Early effects of theCOVID_19 pandemic on the real estate market in Georgia

The article analyzes the early effects of the COVID_19 pandemic on the Georgian real estate market. There are studies examining the impact of health deterioration and pandemic shocks on housing markets. Based on the analysis of the economic consequences caused by similar events in the past and the tools of state regulation in a crisis situation, parallels are drawn with the modern Covid pandemic. In studying the crisis situation in the real estate market, we also rely on the experience of the global financial crisis of 2007-2008, which is most often associated with the current situation. The research is mainly based on the data of the Georgian Public Registry on the real estate market, which is updated by months. The article also discusses the role and importance of government decision-making in the development business, which has helped the real estate market to some extent. Crises are particularly damaging to the construction and real estate sectors, but we also expect that the real estate market will recover rapidly with the lifting of restrictions. This is based on the recent experience of Georgia, in particular, our simultaneous analysis of the results of the first wave of the COVID_19 pandemic. The situation was different during the crisis of 2007-2008, which was accompanied by war with Russia. Then the turn over of the construction sector decreased by 12% per year and it took about three years for the market to fully recover. At the same time, before 2008, the prices in the real estate market were very high, which confirmed the existence of a real estate "bubble". In modern conditions, it is difficult to talk about the existence of a "bubble", because before the pandemic real estate prices were balanced and stable. This fact allows for additional optimism. The paper summarizes the main findings, identifies all the challenges the market are facing and also provides relevant recommendations for market participants. Keywords: COVID_19 pandemic, Real Estate, Crisis, development business, State regulations.

Polling stations - the main cornerstone of elections

In this article, we discuss the legislative proposal submitted by us, according to which we request an amendment to Article 61, Part 1, Paragraph 1 of the Election Code of Georgia, according to which a new function was added to the member of the flow regulation commission - if necessary, electronically check In the list. In addition, Article 58 (4) (b) of the law requires a change, according to which special places for election observers and party representatives will be allocated at the polling station on polling day, from where they will be able to freely observe the election process at the polling station. With these changes, the Election Code of Georgia will be able to better regulate the problems existing at the polling station on the polling day; It serves to create a safe, comfortable electoral environment for both the voter and the other persons involved in the election process in the line of duty. Keywords: Elections, Legislative Proposal, Election Code

Benefits and challenges of applying e-learning in the Georgian higher education system

E-learning has an increasingly important role within the ever-growing tertiary education system in many developed countries. While the research on e-learning is still relatively a novel discipline, with even a universally accepted definition being absent, there are numerous indications pointing to its increasing importance. For example, in the US alone, some 35% of university students take at least one online degree, while the ratio has been steadily increasing in the recent years. There are numerous underlying factors which support the intensification of e-learning. Most countries cannot keep up with the increasing demand for tertiary education by merely expanding their traditional universities – be it because of high needed fixed investments, or because or elevated costs of engaging the relatively scarce teaching staff. In the same time, the ICT revolution – as well as the ongoing COVID outbreak – both facilitate and require shifts to a delocalized contact between students and the teaching staff. In sum, this provides many developing countries with a mechanism of provision of tertiary education to large masses of prospective students without having to invest in physical infrastructure. However, this is not a process without challenges. Regulation in many countries is only yet to cope with these technology and demography-induced shifts in education. Some academic fields are not yet appropriate for distance learning. Cheating and plagiarism could be widespread if not tackled with appropriate strategies and technological solutions. This document examines these elements by providing an overview of the experiences in some of the countries where the e-learning system already took deep roots. Georgia has much to gain if it includes e-learning in its tertiary education system. Georgia at this moment is, seemingly, one of the few relatively developed countries which still do not have a fully-fledged and accredited e-learning platform within its tertiary education system. However, as World Bank data show, some 64% of Georgia’s high school graduates successfully enroll to a university, which is approx. 10 percentage points lower than OECD average, or as much as 25-30 percentage points lower than some of the world’s top education performers, such as Finland, the Netherlands or South Korea. While this gap needs to be bridged if Georgia is to tap the potential of the ongoing technological revolution, introduction of e-learning to its system may be of significant help, while it would not incur large additional costs. Indeed, numerous international examples show that in many countries, the number of students enrolled to universities soared following the introduction of e-learning, while the quality of education has not declined. In terms of increasing the base of potential enrollments, in Georgia’s case it is important to underline that e-learning may also be a mean of reaching out and connecting with members of the numerous Georgian diaspora. Also, setting up an e-learning platform also helps the universities to engage top lecturers in many educational domains at relatively low cost, meaning that more students may be given a higher quality education. COVID-19 outbreak is a case in point. The ongoing pandemics outbreak has shown, among other, that true business continuity for many education institutions, at all education levels, could have only been reached by employing adequate e-learning procedures. This means that those who have already instituted some forms of e-learning had fewer difficulties in overcoming the operative issues, while continuing to deliver education. Keywords: Higher education, E-lerning.

Influence of Basic Actors in Globalization in Developing and Post-Soviet Countries on the Example of Georgia

In the 21st century, globalization is becoming more and more extensive as a phenomenon. The article discusses the popularization of globalization and its transformation as a world dilemma caused by new world rules. The aim of our research is to determine what kind of impact globalization has had, because judging by the example of our country, the country has undergone a transformation as well as political, economic, cultural, and social factors. One of the main integration processes is the goal of bringing individual groups into a single social and cultural framework of self-identification, which has become irreversible and poses a major problem for the identity of countries, as well as economic, social, political stability and security of the population. In this article, we use the following research methods: Qualitative research methods, which include a qualitative study of written documents, focus groups, monographic research, etc. A specific case study, on the example of Georgia, the same Case study method that helped us to better study and analyze the facts. The processes of globalization have somewhat reduced the sovereignty of states. Modern states are powerless to control or deal with globalization, to reduce or limit its scope. However, this did not lead to the destruction of the states. By the way, some states have become more powerful. This is especially noticeable in the example of post-Soviet countries, one of the highlights of which is Georgia. Globalization, like all events, has its pros and cons, but the most worthy positive side of globalization is that it has created and established independent and sovereign states that are becoming stronger day by day in the scientific, social, cultural, political, and economic spheres. Keywords: Independence, Georgia, Globalization, Post-Soviet Country, State.

The Geopolitical Dimension of the Conflicts in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region

Conflicts remain an unresolved problem in the modern world, which is particularly difficult for such a small and developing country like Georgia. The collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the emergence of new sovereign states led not only to an adjustment of a world map but also global geostrategic changes. As a consequence, new centers of power appeared, operating through a variety of strategies to obtain a dominant position in the post-bipolar world. The South Caucasus region turned out to be especially “attractive” in this regard. Two of the conflicts in the abovementioned area arose directly in the territory of Georgia, and these conflicts remain unresolved. Research, analysis and search for settlement mechanisms of the conflicts in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region are the most important challenges for Georgia, therefore, the purpose of our article is to present the impact of Russia's soft power in the existing conflicts and possible mechanisms for resolving the problem. Keywords: Geopolitics, Abkhazia, Tskhinvali, Conflicts

The world pandemic- experiment developing deglobalisation

Globalization is the result of the development of civilization. This process has helped reduce transportation costs around the world, resulting in an increase in travelers around the world. Travel is even recognized as an important determinant of the spread of the disease. Therefore, globalization has become the mechanism of transmission of the infectious disease coronavirus (Covid-19) worldwide. Thus, coronavirus-related events pose additional practical and symbolic challenges to the globalization agenda. The purpose of this article is to determine the potential impact of the pandemic on the future direction of globalization. Keywords: Covid-19, Deglobalisation, Economic Impact.

Institutional Evolution of Higher Education in Georgia

Education policy is an important direction of Georgia's security policy, of which higher education is an integral part. Institutions occupy an important place in its development. Regulatory norms, institutions, values, cultural patterns, forms of ownership are recognized directions for establishing progress in the education system, its arrangement and institutionalization. In conditions when there is no orderly, social protection-oriented system, as well as any clearly defined priorities, all forms of discrimination in the labor system in the education system are excluded by the Georgian legislation. In this field, sufficient experience has been accumulated in public and private higher education institutions of Georgia. This approach was developed by the adoption of the Organic Law of Georgia on the Labor Code of Georgia. Georgia needs the development of institutions that will enable us to effectively realize the potential of the higher education system. It is also important to implement long-term education reform, which is openly supported by the World Bank. Keywords: Institute, Institutionalization, Education Policy, Higher Education, European Standard Education System.

Georgia’s Transit Potential – Country’s Competitive Advantage

The recent years witnessed the repeated urgency of Georgia's transport potential. In parallel, Georgia's role in the BRI initiative has become clear. Consequently, Georgia's capabilities have become clearer, however, there are still issues in this regard, the study of which will greatly help the country to achieve SDGs and increase efficiency. To achieve the above objective, complex recommendations have been developed within the scope of the survey that will significantly increase the country's transport potential and attractiveness; however, it should also be noted that the impact of the transit corridor on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote inclusive economic development/growth in the long-term perspective should be considered. The survey is dedicated to the analysis of Georgia's transit potential, opportunities, existing problems, challenges and prospects, as well as recommendations for the use of this potential to achieve the country's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which analyzes the country's top priorities, current risks and economic development opportunities. Keywords: Transit potential

Tourism as one of the priority directions in Georgia

The article discusses the history of development and the stages that different countries have gone through so far, in details about the stages of tourism development in Georgia. And about the contribution of the state, to the best results from the long term perspectives. It also focuses on the increase of the country popularization, to the tourism programs developed by the government and for the detailed discussion of the set goals and objectives. Georgia has a great potential in the field of tourism, as it is distinguished by the ancient culture, beautiful nature, historic buildings, stunning landscapes and hospitable people. The final part of the article concludes that tourism is crucial for many countries, as it brings growing employment opportunities and large monetary incomes for local businesses. First of all, it is necessary to develop long-term strategic plans for tourism development, both at the national and regional levels and the adoption of them should be done through close consultation with interested parties. When developing long-term strategic plans, it is essential that government structures take the initiative, give private incentives to private structures, and implement relevant projects of the well-planned strategies.