Dr. Paula Garb, Renowned Scholar and Peacebuilder, Passes Away

SUKHUM / AQW'A ― Dr Paula Garb, a distinguished American scholar, journalist, gerontologist, and professor of ethnology and conflict studies, has passed away. Dr Garb leaves behind a legacy of profound contributions to peacebuilding, ethnology, and conflict resolution, particularly in the South Caucasus region.

Dr Garb's academic interest in Abkhazia was evident early in her career. Between 1979 and 1982, she participated in Soviet-American gerontological expeditions to Abkhazia, where she studied the phenomenon of Abkhazian longevity. During this time, she visited numerous cities and villages, met with some of the region's oldest residents, and conducted around 150 interviews. Her research culminated in the book "From Childhood to Centenarian", which remains a significant contribution to understanding Abkhazian culture. Additionally, Dr Garb made a lasting cultural impact by translating the famous novel "The Last of the Departed" by Abkhaz author Bagrat Shinkuba, bringing this important literary work to a broader audience.

Dr Garb was also a valued contributor to AbkhazWorld, where her insightful articles and suggestions played a key role in enriching our projects. Her latest article, titled "Lessons Learned in Long-Term Peacebuilding", was published in the book "Abkhazia: 1992-2024", reflecting on over three decades of peacebuilding efforts in Abkhazia from 1992 to 2024.

For a comprehensive list of Dr Paula Garb's publications, please visit the publications page on her official website.

A few years ago, an interview with Paula Garb was featured on the programme "Biographical Salon" on Abaza-TV.

Born in San Francisco, Dr Garb's journey between the United States and Russia began in the 1960s. She married a Russian Ukrainian in the late 1960s and raised two sons in Moscow. Her work in peacebuilding started in the 1980s when she participated in dialogues between American and Soviet citizens during the nuclear arms race.

After earning her PhD from the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Dr Garb joined the University of California, Irvine (UCI), where she co-founded the Center for Citizen Peacebuilding and served as its co-director for twenty years. Her influence continued as a Senior Fellow at George Mason University's Center for Peacemaking Practice.

For nearly three decades, Dr Garb facilitated citizen dialogues and taught peaceful problem-solving skills in post-Soviet conflict zones. She also spent 25 years teaching anthropology, mediation, conflict resolution, and community engagement at UCI and California State University, LA.

In addition to her professional achievements, Dr Garb was writing a memoir about her family's experiences between the US and Russia, offering insights into the complexities of war and peace.

Dr Garb is survived by her life partner and was deeply cherished by her family, friends, and colleagues. She lived in Manhattan and Southern California, where she found joy in peacebuilding, writing, and spending time with her beloved pets. Her passing is a significant loss to the global peacebuilding community, and her contributions will continue to inspire those dedicated to the cause of peace.

We extend our deepest condolences to Dr Garb's family, friends, and colleagues. Her work and legacy will remain a cherished part of our platform, and we are honoured to have shared in her mission of fostering understanding and peace.