On July 15-19, 2024, the Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP), in cooperation with the Centre International de Formation Européenne (CIFE), Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, and New Vision University, organized the Black Sea Summer University 2024 on the topic – Shifting Tides: Exploring Conflict Dynamics in the Black Sea Region.
Prof. Kornely KAKACHIA (Director at Georgian Institute of Politics), Marie-France PERDIGON (Director of Summer University Programme, CIFE, Nice), and Prof. George BARKALAIA, New Vision University, Georgia (New Vision University) opened the Black Sea Summer University 2024 with their welcoming remarks.
The joint one-week program brought together 29 young researchers in political sciences and international relations from Georgia as well as from different countries all around the world. In the framework of the summer program, participants had an opportunity to meet Georgian and foreign specialists to discuss the challenges that Black Sea region countries face amid the major geopolitical shifts in the region as well as ongoing conflict dynamics. Distinguished lecturers from different countries covered a wide range of topics, from geopolitical rivalries and societal resilience to climate policy and energy security, offering a comprehensive analysis of the Black Sea region’s complex geopolitical landscape.
On the first day of the sessions, Prof. Benedikt HARZL (Associate Professor, Centre for East European Law and Eurasian Studies and the Insitute of International Law of the Law School of the University of Graz) and Prof. Jürgen PIRKER (Full Professor of Law and Governance, University of Graz; Member of the Committee of Experts under the CoE Language Charter) addressed the challenges posed by the rise of identity politics in Europe for the protection of minority languages and rights. They discussed the legal frameworks provided by the Council of Europe, such as the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages and the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Additionally, they explored the monitoring mechanisms and case studies, suggesting that interactive conflict resolution could complement legal means in addressing identity politics. Afterwards, Prof. Michael LUKEN (Professor in International Relations, New Vision University, Georgia) examined the concept of resilience in the Black Sea region. He highlighted the interplay between climate policy, geopolitical dynamics, and the need for proactive measures to build resilience. Prof. Luken underscored the importance of integration with European institutions and the strengthening of open civil societies as steps towards enhancing resilience.
The second day of the sessions focused on the case of Georgia in particular. Prof. Shalva DZEBISASHVILI (Associate Professor and Head of the Political Science and International Relations Programs, the University of Georgia) presented on the geopolitical rivalries in the South Caucasus. He emphasized the role of societal resilience in Georgia and Armenia, particularly in the context of external pressures and internal challenges. Prof. Dzebisashvili drew from his extensive experience in defense policy and international relations to provide insights into how these countries navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. Afterwards, Ambassador Ivane MATCHAVARIANI (Former Ambassador, Georgian Embassy to Japan/Co-Chairman of the Executive Board at the Georgian Strategic Analysis Center (GSAC)) analyzed the multifaceted security challenges in the Black Sea region, with a focus on hybrid warfare. He discussed the implications of the Ukraine conflict for Georgia’s security and the international perception of Russia. Ambassador Matchavariani also explored Georgia’s strategic interests and the regional and international perspectives on them. Finally, Mikheil DARCHIASHVILI (Affiliated Professor and Member of Governing Board at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA); Former Deputy Defence Minister) discussed the principles of US foreign policy and its strategic interests in the Black Sea region. He provided an in-depth examination of the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership and Georgia’s significance in the US legislative agenda. Additionally, he also shared the key take aways of the NATO Washington Summit.
The sessions on Georgian perspective were followed by more broader perspectives, where Dr. Florent MARCIACQ (Senior Fellow at the Centre international de formation européenne, Research associate at the French institute of international relations (Ifri)) focused on the national security interests of the Black Sea riparian countries and the involvement of major powers such as the EU, the US, and China. The session aimed to understand the hard security challenges in the region, which are exacerbated by heightened power rivalries. The discussion also included an analysis of the regional security dynamics and the implications for European security. Following Dr. Marciacq’s session, Dr. Florent PARMENTIER (General Secretary, Centre de recherches politiques de Sciences Po (CEVIPCF)) discussed the intricate energy politics and the intense competition for resources in the Black Sea region. Dr. Parmentier highlighted the strategic importance of this area, where Russia’s dominance, Turkey’s growing influence, and the EU’s energy interests converge. He also touched upon the geopolitical implications of pipeline projects and military deployments in the region. Furthermore, Dr. Parmentier delved into the impact of protracted regional conflicts on Black Sea security. He discussed the issues of militarization, disinformation, and the lack of peacebuilding policies, with a particular focus on Russia’s information warfare tactics and their effects on the region.
Finally, on the last day of the sessions, Prof. Kornely KAKACHIA (Professor of Political Science and Jean Monnet Chair, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University; Georgian Institute of Politics) outlined the significant internal reforms Georgia has undertaken in pursuit of European integration and the societal disconnect that has emerged. Prof. Kakachia provided a comprehensive overview of the prospects and challenges facing Georgia in its foreign policy landscape. The program was concluded with the session delivered by Dr. Florent MARCIACQ, who delved into the politics of EU enlargement in the new geopolitical context. Prof. Benedikt Harzl, an expert in East European Law, facilitated a discussion on the approaches of Member States towards enlargement, the reform of the policy process, and the strategies of Accession countries in the East. The session also included group work discussions based on seminal speeches about the future of Europe.
All sessions were interactive, and the participants had an opportunity to engage in the discussions around various topics individually as well as in groups. The program was concluded with the closing ceremony and distribution of certificates.
Black Sea Summer University (BSSU) has been hosted by the Georgian Institute of Politics, in cooperation with the Centre International de Formation Européenne (CIFE), since 2015. Black Sea Summer University 2024 was supported by the New Vision University and the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU). The Programme was organized under the project “Mapping and mitigating Georgia’s Resilience Risks,” which was co-sponsored by the NATO Public Diplomacy Division in Georgia and the British Embassy in Tbilisi.
