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On Think Tanks :The small think tank trap I Job opportunity at OTT
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Dear OTT Community,
Last month I drove from Tbilisi to Yerevan. At one point, when we were a few hundred meters from the border with Azerbaijan, our host commented that we were in the “line of fire”. Whether this was a joke or not, our driver certainly hit the accelerator!
I was there to discuss the findings of the 2023 think tank state of the sector report with Open Society Foundation Georgia and the Democracy Development Centre in Armenia.
While they face many similar challenges, the Georgian think tank context is markedly harsher than the Armenian. In Georgia the space for engagement with the government appears to be closed, coupled by attempts to limit access to international funding for civil society.
I was reminded that think tanks always have to make difficult choices – everywhere. But these choices are harder in contexts characterised by weak democratic institutions and uncertainty.
The drive between these two capital cities in the Southern Caucasus also reminded me that we live in continuous spaces. Flying would have created a disconnect between Tbilisi and Yerevan. Driving reinforced the connections between both cities – and between both think tank communities.
Indeed, many of the issues discussed, in both countries, resonated with those I’ve been having with think tanks and funders in other regions too.
Read more reflections on my trip in my latest article, "Difficult choices for think tanks in the Southern Caucasus". Content you've contributed this month includes:
- Are think tanks in the Western Balkans state-captured? Irena Đorđević Šušić
- Strengthening Brazil’s democracy with digital policies: In conversation with Samara Mariana de Castro, Hub LAC
- How think tanks can thrive in uncertain times, Keith Burnet
Separately, we have extended the deadline for applications for the School for Thinktankers 2024 in Brussels until 19 December. Limited slots are available, so don't miss your chance to apply.
Finally, we are inviting think tank leaders and funders to register your interest in attending OTT Conference 2024 with Fundació Bofill in Barcelona, Spain.
Until next month,
Enrique Mendizabal
OTT Founder & Director
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