Business Beyond Politics: Visegrad Lessons for Georgia (watch or read)

23.03.2026 (Caucasian Journal). The third webinar of our Visegrad Lessons for Georgia series, titled “Business Beyond Politics,” explored the extent to which economic cooperation within the Visegrad Group can endure despite political tensions, and what lessons this may hold for Georgia.

▶ ქართულად: The Georgian version is here.

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Bringing together experts in economics, finance, and regional policy, the discussion examined the structural foundations of economic interdependence in Central Europe—from EU frameworks and cross-border cooperation to the role of multinational companies and financial institutions as stabilising forces. 

Thomas de Waal: "The Age of Conflict Has Indeed Passed" (video)

08.03.2026 (Caucasian Journal). In this insightful interview, Caucasian Journal welcomes Thomas de WAAL,  senior fellow at Carnegie Europe and one of the world's foremost experts on the South Caucasus. Reflecting on over three decades of experience, de Waal discusses the profound shifts reshaping the region following the mass exodus of the Armenian community from Nagorno-Karabakh—a scenario that once seemed unthinkable. He shares a cautiously optimistic view, suggesting that while the human tragedy is immense, the "age of conflict" between Armenia and Azerbaijan may finally be giving way to a new era of normalization.

The conversation delves into the critical challenges ahead, from the fate of Armenian detainees in Baku to Prime Minister Pashinyan’s precarious political standing ahead of the June 2026 elections. De Waal also analyzes the "American moment" in the region, including the strategic implications of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). Whether the South Caucasus can transform into a stable, integrated transit hub or remains a "sandwich" between rival powers is the central question of this timely discussion.

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Experts discuss Visegrad Four experience in scientific and environmental cooperation (watch or read)

19.02.2026 (Caucasian Journal). Last month, the Caucasian Journal convened our second Visegrad Four + Georgia webinar, “Academic and Scientific Cooperation; Environmental Challenges: Joint Responses,” organized in cooperation with our project partners: Arnika (Czechia), EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy (Czechia), Visegrad Insight (Poland), and the Central European Forum (Slovakia).

This webinar marked the second event within the project “Visegrad Lessons for Georgia – Overcoming Political Divides through Practical Cooperation.” To read about the first webinar in the series, click here. Further expert discussions will follow. 

▶ ქართულად: The Georgian version is here.

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ACADEMIC AND SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION; ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES: JOINT RESPONSES

Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of Caucasian Journal: Good morning and good afternoon. I am Alexander Kaffka, and I will be moderating our second webinar. It's my pleasure to thank the International Visegrad Fund for supporting this project.

As we have already observed, the Visegrad Group has experienced serious political disagreements among the member states, yet cooperation has often been preserved in areas that are less politically sensitive, but still strategically vital, such as academic exchange, scientific research, and environmental policy. Georgia and the South Caucasus in general face a different political and institutional context, but similar risks – deepening polarization, fragile institutions, and shared environmental and scientific challenges. 

Samvel MELIKSETYAN: “The present era is a test of maturity for the elites of Armenia and Azerbaijan”

04.02.2026 (Caucasian Journal) Today’s guest is Samvel MELIKSETYAN, a political analyst and expert at the Armenian Council (formerly Research Center on Security Policy, RCSP) in Yerevan, specializing in South Caucasus affairs. His work focuses on regional connectivity and the historical, demographic, and ethnic dimensions of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict.

 

Samvel has been directly involved in recent Peace Bridge Initiative roundtables held in both Baku and Yerevan, giving him a rare, firsthand perspective on current civil dialogue efforts at a time of profound uncertainty in the region.  (For the Azerbaijani perspective, please see our recent interview here)

Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of Caucasian Journal: Dear Samvel, welcome to Caucasian Journal! You recently took part in Peace Bridge Initiative roundtables in both Baku and Yerevan. How did these meetings feel—both as an expert, and on a personal level?

Samvel MELIKSETYAN:  Hello, and thank you for the invitation! Over the past three decades, Armenian–Azerbaijani meetings at the level of experts, media representatives, and other civil society sectors, supported by various international peace initiatives and organizations, have taken place mainly in Georgia or European countries. Therefore, the format itself was not unfamiliar, and almost everyone in the groups already knew some participants from previous initiatives.

 

Rusif HUSEYNOV: “Direct Armenian–Azerbaijan Engagement Is a Genuine Breakthrough”

20.01.2026 (Caucasian Journal) Today, the Caucasian Journal welcomes Dr. Rusif HUSEYNOV, a distinguished Azerbaijani political analyst and the co-founder and CEO of the Baku-based think tank, the Topchubashov Center. He has first-hand knowledge of key developments not only in Baku but across all regional directions.

A widely cited expert, Dr. Huseynov offers an essential regional perspective on the evolving dialogue around security, economic development, and international engagement in the Caucasus. We are pleased to ask him a series of interview questions. 

(For the Armenian perspective, please see our interview here)

Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of Caucasian Journal: Dear Rusif, welcome to Caucasian Journal! Let’s begin with what many observers consider the most remarkable development of the past months: the unprecedented thaw between Azerbaijani and Armenian civil societies. You took part in the recent forums in both Baku and Yerevan. What moments or impressions struck you most personally? What emotion or mood defined the atmosphere?

Rusif HUSEYNOV:  Although Armenian and Azerbaijani experts—including myself—have been in regular contact for several years across various platforms facilitated by different organizations, this direct bilateral engagement represents a genuine breakthrough. I feel privileged to be part of this bilateral framework bringing together Armenian and Azerbaijani experts under the Peace Bridge initiative, within which participants made reciprocal visits to Yerevan and Baku in October and November.

Experts discuss Visegrad Four experience and lessons for the Caucasus (watch or read)

18.01.2026 (Caucasian Journal). Last month, the Caucasian Journal convened the first Visegrad Four + Georgia webinar, “Political Differences, Practical Unity: The Visegrad Experience,” organized in cooperation with our project partners: Arnika (Czechia), EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy (Czechia), Visegrad Insight (Poland), and the Central European Forum (Slovakia).

This webinar marked the first event within the project “Visegrad Lessons for Georgia – Overcoming Political Divides through Practical Cooperation.” Further expert discussions will follow, focusing on various fields, including business and economics, scientific cooperation, and environmental cooperation.

▶ ქართულად: The Georgian version is here.

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In a landmark webinar hosted by the Caucasian Journal, experts from the Visegrad Four (V4) and Georgia gathered to discuss a pressing question: How can nations maintain practical cooperation when political leaders are at odds? As Georgia navigates a challenging European integration path, the V4 experience offers a "realistic" model—not of perfect unity, but of resilient, functional collaboration.

Key Takeaways for Georgia

1. "Low Politics" vs. "High Politics": Ladislav Cabada (Metropolitan University Prague) emphasized that clashes in "high politics" (ideology, foreign policy) should not stop "low politics" cooperation. Trade, scientific exchange, and environmental protection must remain active even when leaders disagree.

2. The "TRIO" and South Caucasus Formats: Kakha Gogolashvili (Rondeli Foundation) highlighted that while the V4 was a lobbyist for EU entry, Georgia can look toward a "South Caucasian format" (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan) for regional stability, using V4-style sectoral cooperation (SMEs, environment) as a blueprint.

"Now there is another format that is possible to use—the South Caucasian format between Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. These three countries can cooperate and use the experience of the Visegrad Group" — Kakha Gogolashvili

3. The Resilience of Civil Society: István Gyarmati and Giorgi Robakidze warned that the West must not "give up" on Georgia because of government friction. Instead, support for civil society should increase when official channels become difficult.

4. The Visegrad Fund Model: The International Visegrad Fund (IVF) remains the "only remaining asset" of true cooperation for the V4. For Georgia, creating a decentralized Civil Society Forum could protect independent media and fight disinformation.

"The Visegrad project itself is an act of defiance against history." — Marta Simeckova, Project Forum.

Watch 1-minute video highlights from Webinar 1 here. The full text version of the webinar is below:

POLITICAL DIFFERENCES, PRACTICAL UNITY: THE VISEGRAD EXPERIENCE

Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of Caucasian Journal: Despite significant political disagreements, the Visegrad Group has managed to preserve cooperation in key aspects. Today's discussion is not about idealizing the Visegrad model, but about understanding it realistically, what worked, where it was fragile, and which lessons, if any, might be relevant for Georgia. With that, let me turn to our first question. What is the single most important factor that allowed the Visegrad group to maintain cooperation despite serious political disagreements? 

2025: A Year of European Bridges and Regional Resilience

From the Editor-in-Chief 

 

❄ We wish you joyful holidays and a very happy New Year! ❄ 

 

27.12.2025 (Caucasian Journal). The South Caucasus rarely stands still, and 2025 was no exception. For the Caucasian Journal, this year was about staying true to our mission while reinforcing resilience. We focused on bridging local realities with global perspectives, moving beyond surface-level headlines to host the conversations that truly matter — from high-stakes diplomacy and regional security to economic shifts and long-term societal change.

1. Geopolitics & Regional Cooperation: Navigating New Realities

The regional landscape shifted significantly in 2025, and the Caucasian Journal closely followed these developments. In August, we analysed the TRIPP framework (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), presenting international perspectives on its implications for Georgia and the wider South Caucasus. This coverage is ongoing: contributions from Azerbaijani and Armenian experts are currently in preparation and will be published in January (check back soon!)

Our diplomatic coverage was further anchored by an in-depth interview in July with Ambassador Ashot Smbatyan. The Ambassador explored the "political peak" of Armenia–Georgia relations, offering a strategic look at how this bilateral partnership serves as a pillar of stability in terms of security and economic dimension.

 

Sebastian SCHÄFFER: “The best way to preserve freedom is European integration” (watch video or read)

13.10.2025 (Caucasian Journal). Today, Caucasian Journal is pleased to welcome Dr. Sebastian SCHÄFFER, Director of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) in Vienna, Austria — one of Europe’s oldest and most respected think tanks, dedicated for over 70 years to fostering cooperation, research, and dialogue across Central and Eastern Europe.

 

▶ ქართულად: The Georgian version is here.

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The full text version of the interview is below:

Sebastian SCHÄFFER: “THE BEST WAY TO PRESERVE FREEDOM IS EUROPEAN INTEGRATION”

Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of CJ: Today, CJ is pleased to welcome Dr. Sebastian SCHÄFFER, Director of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) in Vienna, Austria. Welcome to Caucasian Journal, Sebastian! You are the head of this Vienna-based think-tank, studying Central and Eastern Europe for many years. How can you introduce IDM to our viewers and readers today? 
   
Sebastian SCHÄFFER: First of all, thank you very much for the invitation. It's a great pleasure to talk to you today, and I'm very honored that we have this possibility.  If I would briefly describe what we are doing - we are centered around what we call “5 P's”. Out of these P's the most important is our Platform. We work with 19 different countries in the wider Danube region, and we have institutions that we work together. 

Helfried CARL: “I just hope that Georgia doesn't miss the train” (watch video or read)

07.10.2025 (Caucasian Journal). Vienna, the capital of Austria, currently holds the prestigious title of European Capital of Democracy. What exactly does it imply, and why was Vienna selected for it? 

To explore this, the Caucasian Journal has the unique opportunity to speak to Mr. Helfried CARL, the Austrian diplomat and political strategist, founder of the European Capital of Democracy and The Innovation In Politics Institute. 

▶ ქართულად: The Georgian version is here.

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The full text version of the interview is below:

Helfried CARL: “I JUST HOPE THAT GEORGIA DOESN'T MISS THE TRAIN”

Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of CJ: Welcome to Caucasian Journal! What is the "European Capital of Democracy" about, and how are you personally involved in it?
   
Helfried CARL: Thank you very much for the invitation. Okay, so I have probably to start from the very beginning. European Capital of Democracy is about the conviction that grew within me and my friends with whom I am organizing this, that there is a lot of local innovation in the field of democracy going on, and that there are two things we need to do about it:

Andreas THEOPHANOUS: “It's important to utilize the EU - it's an art, it's a knowledge to do it” (watch video or read)

24.09.2025 (Caucasian Journal). Cyprus managed to join the EU in 2004 despite the unresolved division of the island. What were the key factors that made this possible, and what lessons might Georgia draw? 

Our today's guest is Professor Andreas THEOPHANOUS, President of the Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs and former Head of the Department of Politics and Governance at the University of Nicosia. He is one of the country's leading experts on Cyprus’s EU accession, the unresolved division of the island, relations with Turkey, and the challenges of governance in a multiethnic society. Given Georgia’s current EU candidate status and its own territorial disputes, Professor Theophanous’ insights into Cyprus’s unique path into the EU are directly relevant for understanding both the opportunities and constraints facing countries in similar circumstances.

▶ ქართულად: The Georgian version is here.

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The full text version of the interview is below:

Andreas THEOPHANOUS: “IT'S IMPORTANT TO UTILIZE THE EU - IT'S AN ART, IT'S A KNOWLEDGE TO DO IT”