Karina Goulordava
Ph.D. Candidate (Ko莽 University)
- MA (American University of Beirut)
Karina Goulordava is currently completing her Ph.D. in Sociology at Ko莽 University in Istanbul and is affiliated with the Migration Research Center at Ko莽 University (MiReKoc). Her research focuses on studying the linkages between migration and urbanization processes, particularly in Istanbul and Beirut. Previously she completed her Master鈥檚 in Urban Planning and Policy at the American University of Beirut. Additionally, she has worked as a practitioner and a researcher in the humanitarian and development sector with MENA and European-based organizations.
Panel 5: Displacement in Eurasia: Beyond Ukrainians
Not Digital Nomads: Displaced and Self-Exiled Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Russian IT Specialists in Georgia and Turkey
(4:35-22:13)
Media reports and IT sector-related studies estimate that tens of thousands of IT specialists left Ukraine since the start of Russia鈥檚 invasion. The war on Ukraine also intensified an existing outflow of IT workers from Russia and Belarus, now self-exiling in neighboring countries, particularly in Georgia and Turkey. This talk presents ongoing research on the motives and strategies of the displaced and self-exiled IT specialists, as well as the reactions of Georgian and Turkish governments and industry stakeholders to the arrival of these specialists. Our joint findings are based on a media review and interviews with relevant stakeholders and Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Russian IT specialists.