MA thesis defense at Caucasus School of Governance

2 July 2026

On June 30, Caucasus School of Governance held a thesis defense for students of Master’s degree program in Diplomacy and International Relations.

 

Students presented their MA theses in front of the thesis defense Commission, professors - Dr. Eka Akobia, Dr. Giorgi Tskhadaia, Dr. Emir Eteria and affiliate associate professor – Nana Pirtskhelani.

 

The following MA theses were defended:

 

MA Program in Diplomacy and International Relations:

 

  • Ana Bezhashvili – "The Political and Strategic Significance of IMEC in Saudi Arabia's Foreign Policy: The Dynamics of Regional Balancing, 2023–2025". Supervisor: Niko Kelbakiani, Invited Lecturer;
  • Mariam Dzirkvelishvili – "From Energy Cooperation to Strategic Autonomy: Reassessing EU–Turkey Energy Relations in the Context of the Ukraine War". Supervisor: Nana Pirtskhelani, Affiliated Associate Professor;
  • Natalia Sadaghashvili – "Changes in the Defense Policies of Europe's Leading Countries—Germany, France, and Italy-in Response to Russia's Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine, 2022–2025". Supervisor: Giorgi Tskhadaia Affiliated Professor;
  • Ketevan Gabidzashvili – "Japan's Sanctions Policy Toward the Russian Federation: Implications for the Disputed Islands and Bilateral Relations". Supervisor: Sergi Kapanadze, Invited Professor;
  • Nino Sherazadishvili – "The Limits of EU Conditionality in Hybrid Regimes: Democratic Reform and the Convergence of EU Foreign Policy in Georgia and Serbia (2012–2022)". Supervisor: Sergi Kapanadze, Invited Professor;
  • Guram Grigalava – "China's Economic Engagement in Africa: Strategic Objectives and Mechanisms of Influence"
    Supervisor: Giorgi Tskhadaia, Affiliated Professor;
  • Lasha Bluashvili – "The Role of Perceptions of Rationality in Shaping Responses to Russian Aggression"
    Supervisor: Giorgi Tskhadaia, Affiliated Professor;
  • Mariam Amqoladze – "The Impact of Terrorist Attacks in Major Powers on the Formation of the Security Policy of a Small State: A Case Study of Georgia". Supervisor: Giorgi Tskhadaia, Affiliated Assistant Professor.