The main goal of the Leval Mikeladze Diplomatic Training and Research Institute is to ensure professional education for the Georgian diplomatic service and other civil servants, via the means of equipping them with analytical and IT skills, in order to support the processes of formulation and successful implementation of Georgia’s foreign policy. I believe that this collection of analytical articles represents a step in the right direction in this regard. By publishing such works we aim to establish a tradition of analysis and deliberation regarding significant issues on the international agenda.

The articles selected for this collection will act as an auxiliary tool for Georgia’s policy-makers in terms of looking at existing challenges from various points of view, while also seeking alternative solutions.

It is of utmost importance to introduce the authors of the articles selected for this first collection. They are, mostly, up and coming diplomats, having recently started working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Therefore, in accordance with the existing internal policy of the Institution, they completed a mandatory learning program for entry-level diplomats. Such programs operated by the Institute are directed towards acquisition of theoretical and practical skills by participants, as well as the identification of their strengths. This will, in turn, further solidify Georgia’s position on the international arena.

The Diplomatic Institute will publish this collection of analytical articles every four months. We will attempt to cover all the current issues, which are relevant for both international as well as regional agendas. Additionally, this is important for Georgia’s foreign policy. We hope that more professional staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will join us in this initiative, further diversifying the contents of the publications in the future.

I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone involved in the preparation of aforementioned articles for this first publication for their interest, readiness and courage. This includes the team of the Diplomatic Institute and the editor of the collection, Irakli Sirbiladze, who played a crucial role in the realization of this project.

The trust and support of the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Diplomatic Institute are key to the implementation of such and other initiatives.

I hope that you will find the presented material interesting!

Tinatin Bregvadze

Director of the Levan Mikeladze Diplomatic Training and Research Institute