CASCADE · Exploring the Security-Democracy Nexus in the Caucasus

CASCADE will:- scrutinise Caucasian states and societies for the root causes of conflict and insecurity, conduct synergetic research on democracy and security in the Caucasus and investigate their interaction,- analyse the links between the region and its wider neighbourhood,- provide forward-looking analysis on regional security and democratisation processes,- and develop a set of proposals on how the EU could enhance its role in the region.The project will de-compartmentalise research on the Caucasus by exploring linkages between societal challenges, political developments and conflicts and investigating the interactions between the North and South Caucasus, as well as between the Caucasus and its wider neighbourhood. On the basis of a strong comparative and interdisciplinary approach, we will seek to provide a more accurate understanding of how democracy and security are perceived, understood, experienced and exploited as political and social resources by Caucasus actors and other actors involved in the region. Cooperation between researchers with backgrounds in different humanities will uncover the various facets of the relationship between democracy and security. Drawing upon extensive fieldwork in the North and South Caucasus, including in the conflict areas and de facto States, CASCADE will generate a wealth of empirical data as well as new and important insights into security and democracy in the Caucasus. The project’s outcomes will also be largely policy-driven and CASCADE’s impact will be considerable in terms of shaping EU policy toward the Caucasus. The project will act as a knowledge hub to spur debate and bring together academic and policy communities from Europe and the Caucasus.