TBILISI EVENT: Overcoming Negative Stereotypes in the South Caucasus

New and Social Media in cross-border communication and conflict reporting

Caucasus Research Resource Centers (CRRC) is hosting a talk on Thursday, October 28 at 18:00 by Onnik Krikorian. It will take place at Zandukeli St. 16, in the same building as the International School of Economics of Tbilisi (ISET) in the basement conference room. All are welcome to attend.

Armenia and Azerbaijan remain locked in bitter conflict over the disputed territory of Nagorno Karabakh and open communication and cooperation between the two sides remains problematic. In some cases it is even impossible, but can new and social media bridge the communication divide, especially for journalists and activists? Can it also lead to greater understanding and communication between individuals, groups and organizations in the region?

Drawing upon extensive work in this area, as well as referring to studies and research undertaken by CRRC, the talk will include an open discussion on the potential for new and social media to not only assist civil society in cross-border cooperative projects and activities, but also to amplify the voices of marginalized groups in society and the mainstream media.

Onnik Krikorian is a British journalist of part-Armenian descent and the Caucasus editor for Global Voices, a leading citizen media site established at Harvard University’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society. He also writes for the London-based Frontline Club and has covered the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh since 1994.

For the past 2.5 years his work has particularly focused on the potential for new and social media to contribute to more informed and objective conflict reporting as well as actual resolution.