THE GENDERED EROSION OF DEMOCRACY: EVIDENCE FROM GEORGIA
THE GENDERED EROSION OF DEMOCRACY: EVIDENCE FROM GEORGIA

Summary/Abstract: This article explores how regression in gender equality has become an integral feature of democratic backsliding. Focusing on Georgia, it identifies the interconnected ways in which the ruling Georgian Dream party has rolled-back previous gains in equality and inclusion. The past two years have seen gender become both a target and a tool of illiberal politics, including the weaponisation of equality policies and institutions, the sanctification of retrograde gender roles, as well as measures to undermine the country's long-standing international commitments towards anti-discrimination and the rule of law. Evidence from Georgia confirms that attacks on gender equality are firmly part of the 'autocratic playbook', which is being deployed across the globe. This article makes an original contribution to comparative research on processes of autocratisation by showing how the demise of gender politics is a reliable indicator of democratic decay.

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