As part of the Erasmus+ CBHE JoPScip Project, students at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA) participated in a series of interactive co-teaching sessions led by visiting scholar Prof. Dr. Aneta Cekikj (UKIM) in collaboration with Ekaterine Chavchanidze and Prof. Dr. Bakur Kvashilava (GIPA).
The sessions explored the role of interest groups, lobbying, and political representation in the European Union and emerging democracies. Through comparative analysis and real-world examples, students examined how political institutions, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups influence policymaking and governance at both national and supranational levels.
Particular attention was given to the challenges faced by emerging democracies, including mechanisms of political access, representation, and interest aggregation. The co-teaching format encouraged active student participation, critical discussion, and collaborative learning, while promoting innovative teaching practices and strengthening international academic cooperation within the JoPScip consortium.