Guest Lecture Explores Georgia Between East and West
Today, the Centre for European Studies (CEUROS) welcomed Dr. Levan Tsagareli (Ilia State University, Tbilisi) for a guest lecture entitled "Georgia between the West and the East".
The lecture offered an interesting exploration of Georgia's past and present, examining how historical experiences, cultural narratives, political developments, and collective memory continue to shape the country's contemporary identity. Drawing on a range of examples from Georgian culture, Dr. Tsagareli highlighted the tensions and contradictions that characterize postcolonial Georgian identity and its ongoing negotiation between Eastern and Western influences.
Particular attention was given to topics such as Georgia's complex relationship with Russia, competing interpretations of Soviet history, the legacy of World War II, the significance of national commemorations such as April 9, and differing perspectives on the Rose Revolution. Through these case studies, Dr. Tsagareli demonstrated how debates about the past remain deeply intertwined with contemporary political and societal developments.
The event was well attended by students and staff, reflecting strong interest in Georgia's political and cultural development and its place between East and West. Following the lecture, participants engaged in a lively discussion on Georgia's past and present, addressing questions of national identity, civic society, and the country's European future.
Dr. Tsagareli's visit provided valuable insights into the complexities of Georgian society and offered attendees a deeper understanding of a country whose history and contemporary challenges continue to resonate within wider European debates.
CEUROS would like to thank Dr. Tsagareli for his insightful presentation and all attendees for contributing to the engaging discussion.
