Giorgi Cheishvili
Researcher,His current research interests lie in borders, symbolic boundaries, state, temporality and events as well as Turkey, Georgia and Eastern Europe.
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A joint initiative between the University of Bergen
and CMI – Chr. Michelsen Institute
Caught in the Middle: Georgia and Moldova
31.03.2025
11:30 - 12:30English
What is it like to be caught between East and West—between EU and Russia—with great powers pulling in different directions?
Photo: iStock What happens when geopolitical ambitions meet a reality marked by economic challenges, internal conflicts and historical ties? Georgia and Moldova have long balanced on a knife’s edge—caught between Russia’s influence and the desire for an European future. Can they continue this balancing act and what will this mean for their civil society?
In recent years, both countries have taken steps towards closer integration with the EU, but the path to integration is anything but easy. Russia has a long history of influence in the region, but just how far is Moscow willing to go to maintain its influence?
Moldova’s energy crisis is deepening internal divisions, with the upcoming parliamentary elections being crucial for the country’s future political direction. Meanwhile, Georgia continues to face political turmoil, with disputed elections results and ongoing protests.
What can the future bring for these countries, and what role can the international community play in supporting their sovereignty and stability?
We will discuss where Georgia and Moldova stand today, what choices lie ahead, and what consequences their decisions could have – not only for themselves, but for all of Europe.
Event info.
Bergen GlobalJekteviksbakken 31, Bergen
31.03.2025
11:30 - 12:30
English
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Elina Troscenko
Adviser, UiBHer research focuses on post-Soviet space and Soviet legacies in differenet parts of the former Soviet Union.
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Kamilla H. Kolshus
Head, Norwegian Embassy Office, ChișinăuKamilla Kolshus is Acting Head of the Norwegian Embassy Office in Chișinău, Moldova.
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Mathilde Tomine Eriksdatter Giske
PhD fello, UiOMathilde is also a PhD fellow at the University of Oslo, where she works on the EU and external democratisation of the EU's neighbours.
Read moreGiorgi Cheishvili
Researcher,
His current research interests lie in borders, symbolic boundaries, state, temporality and events as well as Turkey, Georgia and Eastern Europe.
Elina Troscenko
Adviser, UiB
Her research focuses on post-Soviet space and Soviet legacies in differenet parts of the former Soviet Union.
Kamilla H. Kolshus
Head, Norwegian Embassy Office, Chișinău
Kamilla Kolshus is Acting Head of the Norwegian Embassy Office in Chișinău, Moldova.
She has led the Norwegian Embassy Office in Chișinău, Moldova, since 2024, and has previously worked for the embassy in Kampala, Vienna and Consulate in Hong Kong.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she has experience such as Chargé d’Affaires at the Security Policy Department, Head of Secretariat at the Norwegian National Contact Point for OECD, and Senior Advisor at the Section for Human Rights and Democracy
Mathilde Tomine Eriksdatter Giske
PhD fello, UiO
Mathilde is also a PhD fellow at the University of Oslo, where she works on the EU and external democratisation of the EU's neighbours.
Mathilde is a research assistant in the Research Group for Defense and Security, and works on the project “Re-Engaging with Neighbors in a State of War and Geopolitical Tensions.”
She holds a master’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in history, both from the University of Agder.
She has previously worked as a research assistant on projects related to European security and foreign policy. In addition, she worked as an advisor to the research group for peace, conflict and development related to Norway’s seat on the UN Security Council.
Bergen Global is a joint initiative between the University of Bergen and Chr. Michelsen Institute that addresses global challenges.
