01
Discussion Panel 1
Historical Experience, Current Realities, and Future Prospects
What are the unifying characteristics of neutrality across time periods and geographies?
5–6 NOVEMBER 2026 / TBILISI, GEORGIA
Tbilisi Forum on
Neutrality
A practically oriented research conference bringing together international neutrality scholars and geopolitical analysts to examine the prospects, risks and opportunities for neutrality in the South Caucasus.
Organised by United Neutral Georgia & Neutrality Studies
2days of sessions
4discussion panels + closing session
12international speakers
About the forum
Neutrality, examined in practice — not in theory alone.
The Tbilisi Forum on Neutrality brings scholars, former diplomats, security analysts and policymakers to Tbilisi for two days of focused discussion on what neutrality has meant across history and geography — and what it could mean for Georgia and its neighbours today.
Across four panels and a closing session, speakers will test neutrality against hard questions of economics, defence, diplomacy and reconciliation, before turning to the South Caucasus directly.
The forum is a collaboration between United Neutral Georgia and Neutrality Studies.
Programme
Four Sessions
Exact session dates and times will be announced.
02
Discussion Panel 2
The Socio-Economic Development Dimension
Is neutrality a privilege reserved for wealthy states, or can it be an opportunity to strengthen the economy and promote sustainable development?
03
Discussion Panel 3
Defense and Security Aspects
How do neutral states organise their security?
04
Discussion Panel 4
Peacebuilding, Diplomacy, and Reconciliation
Can neutrality help to de-escalate internal and external conflicts?
05
Conclusion
Neutrality in the South Caucasus Context
How can neutrality serve as a platform for political cooperation, economic integration, and the preservation of peace among Georgia and the states of the South Caucasus?
Speakers
Scholars, diplomats and analysts
from across the world
Pascal Lottaz
Kyoto University · Founder, Neutrality Studies
Associate Professor specialising in the history and theory of state neutrality in international relations.
James W. Carden
The American Conservative · The Nation
Former advisor to the US-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission and to the Special Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs at the US State Department.
Heinz Gärtner
University of Vienna · International Institute for Peace
Political scientist and Chair of the Advisory Board of the International Institute for Peace (IIP).
Larry Johnson
Independent geopolitical commentator
Former CIA intelligence analyst and US State Department counter-terrorism official.
Pietro Shakarian
American University of Armenia
Adjunct Lecturer in History, specialising in Russia, the Caucasus and Armenia.
Mohammad Marandi
University of Tehran
Professor of English Literature and Orientalism and a frequent international commentator on Iran–US relations.
Konstantin Zghenti
United Neutral Georgia
Former career Georgian diplomat and Ambassador to Austria, Hungary and Kuwait; international relations advisor to United Neutral Georgia.
Lasha Kasradze
Political analyst and international relations specialist
His work focuses on the post-Soviet region, the South Caucasus and Black Sea geopolitics.
Petre Mamradze
Politician, scientist and political analyst
Head of the State Chancellery of Georgia (Chief of Staff) from 1995 to 2008 across several administrations; Member of Parliament from 2008 to 2012.
Sakari Linden
International affairs professional
Expert in European politics; assistant deputy in the Finnish Parliament and former political advisor in the European Parliament.
Rein Müllerson
Legal scholar · Former First Deputy Foreign Minister of Estonia
Known for work on public international law, human rights and international politics; member of the UN Human Rights Committee, 1988–1992.
Ristian Atriandi Supriyanto
Australian National University · Universitas Indonesia
PhD scholar at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (ANU) and lecturer in International Relations at Universitas Indonesia.
Organisers
United Neutral Georgia
A Georgian political party advocating permanent neutrality, national sovereignty and peaceful cooperation in the South Caucasus.
Visit website →
Neutrality Studies
An international research initiative exploring neutrality in international relations, law, diplomacy, security and history.
Visit website →Date & venue
5–6 November 2026
Tbilisi, Georgia
- Venue
- Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace
- Address
- 20 Telavi Street, Tbilisi 0103, Georgia
- Language
- English with Georgian interpretation
- Admission
- Free with prior registration
Registration
Join the conversation in
Tbilisi
Seats are limited. Register to receive your confirmation, the full schedule and venue details.
FAQ
Practical questions
Is attendance free?
Attendance is free with prior registration.
Will sessions be livestreamed?
Sessions will be livestreamed on the Neutrality Studies and GeoFirstNews YouTube channels, and on the United Neutral Georgia Facebook page.
What language will the forum be held in?
The forum will be held in English with Georgian interpretation.
Who do I contact with other questions?
Email us at info@neutralgeorgia.com or call +995 557 21 23 13.