International Programs – WSI Caucasus Project

South Caucasus is a region that has taken on new importance in the 21st century. The region is at the crossroads of trade and energy routes and is strategically located in close proximity to Russia, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Therefore, any destabilizing and harmful processes in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia pose an immediate threat not only of regional importance, but also bear political, economic and security consequences of international magnitude. Among the main problems in the region are unresolved intra- and interstate conflicts, the difficult political and economic situations, and the growing mutual distrust and animosity among the three Caucasus states. All of these issues hinder regional cooperation, which is one of the key prerequisites for consistent economic growth, political stability and security in the South Caucasus.

In an effort to address the issue of regional integration and foster mutual trust among the three South Caucasus republics, the World Security Institute, in collaboration with the Washington University in St. Louis, established the WSI Caucasus Project. This is a comprehensive multidisciplinary initiative that aims to defeat the barriers preventing Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia from cooperating and to help build bridges of tolerance and understanding between the communities of these three states.

The goal of the WSI Caucasus Project is to create regional networks in different areas and sectors that would promote the cooperative tendencies among the nationals of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Among projected initiatives are the creation of regional youth associations, and the creation of radio and television networks. The Project will also organize regular conferences and workshops on regional affairs in both the South Caucasus and the United States. To facilitate its efforts in the region, the WSI Caucasus Project has established strategic partnerships with several regional organizations. The Project’s efforts are supported and guided through its Advisory Board, comprised of prominent politicians and experts.

The WSI Caucasus Project works frequently with the young generation of the Caucasus, which is more open and receptive to progressive ideas. The essential venue, through which the WSI Caucasus Project creates its network of distinguished and promising Armenian, Azeri and Georgian young professionals, is the WSI Caucasus Fellowship. The Fellowship intends to bring together young representatives of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia to work in cooperation and create a joint product – something quite uncommon in the Caucasus nowadays.

The WSI Caucasus Project is an effort to establish citizen-to-citizen contacts among neighboring, and in many instances rival communities, by harnessing the energies of the progressive young generation. This generation tends to look beyond subjective local interests and envisions the benefits that a unified Caucasus could bring to their communities. Improved relations at the public level will ultimately lead to better chances for resolving the existing regional conflicts and problems in the future.

Lilit Petrosyan, Director
World Security Institute
1779 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Suite 615
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-797-5288
E-mail: lpetrosyan@worldsecurityinstitute.org