Crossroads: Geopolitics and Security in the Caucasus
Highlights: Explore the geopolitical significance of the Caucasus in this resume-building program.
This course takes us to the South Caucasus countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Since independence from the USSR, each of these countries has pursued individual paths in foreign policy, shaping alliances with neighboring countries. We will study these paths both individually and collectively. Individually we explore the complex relationships with not only the most proximate (geographically) powers of Iran, Turkey, and Russia, but also with the EU, US, China, India, and others. Collectively we look at the relationships between these three countries, conflicts, real and potential areas for cooperation, and infrastructure development.
The geography of the Caucasus is some of the most dramatic and fascinating in the world. It is truly a region where geography shapes history and identity. We will start and end in Tbilisi (Georgia) and in between visit Baku (Azerbaijan) and Yerevan (Armenia). We will blend formal lectures and workshops with experiential learning. We will come to understand the worldview from these countries and why we should be paying more attention to them.
Program cost includes tuition, hotel/guesthouse accommodations with breakfast, other meals per itinerary, flights and ground transportation per itinerary, cultural/excursion program, Azerbaijan visa, health and emergency insurance, airport transfers, transcript, and 24/7 onsite support.
- GPA of 2.5 or higher
- At least 18 years of age at time of application