Givi Silagadze, MA2'19

December 9, 2022

The focus of the Political Science Department at CEU on critical thinking, writing, and methodological excellence has helped me a lot in my career.

Why did you decide to study political science at CEU?

There were a number of factors at play: one of the top MA programs in Political Science accredited in the US and in the EU, prominent professors and instructors, an international environment, and a heavy focus on research methodology. In addition, CEU has a strong alumni community in Georgia and knowing several CEU graduates made it easier for me to properly prepare for the application process.

How was your MA program experience? What were its most difficult and exciting aspects?

It was intense but immensely fruitful. Probably the first term was the most difficult - you have to settle in a new environment, and socialize, and at the same time, the program seemed most intense in the beginning. However, the department made everything possible to make this process easier for new students.

As for exciting aspects, I would underline two of them: personally meeting and listening to prominent scholars whose articles you have previously read and admired and the constant feeling of professional growth.

What was the topic of your thesis, and how did you come up with it?

I wrote my thesis on party systems of post-Soviet democracies and semi-democracies. More specifically, I tried to address the question: Which factors influence the party system development of post-Soviet democracies and semi-democracies?

What are you currently doing? How did your studies at CEU help you advance in your career?

Currently, I am a researcher at Caucasus Research Resource Center (CRRC-Georgia)., where I'm involved in several research projects on pressing socio-political issues facing Georgia. Moreover, I am an invited lecturer in two Georgian universities where I teach research methods to BA and MA students.

The focus of the Political Science Department at CEU on critical thinking, writing, and methodological excellence has helped me a lot in my career.

What advice do you have for current and prospective MA students?

There are so many opportunities at CEU. However, speaking from my experience, sometimes it might seem that you are exhausted and cannot bear any additional responsibilities. When time goes by, you regret some of the missed opportunities. My advice would be to try to take as many opportunities as possible but not take them too seriously; failing in some of those things do not and cannot change who you are.

credits: Lia Chkhetiani

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