The geopolitical and geoeconomic significance of the Caucasus region is increasingly growing on both regional and global scales. Connectivity initiatives along east-west and north-south axes are making the region's geostrategic position increasingly attractive to both global and regional actors in the context of great power competition. The Caucasus region holds strategic importance for Türkiye in terms of investment, trade, connectivity, and security. Analysing the processes occurring within Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, and the North Caucasus region, which is part of the Russian Federation, and conducting qualified educational activities in this area are essential within this historical context.
The Caucasus Studies Research Group (CARES) at the Institute for International Relations and Strategic Research (ULİSA) at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University (AYBÜ) was established to provide a research and education-focused academic platform for faculty members, students, academics, and other professionals interested in the Caucasus region, starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. ULİSA Caucasus Studies promotes the enhancement of research and educational relationships with institutions in different regions of the world, as well as deepening academic collaborations. In this regard, the projects and initiatives undertaken align with AYBÜ’s regional and global strategic vision and mission.
ULİSA Caucasus Studies consists of faculty members and researchers at AYBÜ who have expertise and experience in relevant fields (international relations, political economy, energy geopolitics, connectivity, sociology, and security) related to the Caucasus context. CARES aims to produce analytical and original knowledge by monitoring and analyzing significant economic, social, energy, transportation, political, military, diplomatic, environmental, and cultural developments in the region. In this process, CARES aims to bring together and act as a bridge between scholars, think tanks and civil society representatives, and policymakers from the Caucasus region, Türkiye, and other countries around the world.
As part of ULİSA Caucasus Studies’ activities, roundtable meetings, seminars, workshops, conferences, field studies, study tours, and panels with guest speakers from the region’s countries will be organized. Efforts will be made to facilitate the participation of faculty members and students in conferences and research activities both in the Caucasus region and Türkiye. Activities will be carried out to initiate the theoretical and applied research and education projects on a country-specific, regional, and global scale.
