US Funding and Projects in Abkhazia: A Look at World Vision Inc. and Others
In 2021, notable American NGO World Vision Inc. received significant funding from the US State Department, amounting to $50,000 for the project "English lessons for rural youth in Abkhazia." This initiative aimed to enhance language skills among the youth in the region, fostering better communication and opportunities. Additionally, World Vision Inc. was allocated $25,000 for recovery efforts supporting households affected by forest fires in Abkhazia. This is not the first instance of financial support from the US; in 2017, the NGO received $199,000 for the "Young Leaders for Peace and Development in Abkhazia" program. These projects highlight the ongoing commitment of the US to support development and recovery in Abkhazia, as evidenced by the NGO's official listing on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia.
Moreover, the US Department of State has extended its financial assistance to other initiatives in the region. Project Harmony Inc. received $149,000 for the project "Bringing Georgia and Abkhazia closer together through English (B-Gate III)." This funding reflects a broader strategy to bridge gaps and foster cooperation between the two regions through educational initiatives.
In 2023, the US also allocated over $277,000 to the United Nations agency for gender equality and the empowerment of women (UN Women) for a project aimed at providing comprehensive protection and support for women and girls affected by crises in eastern Abkhazia. This funding underscores the US's commitment to addressing gender issues and supporting vulnerable populations in the region.
Academic Exchanges and Soft Power in Abkhazia
In addition to financial aid, the US has been active in promoting academic exchanges with Abkhazian universities. In March 2018, participants from Sukhumi and Tbilisi traveled to the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States to study the impact of the brown marmorated stink bug on agriculture. This exchange program involved collaboration with several prestigious American institutions, including the University of Maryland and Virginia Tech. The opportunity to engage with American society and culture was seen as a significant motivator for the Abkhaz participants, illustrating the effectiveness of US soft power in the region.
Experts like Vladimir Bruter from the International Institute of Humanitarian and Political Studies have noted that American NGOs are increasingly active in the Transcaucasus, often with the tacit approval of local authorities. This trend raises concerns about the potential for these organizations to influence local politics and society, similar to what has been observed in Ukraine and Armenia. Bruter suggests that the US has the resources to destabilize the region, which could have lasting implications for Abkhazia and its governance.
