STRATPOL in cooperation with partner institutions has been awarded Strategic grant from the Visegrad Fund for the realization of a project titled Creation of university course “Security Studies” and South Caucasus Security Forum.
The project focuses on two strategic issues: first, lack of specific capabilities, specifically Security Studies programs at university level in EaP countries . In the V4 countries, new, modern study programs were created in the last decade to better accommodate the evolving needs of the state institutions, including ministries of foreign affairs and defense. The majority of EaP countries still lag in this regard, which is a major hindrance for the proper development of skilled talent. Second, increasing tensions and lack of regional cooperation both at EaP-wide level, but especially at regional level (South Caucasus). The countries of the region still lack a sustainable, sufficient forum, where leaders and experts can discuss (also with V4 and others) the most pressing regional security issues-it is possible only by coaching of non-regional actors as V4.
The first problem – lack of specialized course on Security Studies, in accordance with needs of academic development as well as government bodies – will be addressed by tailor made training for International Relations and Security Studies lecturers, which will increase their capabilities in critical areas. The final goal is to create a study course in Odessa, one of the regional centers of Ukraine with sufficient and already existing infrastructure. We will provide capacity building for local teachers, who will be able to utilize V4 experiences (having faced similar challenges 10-15 years ago), provide study materials and curricula. Second – organization of the 4th South Caucasus Security Forum will strengthen V4´s role as regards sharing experiences and lessons learned with South Caucasus countries and provide a much needed space for regional discussion.
For more information, visit http://visegradfund.org/home/.
PARTNER INSTITUTIONS
