The Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC), together with the McCain Institute at Arizona State University and the George W. Bush Institute, are leading the 8th Tbilisi International Conference on September 2-3, in Tbilisi. The conference, titled “2024: A Pivotal Year,” features prominent policymakers and experts from Europe and the United States.
The Tbilisi International Conference will provide a forum for critical discussions about global security, foreign policy, and the future of democracy during a period that has been marked by significant geopolitical shifts and transformative events. The conference will meet against the backdrop of crucial elections in the United States and Georgia. It will also examine the challenges that the free and democratic world must overcome to emerge triumphant in confronting Putin’s regime and other forms of aggressive revisionism.
“The McCain Institute is honored to collaborate once again with EPRC and the George W. Bush Institute in sponsoring the Tbilisi International Conference,” said Dr. Evelyn Farkas, executive director of the McCain Institute. “Georgia held a special place in Senator John McCain’s heart, and we extend our gratitude to EPRC for bringing together such a distinguished group to tackle global challenges, especially during a critical moment in Georgia. The Georgian people are dedicated to democracy, the rule of law, and the transatlantic alliance, and we stand with them just as Senator McCain did.”
“We are happy to host the Tbilisi International Conference for the 8th time. In the current global climate, it is of the utmost importance that all democratic forces unite to counter the multifaceted global offensive of authoritarian and revisionist forces. We are honored to welcome to Tbilisi esteemed experts and policymakers from around the globe to reaffirm our shared commitment to democratic principles and freedom. In the context of the ongoing military aggression of Ukraine and the increasing Russian influence in Georgia, we are glad to have the opportunity to engage in constructive debate and analysis of the geopolitical changes caused by the serious threats currently facing the free world,” said EPRC Executive Director Nino Evgenidze.
“This year’s conference comes at a crucial time for Georgia, the region, and the world,” said David J. Kramer, executive director of the George W. Bush Institute. “We are fortunate to have a great list of participants joining us for discussion on some of the most pressing issues. As always, huge thanks to EPRC for organizing the conference and hosting us in this beautiful setting. And thanks to the people of Georgia for showing such warm and gracious hospitality.”
Every September since 2015, the Tbilisi International Conference has brought together international and regional experts on issues dealing with foreign policy, security, and democracy, along with Georgian policymakers, civil society activists, and the business community. The goal is to keep Georgia high on the transatlantic agenda and on track in its democratic progress and transatlantic aspirations. Hosted in the heart of the Caucasus, the Conference has earned a reputation as a can’t-miss event for leaders across Georgia, the United States, and the rest of Europe.
To learn more about the 2024 Tbilisi International Conference, contact Tamar Khorbaladze and Tedo Evgenidze.
Subjects of Panel Discussions:
- Georgia in Flux
- Disarray in the International Order
- Ukraine – Prospects for Victory
- Holding Putin and Russia Accountable
- Elections in Europe
- Enlargement of the European Union
- The Future of NATO
- The China Challenge
- Information/Cyber Wars, AI, and Disinformation
- Democracy vs. Authoritarianism
- Elections in the United States
Speakers and participants of the Conference:
- Alexander Sokolowski, U.S. Agency for International Development
- Alexandra Hall Hall, Former British Ambassador to Georgia
- Anna Fotyga, Former Member of the European Parliament
- Anna Maria Corazza Bildt, Member of the European Parliament 2009-2019
- Batu Kutelia, Atlantic Council of Georgia
- Benedetta Berti, NATO
- Bobo Lo, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)
- Bogdan Klich, Member of the Polish Parliament
- Brian Whitmore, Atlantic Council
- Charlotta Rodhe, Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies
- Colleen Graffy, Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law
- Dalibor Rohac, American Enterprise Institute
- Dan Baer, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- Dan Fried, Atlantic Council
- Daria Kaleniuk, ANTAC
- David Smith, The Guardian
- Diana Janse, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sweden
- Eka Gigauri, Transparency International, Georgia
- Emanuelis Zingeris, Member of the Lithuanian Parliament
- Fredrik Löjdquist, Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies
- Gustaf Gothberg, Member of the Swedish Parliament
- Hiroyuki Akita, Nikkei-Japan
- Hugues Mingarelli, Former Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine
- Ia Meurmishvili, The Cipher Brief
- Ian Bond, Centre for European Reform (CER)
- Ian Kelly, Northwestern University
- Igor Khrestin, George W. Bush Institute
- Isabelle Lasserre, Le Figaro
- James Nixey, Chatham House
- Jonas Hafström, Former Swedish Ambassador to the U.S.
- Keti Khutsishvilli, Civil Society Foundation
- Knut Abraham, Member of the German Parliament
- Laura Kelly, The Hill
- Laura Thornton, McCain Institute
- Linas Linkevičius, Lithuania’s Ambassador to Sweden
- Markéta Gregorová, Member of the European Parliament
- Marko Mihkelson, Member of the Estonian Parliament
- Miranda Patrucic, Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project
- Nicolas Tenzer, Center for Study and Reflection for Political Action
- Oleh Shamshur, Atlantic Council
- Pedro D. Botta, Florida International University
- Radoslaw Fogiel, Member of the Polish Parliament
- Randy Scheunemann, International Republican Institute
- Rasa Juknevičienė, Member of the European Parliament
- Rihards Kols, Member of the European Parliament
- Scott Carpenter, Jigsaw
- Sevgil Musaieva, Ukrainska Pravda
- Shota Gvineria, Economic Policy Research Center
- Stefan Meister, German Council on Foreign Relations
- Stephen Capus, RFE/RL
- Tobias Ellwood, British Conservative Party Politician
- Tom Malinowski, Former Member of the U.S. Congress
- Vlad Galushko, Open Society Foundations
- William Taylor, United States Institute of Peace
About the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC)
Since its inception 20 years ago, EPRC has been relentlessly pursuing its mission: to strengthen democracy, promote security and foster economic development in Georgia through policy research and analysis, advocacy and awareness raising, and capacity building. The EPRC’s mission reflects the consensus among Georgia’s Western partners that a tangible and measurable progress towards robust liberal democracy is a necessary condition for sustainable inclusive economic growth and development for achieving prosperity of the country. It is also anchored in Georgia’s status as a democratic frontline state in need of extra reinforcements for its free and prosperous future with Europe and against backsliding towards the autocratic past. Working closely with the stakeholders and building coalitions with the civil society, private sector representatives, and international partners, EPRC has evolved into a prominent champion of the country’s European future. The enduring reputation of the Center rests on its political independence and neutrality, and its demonstrated technical capacity to generate applied knowledge in response to economic and social challenges. The proven ability to deliver quality research & analysis, capacity building initiatives, high-profile events, attract global academic and political leaders, and build domestic network of change makers adds to the value of the organization. For more information: www.eprc.ge
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights and freedom, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
About the George W. Bush Institute
The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at bushcenter.org.
