In 1986, Rusudan Kobakhidze graduated from the Department of Classical Philology at Tbilisi State University. She later pursued a Doctoral Program in Byzantine Philology at the same university, earning her PhD in 2017. Since 2014, she has been a researcher at the Soviet Past Research Laboratory, and since 2018, she has taught Georgian Language and Literature at the Green School. Starting in 2020, Rusudan has been teaching an academic writing course for ISU Master’s students

Siarhei Chareuski is a Belarusian art historian, artist, journalist, and public figure. His biography reflects the shifts in creative and social choices made by young people in a major Belarusian city during the 1980s. Siarhei received a solid foundation in art education, graduating from the Glebov Art College in Minsk (1982–1987). While still a student, he became involved in informal youth cultural groups, such as “Maistroŭnia” (the Belarusian Singing and Drama Workshop, which ceased operations

Vintsuk (Valentyn) Viachorka is a Belarusian politician and linguist, and a pioneer of the independent youth movement of the 1980s. Coming from a Soviet party elite family, he rejected Soviet ideology, seeking cultural and national identity. While a student at Belarusian State University, he co-founded the youth organizations «Maistroŭnia» and «Talaka» and played a key role in the Confederation of Belarusian Youth Associations. In the late 1980s, he became a founding member of the Belarusian

Lala Aslikyan was born in 1975. She earned her first higher education degree in Psychology from Yerevan State University. Later, she completed her Master’s degree in Political Science at the American University of Armenia. Lala has had a successful career working with various international organizations, including the USAID program in the United States and the United Nations office in Armenia, as well as several local non-governmental organizations. https://youtu.be/GlmykVhX9N4?si=VSUrcJcxtq0wA9f2

Isabella Sargsyan is a human rights expert with over 24 years of experience. She holds degrees from Yerevan State University and the London School of Economics. Since 2008, she has worked at the Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF), leading advocacy efforts with the UN, OSCE, and Council of Europe, and representing EPF in public councils in Armenia. An expert on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Isabella advises governments and civil society across OSCE countries. In 2017,

Join us for an insightful conversation with Pavlo Gudimov, a visionary art curator and witness to Ukraine’s transformative journey. Pavlo shares his unique perspective on how art and culture have played a pivotal role in shaping Ukraine’s national identity during times of change. Through his innovative projects, Pavlo bridges tradition and modernity, offering a deeper understanding of the resilience and creativity of the Ukrainian people. Discover how his work fosters artistic innovation and brings Ukraine’s

Join us for an insightful conversation with Pavlo Gudimov, a visionary art curator and witness to Ukraine’s transformative journey. Pavlo shares his unique perspective on how art and culture have played a pivotal role in shaping Ukraine’s national identity during times of change. Through his innovative projects, Pavlo bridges tradition and modernity, offering a deeper understanding of the resilience and creativity of the Ukrainian people. Discover how his work fosters artistic innovation and brings Ukraine’s

In this heartfelt interview, Olga Vakalo, a prominent journalist and public figure from Zaporizhzhia, shares her unique journey of transformation from being a product of the Soviet system to becoming a vocal advocate for Ukraine’s independence and identity. Reflecting on her experiences as a student during the Soviet Union’s final years and her early enthusiasm for Gorbachev’s reforms, Olga recounts her awakening to the contradictions of the system she once believed in. She candidly discusses