Echoes and Futures:
The South Caucasus and Beyond in a Shifting World

This program is still in progress, and the final version will be available closer to the event.

The world is experiencing another turning point, and the South Caucasus is feeling the impact. The global old and new alliances and rivalries interweave with the deep-rooted historical grievances and injustices, shaping the present and the future of the region.

But for those rooted in this land, the turbulence is not new — it echoes a long and painful familiarity. The people of the South Caucasus know this recurring cycle well. Repressions and wars here are not an exception but a structure deeply embedded in regimes that fear dissent more than decay. Resistance springs up like shoots in early spring: determined and inevitable. But before they can take root, they are decapitated by the familiar forces of militarism and authoritarianism. Trees are never allowed to grow; forests are never permitted to form. What remains is deliberate desert — a bare life maintained by design, not accident. It is against this backdrop of persistent rupture and resistance that the Echoes and Futures conference finds its urgency and purpose. The ways of dealing with echoes of the past and envisioning the possible futures will be the running themes of the forum.

Echoes and Futures invites scholars, artists, and activists to come together for a conversation about the past, present, and future of the South Caucasus, its neighbouring countries (Turkey, Iran, and Russia), as well as the U.S. and the EU. How do wars and conflicts, political partnerships and alliances affect and change the region? How do we confront historical legacies while imagining new possibilities? How can communities in the region build resilience and push for change in an unpredictable global landscape? What are the desirable changes? What is the role of art and activism in all this?

This interdisciplinary conference will feature panel discussions, roundtables, workshops, an exhibition, and opportunities to connect with others who share an interest in the region. Topics will include history and memory politics, decolonial perspectives, militarism, identity, future imaginaries, ways of resilience, and feminist, queer and other approaches to peace, conflict and life in the region.

Echoes and Futures is a space to reflect, exchange ideas, and imagine new paths forward. If you are interested in the echoes of the past and possible futures for the South Caucasus and beyond, we invite you to be part of the conversation.

Participation is only by registration: please register using this link and await a confirmation email.

Location: Berlin (the exact location will be provided upon registration).

Dates: July 4-5, 2025

*The Conference is funded by EU4P3 in partnership with the Center for Independent Social Research Berlin.