Geopolitics of the Black Sea-Caspian Region: Political and Economic Security in a Complex Geopolitical Environment

Tbilisi, Georgia

Learn about challenges to energy security and policy in the region while understanding Georgia's unique role in facilitating trade and investments between Europe and Asia. On this program, you will gain an appreciation for the origin and history of the regional states and the major powers affecting them.

Faculty Director

Mamuka Tsereteli

Academic Details

The Program will consist of two academic components worth three credits each: a seminar, which will include guest speakers and site visits, and an internship OR independent study. Students may enroll in both the seminar and internship or independent study, or in the seminar only. The Program will explore a variety of themes and issues related to the region including:

• The major challenges of the region, dominated by ethnopolitical conflicts, as well as challenges such as demographic trends and unemployment
  
• Energy security and energy policy
  
• The internal and external factors of stability in the Caucasus and Central Asia as related to foreign policy and governance
  
• Challenges to political and economic development in Georgia

SIS can place students who participate in the seminar in an internship position with a partner organization in Tbilisi. A list of potential internship organizations can be found in the Forms section of this page.

Site Visits

Students will have the opportunity to participate in several site visits and field trips during the seminar. Sites could include the old capital, the country's most important trading ports, the country's famous grape region, and UNESCO heritage sites in and around Tbilisi.

2012 Program Dates

Pre-Departure Workshop: April/May (Date TBA)

Seminar: June 9-June 27

Internship: Variable dates

Program Costs

AU tuition plus program fee (details in the program guide).

Who Should Attend

Graduate students in all majors and disciplines from any U.S. university may apply. Students will interests in global governance, Eurasia regional studies, geopolitics, energy security and policy, international security, comparative political systems, and history are invited to apply. Advanced undergraduates who have completed at least 90 credits toward the completion of their degree are also invited to apply.

Logistics

Students are required to make their own travel arrangements to and from Tbilisi. Students in the seminar will be housed in group accommodation; students staying in Tbilisi for the internship component will be responsible for their own housing during the internship period.

Application and Deadlines

Still accepting applicaitons--apply today!

As part of the review process, the Faculty Director may invite students to meet with them to discuss the submitted application. Enrollment may be limited to approximately 10 students. Once admitted to the Program by SIS, students receive notification via e-mail. At that time, students will be required to submit a non-refundable deposit of $250 to SIS, through a check or money order made payable to American University, to secure their place in the Program.