2nd International Conference “Societies in Transition”

On May 28th of this year, the Faculty of Social Sciences at Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University organized the Second International Scientific Conference, ''Societies in Transition,'' which brought together Georgian and international professors as participants.

"Being in an era of transformation entails new opportunities alongside challenges, which in turn require profound understanding and adaptation. For this reason, we consider the role of academia particularly significant for critical analysis, in-depth research, and interdisciplinary collaboration regarding the multifaceted processes and changes occurring worldwide. By sharing your experience, knowledge, and perspectives, we will create a productive discussion platform to collectively seek answers to global challenges and possibilities for their effective management,'' noted Tamar Kobuladze, Associate Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The conference was divided into three academic panels: the first panel focused on international politics, the second on educational sciences, and the third on psychological and anthropological issues. Presenters delivered their research findings, followed by engaging discussions among conference participants and attendees.

The academic presentations addressed the role of civil society in contemporary security, the Online Safety Act (2023); and international responses to British legal decisions. The domestic and foreign policy of the ruling conservative party in Poland from 2015 to 2023; Common threats and different "dreams" of Georgia and Moldova; A comparative study of public service motivation policies using examples from Georgia, Estonia, and Lithuania. The education sciences panel examined practical issues related to teaching and learning, including empowering students through effective positive learning methodologies for developing transition skills; the role of gamification in improving students' academic achievement and engagement; artificial intelligence as a research assistant: tools, applications, and best practices; and newspaper language analysis. In anthropology, topics included the anthropological framework of the study of power, Soviet ethnography, and its legacy in post-Soviet Georgia. In psychology, presentations covered work initiation, motivation, and differentiation among adults with intellectual disabilities, as well as research on Georgian youth's attitudes toward mental health issues.

The conference emphasized the particular importance of academic space in the era of transformation for critical analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration. The event facilitated the sharing of scientific experience and the development of international academic connections.