About BRAMS Institute
On a summer day in July 2018, Georgian founder Dr Maia Nadare and British academic Professor Dr Jeremy J. Ramsden discussed creating the Institute for British, American, and Kartvelian (Georgian) Interdisciplinary Global Studies. While weighing twelve possible names, the founder observed that one abbreviation – BRAMS, from Br(itain) + Am(erica) + S(akartvelo) – echoed the surname of the German composer Johannes Brahms. Both being enthusiastic admirers of classical music, they adopted BRAMS Institute as the new think tank's name.
The Georgian Association for American Studies (GAAS) has been central to the development of American Studies centres across Georgia. In the same spirit, Professor Dr Vasil Kacharava, President of GAAS and a member of the faculty at Tbilisi State University, played a key role in establishing the BRAMS Institute, contributing important resources including books and journals in American studies.
The BRAMS Institute operates as a non-profit think tank staffed by an experienced, multidisciplinary team. At its founding, each member had at least two decades' experience in British, American, and Georgian studies, including university teaching in Georgia, monograph publication, peer-reviewed articles and participation in international conferences.
As an academic institution, BRAMS provides expert analysis and policy recommendations on political, cultural, economic, historical, legal and media issues. Its stated aim is to supplant outdated or inaccurate stereotypes with practical solutions for Georgia and for a world facing instability and external pressures. Although a recent foundation, the team's collective expertise attracted prompt international interest, and the Institute established a professional reputation locally and abroad within six months of its launch.
When asked why they devote time to a largely non-remunerative endeavour, team members point to public service: they believe their work benefits their country and the wider world. As American politician Alan Autry observed, "Leadership requires the courage to make decisions that will benefit the next generation." Driven by that conviction, BRAMS members have initiated several substantive projects and remain committed to the long, challenging work ahead, confident of further positive outcomes.
