On October 13, the V-Dem Caucasus Research Hub and the Youth and Social Research Center organized an open seminar titled “Democratization and Autocratization in the World and the Caucasus.” The event brought together researchers, academics, and students to discuss global democratic trends and political challenges in the South Caucasus.
The seminar was opened by Konstantine Topuria, Rector of the University of Georgia, and Erik Malmberg, First Secretary at the Embassy of Sweden. The event also marked the appointment of Professor Staffan I. Lindberg of the University of Gothenburg as Academic Director of the University of Georgia’s V-Dem Caucasus Research Hub and the Youth and Social Research Center.
Professor Lindberg delivered a presentation titled “25 Years of Autocratization – Now the USA?” focusing on global autocratization trends and the trajectory of American democracy. The presentation was followed by a panel discussion featuring Shalva Dzebisashvili (University of Georgia), Hans Gutbrod (Ilia State University), and Iago Kachkachishvili (Tbilisi State University).
Participants discussed global democratic developments, political processes in the United States, and political challenges in Georgia and the South Caucasus. The event highlighted the importance of international academic cooperation, evidence-based research, and engaging young researchers in scientific discussions.
