Jean Monnet

„Developing European Studies in the Caucasus“ (DESCnet) 

Originally conceived of by the University of Graz’ Russian East European & Eurasian Studies Centre (REEES), it is now under the direction of the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu. DESCnet is designed to enhance the level of European Studies in the Caucasus. At its heart the goal is to create a scholarly association (“Association of European Studies for the Caucasus”, AESC). In the long run, AESC will be a leading EU thematic association that not only run by local academic circles but also flexibly accommodates to the region’s developments depending on the activities of its members. With JM Network start-up funding AESC commits itself to synergize the efforts of its partner institutions and create a benchmark for excellence.