnet Chair at the Caucasus University (Tbilisi), where he also runs the Jean Monnet Center of Excellence — EUTRANSPOL. In 2016-2020, Dr Kapanadze was a vice-speaker of the Parliament of Georgia from the European Georgia party. Dr Kapanadze has previously held the post of deputy Foreign Minister (2011-2012) and other senior posts in the foreign service of Georgia, during which he led Georgian delegations in various negotiations with Russia, the European Union and the United States. He holds PhD in International Relations from the Tbilisi State University (2011) and an MA in International Relations and European Studies from the Central European University (2003, Budapest, Hungary).
Online via MS Teams — email [email protected] for the link