The Case of Georgia and Armenia 2014.
Are Georgia and Armenia a part of Europe and the Western World? How do these countries cope with their rich, but also challenging history and the risks and chances that they encounter in the present world? And can the comparative study of these small states give us any insight into the condition of our own country today? This seminar aims at introducing the selected students to the complexity of the South Caucasus region.
Due to the political instability of the region in the aftermath of the ethno-political conflicts that took place in the early 1990’s (Karabagh; South Ossetia; Abkhazia), the region has faced significant challenges in its political and economic development. Besides, the South Caucasus has received broad international attention because of its location at the intersection of both the Russian and Western spheres of influence. The diversity of the region in terms of ethnicity, religion or language makes it also one of the most fascinating regions of the former Soviet Union. You will have the opportunity to get a better understanding of the region and gain knowledge thanks to lectures and meetings with politicians, scholars and students. Following our return to Switzerland, you will participate in a one-day seminar at the University of Fribourg (Friday, Novemer 7 or 14, 2014) where you will be requested to present a paper on a topic predefined together with the organizers and inspired by the participation in this seminar. The papers will eventually be integrated in a publication of the ASCN.
Number of participants: max. 16
In charge:
Prof. Dr. Nicolas Hayoz, University of Fribourg
Denis Dafflon, Scientific coordinator Academic Swiss Caucasus Net (ASCN), University of Fribourg
Prof. Dr. Cla Famos, University of Zurich
Working language is English for both conference and preparatory meetings. Good English skills are therefore required from all applicants.
Wednesday, August 27 to Saturday, September 6, 2014 (different locations in Georgia and Armenia) & Friday, 7 or 14 November 2014 (University of Fribourg)
Preparation: includes reading texts and presenting a paper.
Costs: CHF 200.00
Place: Georgia, Armenia & Fribourg (Switzerland)
Closing date: Sunday, March 23, 2014
