Higher Education as Politics in Post-Rose Revolution

Group Submission Type: Book Launch

Description of Session

The Republic of Georgia offers a unique opportunity to study how education evolves and adapts during massive political, social, and economic reforms following revolution. After the 2003 Rose Revolution, Georgia—under President Mikheil Saakashvili—embraced reforms in all sectors leading towards Euro-Atlantic and NATO integration. Situated on the border between Europe and Asia, Georgia is a small country with powerful and ambitious neighbors. In 2003, when Georgia pivoted toward European and NATO integration, relations with Russia soured, and the 2008 Russian invasion demonstrated Moscow’s determination to dominate its tiny southern neighbor. These events, along with the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan oil pipeline, ensure that Georgia will play a significant role in regional and international relations for the foreseeable future. Since 2003, changes in education policy at all levels have largely mirrored these political changes with the adoption of Western/European-style curriculums, financing systems, and accreditation and comparison schemes (e.g., alignment with the Bologna Process and participation in PISA, TIMSS, and PIRLS). During this time period higher education in Georgia has made significant progress but still faces many challenges. The book chronicles this development by seeking out national perspectives to understand how higher education in Georgia can be further developed to meet the needs of all Georgians while also further advancing Euro-Atlantic integration. As the title of the book implies, all events that have taken place in the higher education sector in the Republic of Georgia since the 2003 Rose Revolution have been part of the repudiation of Russian dominance and inspired by Georgia’s desire to be integrated into the European political and economic system, the EU, and the U.S. and European military alliance, NATO.

Sub Unit

• Pre-Conference Workshops, Book launches, and Visual Art Exhibits / Book Launch

Chair

• Brian Lanahan, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Book Launch Presenter

• Brian Lanahan, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION