Integration as a conflict regulation mechanism : an analysis of the OSCE's integration program in Samtskhe-Javakheti, Georgia

Abstract

[Abstract] In this thesis I explore the merits of minority integration as a conflict regulation mechanism. Within the conflict literature, there are diverging views as to the merits of integration. While some hold that integration is a fruitful way of resolving conflict, others maintain that integration is most likely to have a conflict-generating effect.

In order to illuminate this discussion, I investigate the impact of an OSCE program that aims to resolve conflict through minority integration in the Republic of Georgia. The OSCE program targets the Georgian province of Samtskhe-Javakheti, located on the border to Armenia and home to a large ethnic Armenian community. The Armenian community is weakly integrated in Georgian society and the relationship between the minority and the government in Tbilisi is tense.

Fieldwork was carried out in Samtskhe-Javakheti in April 2005 in order to examine whether the OSCE integration program has reduced the level of conflict in the province. Analysis of this question is conducted on two levels. The first level of analysis focuses on whether the OSCE has contributed to integration in Samtskhe-Javakheti. The second level of analysis lifts the focus to whether integration has reduced the level of conflict in the region.

The findings show that integration of the Armenian community is gradually taking place. The minority is slowly learning the Georgian language, the minority are active participants in Georgian elections and many members of the Armenian community identify with Georgian society. The findings also indicate, however, that participation in elections was high even before the OSCE launched its involvement in this region. Moreover, the findings indicate that many Armenians have identified with Georgian society for a long time. Nevertheless, the findings indicate that the OSCE has had a modest, but positive impact on both voter participation and identification with Georgian society.

The findings also show that integration has not contributed considerably to conflict. The program appears to be popular with most of the informants, although the findings indicate that language issues are a bone of contention. At the same time, however, the findings indicate that fear is widespread in the region. Thus, although integration does not appear to have increased tensions, it does not appear to have ameliorated tensions either.