28
Jun
Radio Interview
The radio presenter, Nino Machavariani, offered the first media support for the newly established Institute. She invited the President of the Georgian Association for American Studies, Professor Vasil Kacharava, and the founding director of the American and British Studies Institute, Professor Maia Nadareishvili, on her radio programme “Afternoon of Alma Mater” on Voice of Georgia (FM 107.9).
Professor Vasil Kacharava talked about the first steps in American Studies in Georgia, including founding the Center for American Studies at Tbilisi State University, which later grew into the Institute as it developed further.
Professor Maia Nadareishvili discussed her involvement in British Studies as a high school student and in American Studies as a student of Tbilisi State University under the supervision of Professor Vasil Kacharava. She explained how her professional interests and academic achievement pushed her towards the idea of an institute that would embrace both American Studies and British Studies.
Professor Vasil Kacharava said: “Almost every American university has a center for American studies. Since America is the main political ally of Georgia, our country needs to have American studies prioritized. Interest in the United States has a long history in Georgia. The Institute for American Studies at Tbilisi State University had a lengthy development. At first, we established a laboratory, which later became a center; eventually, it grew into a department at the University and finally became an institute. Naturally, the Georgian Association for American Studies welcomed a new Institute for American and British Studies in our community. Knowing Ms Nadareishvili’s American speedy manner of work, we believe in the Institute’s fast-paced and dynamic development.”
Professor Maia Nadareishvili said: "I am honoured to follow the footsteps of the noted Georgian scholars who have founded American Studies in Georgia. It has been a long way: almost half a century if we count from the first attempts by Professor Gela Charkviani, the Founding Father of American Studies in Georgia, and precious 20 years of work if we count from launching the Center for American Studies at Tbilisi State University by Professor Vasil Kacharava. It is a privilege to become a founding director of the American and British Studies Institute, which has been on my bucket list for quite a while, but merely being a dream rather than a plan until recently. Because of the successful forerunners, the new Institute begins with a crucial head start. Therefore, we can research broader topics, embracing American and British studies. I am eager to work with local and international colleagues. The Institute also welcomes the postgraduate students for academic involvement in our projects."
