The Caucasus

The three former Soviet Republics within in the Caucasus region, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, have had a difficult transition to a democracy and market-based economy. All three nations have been plagued by a civil war (Georgia) and intra-state conflict (Armenia and Azerbaijan) in the period since their independence from the former Soviet Union. Additional issues, including massive corruption, poverty, and energy independence, have created tensions for the peoples of the Caucasus.

Georgia

In July 2003, Karuna Center led a series of peacebuilding seminars for women leaders from NGOs. Our seminar participants understood the necessity of developing a more peaceful and democratic society, but many found the concepts of peacebuilding new and unfamiliar. In addition to addressing the issues of safety and empowerment of particular concern to the women, we worked to build sensitivity toward the needs and fears of those in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which is essential if Georgians are to build a functioning multi-ethnic society.

Armenia

In December 1999, Karuna Center led a four-day training for graduate students, faculty, and NGO leaders at Yerevan State University. The training began with an introduction to the field and key concepts of conflict transformation. Following the introduction to the field, the participants examined the multiple and inter-related causes of conflicts that arise between communities, organizations and nation-states. Together we examined the cycles of revenge and counter-violence and discussed models that help move toward humanization and cooperation.

Azerbaijan

In September 2004, Karuna Center led workshops on conflict management both for the staff of Catholic Relief Services in Azerbaijan and for their NGO partners, who came from Baku as well as outlying regions and whose missions varied from human rights education to agricultural development. The workshops offered a general introduction to conflict analysis and intervention, and focused on the management of both community-based and organizational conflicts.

In December 1999, Karuna Center led a three-day training for student leaders focusing on transforming conflict and building peace. Following a brief introduction of some key concepts of conflict transformation, students had the opportunity to practice and role play conflict interventions such as negotiation and mediation. The workshop engaged students in a variety of learning activities, group work, reflections, and discussions.