25.09.2024 Successful Conclusion of the 12th Summer School “Caucasus Conflict Culture”

Student Research Project on War-Related Migration in the South Caucasus

Photo: Sophie Falschebner

The 12th edition of the “Caucasus Conflict Culture” (CCC12) summer school was held from 21 August to 1 September 2024 in Tbilisi, Georgia. The programme, which was funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) under the Ost-West-Dialog funding line, concentrated on the socio-economic consequences of war-related migration in the South Caucasus. The programme welcomed twenty students from Germany and various conflict regions within the South Caucasus, facilitating a diverse exchange of perspectives on the impact of migration from the ongoing war in Ukraine on the region.

The summer school was organised by the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology and the Center for Conflict Studies (CCS) at Philipps-University Marburg in collaboration with long-standing academic partners from the South Caucasus. The project was coordinated from Marburg by Elisabeth Winterer (Anthropology) and Sophie Falschebner (CCS). Their Georgian, Armenian, and Azerbaijani counterparts were also involved, creating a cross-border academic initiative with the aim of fostering cooperation and dialogue in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Migration and the South Caucasus: A Complex Challenge

The South Caucasus is currently confronted with a multitude of challenges, including political instability, demographic shifts, and considerable socio-economic upheavals. One of the most notable shifts in recent times has been the substantial migration to the region in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The arrival of thousands of Russian migrants has had a profound impact on the local social and economic landscape, with a range of effects that can be characterised as both positive and negative. In this context, the research conducted during CCC12 sought to investigate the impact of these migrations on the everyday socio-cultural and economic realities in Georgia and the wider region.

Photo: Sophie Falschebner

 A Blend of Theoretical and Practical Learning

The summer school programme was structured into distinct phases, integrating theoretical instruction with experiential learning opportunities. The initial phase of the programme was devoted to providing participants with a theoretical foundation on the topic of war-related migration. A series of lectures was delivered by experts from a range of disciplines, including anthropology, political science, urban geography and activism. These lectures examined a number of key topics, including the geopolitics of the South Caucasus, migration theory and ethnographic research methods.

Particular attention was devoted to the examination of the socio-economic consequences of migration, with speakers elucidating the manner in which political, economic, and social factors intersect in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. These sessions were designed to facilitate students' acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of migration in the region, thereby equipping them with the requisite knowledge to undertake their own fieldwork projects.

Subsequent to the lecture phase, the students commenced their field research in Tbilisi. They were divided into multinational teams and instructed to apply ethnographic methods, which entailed conducting interviews and participant observation in local communities that had been affected by migration. Each group was supported by experienced mentors, who provided guidance on the process of gathering data and reflecting on findings.

In addition to research, the programme offered opportunities for participants to explore the rich cultural and natural landscape of Georgia. A joint excursion to the Stepantsminda provided a break from academic work, combining hiking and team-building activities with discussions about the impact of borderisation processes in the South Ossetian region.

Final Presentations and Reflections

In the concluding phase of the summer school, students returned to the classroom to analyse and discuss their fieldwork data. In collaboration with their mentors, they organised their findings and prepared for their final presentations. The research findings were presented on the final day of the programme, offering an opportunity for constructive feedback from peers and faculty.

The completion of the summer school was celebrated with a traditional Georgian banquet, providing an informal setting for students and mentors to reflect on the experience. The evening concluded with a shared dance session, symbolising the strong bonds formed during the programme and the potential for academic collaboration to foster cross-border dialogue, even in times of conflict.

Photo: Sophie Falschebner

 Academic Exchange as a Tool for Cross-Border Dialogue

CCC12 summer school took place against a backdrop of ongoing regional conflicts, including the volatile situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and an increase in political repression in both Azerbaijan and Georgia. Despite the challenging geopolitical context, the programme successfully brought together students from conflict-affected regions, fostering cooperation and dialogue across national borders. 

While differing perspectives on regional conflicts sometimes led to difficult discussions within the group, the programme provided a vital space for open dialogue and mutual understanding. The shared experience of conducting research, exploring Tbilisi, and even enjoying leisure activities together helped participants forge lasting friendships, demonstrating the power of academic exchange to build bridges in the midst of division.

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