GEORGIAN DAYS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF POTSDAM | 12-13 JULY 2024

FREE OF CHARGE | REGISTRATION BY EMAIL REQUIRED | sekwoelluuni-potsdampde (Eugen Rube)

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, rich language, and dynamic politics of Georgia!

Since regaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia has experienced significant political turbulence and transformation. The early years were marked by civil unrest and economic challenges, culminating in a brief civil war in 1991-1992. The presidency of Eduard Shevardnadze, a former Soviet foreign minister, from 1992 to 2003, was characterized by attempts at stabilization but marred by corruption and inefficiency.

The pivotal moment came with the 2003 Rose Revolution, a peaceful protest movement that ousted President Eduard Shevardnadze and brought Mikheil Saakashvili to power. Saakashvili's tenure from 2004 to 2013 was marked by ambitious reforms aimed at curbing corruption, improving infrastructure, and aligning Georgia more closely with Western institutions like NATO and the European Union. These achievements made Georgia one of the most successful examples of transformation and reform within the post-Soviet space. However, Saakashvili´s administration faced criticism for authoritarian tendencies and human rights abuses, reflecting the complex and challenging path of Georgia's ongoing political evolution.

In 2008, Georgia fought a brief war with Russia over South Ossetia and Abkhazia, leading to Russian occupation of these territories and ongoing tensions. Since 2012, the Georgian Dream party has been in power, focusing on economic development and Euro-Atlantic integration, but facing accusations of democratic backsliding. The law on ‘foreign agents’, which has set off the latest mass protests in Georgia, has once again brought the country to a crossroads.

Join us for two unforgettable days of insightful guest lectures, interactive workshops, delicious Georgian cuisine and traditional music! The following program will give you an overview of the Georgian Days.

12 JULY Campus Am Neuen Palais House 9 \| Room 2.05
14:15	Opening remarks by Dr. Natalia Ermakova (UP) Larisa Subašić (UP) Katja Thevs (DAAD)
14:45	Georgia, Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University (TSU) as a place to live, research, and study Nika Gigauri, PhD candidate(TSU) Explore Georgia, a dynamic region nestled by the Black Sea and a pivotal post-Soviet country at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, North, and South. Delve into its strategic role as an economic and energy hub. Uncover the vibrant city of Tbilisi, Georgia’s largest and most multicultural metropolis, and its political and economic heartbeat. Experience the rich tapestry of Tbilisi's history, traditions, and modern culture, including its civil movements and underground scene. Learn about Tbilisi State University (TSU), the oldest, largest, and most internationalized university in the Caucasus. Discover the student life and academic opportunities that make TSU a beacon of higher education in the region.
15:45	Coffee break
16:00	How memory forges the future Prof Nino Chikovani (TSU) Discover how historical accounts and collective memory contribute to the (re)construction of Georgia's national identity. Delve into Georgia's Soviet past and understand its unique perspective and experiences, framed within the context of the broader "Goodbye Lenin!" narrative. Reflect on the trauma and triumph of April 9, a pivotal moment in Georgian history, and its enduring impact and resonance in contemporary Georgia.

13 JULY Campus Am Neuen Palais House 8 \| Room 0.58
10:30	Crash course in the Georgian language Mariam Gobianidze, PhD candidate (TSU) Step into the vibrant world of the Georgian language and discover its enchanting script, melodious sounds, and unique grammar. Experience how Georgian connects with its rich culture and history through hands-on activities and engaging stories. Whether you're a language lover or a culture enthusiast, this session will leave you inspired to continue your linguistic journey in the heart of Georgia.
12:00	Brunch
12:30	Europeanisation and Euroscepticism in post-Soviet Georgia Assoc Prof Sandro Tabatadze (TSU) Explore the rise and impact of Euroscepticism in the EU and beyond with a focus on Eastern Europe. Examine the complex relationship between Europeanization efforts and the growth of Euroscepticism in Georgia since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Participants will work in groups to analyze specific cases of Euroscepticism in Georgia, identifying similarities and differences between party-based and public perspectives.
14:00	Coffee break
14:15	“Quo Vadis Georgia?” - Concluding discussion Prof Nino Chikovani (TSU) Assoc Prof Sandro Tabatadze (TSU) Mariam Gobianidze, PhD candidate (TSU) Nika Gigauri, PhD candidate (TSU) moderated by Dr. Stanislav Klimovich (UP)
15:30	Networking dinner with Georgian food and music

FREE OF CHARGE | REGISTRATION BY EMAIL REQUIRED | sekwoelluuni-potsdampde (Eugen Rube)

Dr. Natalia Ermakova

Projektleiterin

Universität Potsdam
Am Neuen Palais 10
14469 Potsdam
Haus 1
Zimmer 108

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