SECURITY VERSUS PROSPERITY: THE FALSE DILEMMA ERODING GEORGIA’S DEMOCRATIC RESILIENCE
SECURITY VERSUS PROSPERITY: THE FALSE DILEMMA ERODING GEORGIA’S DEMOCRATIC RESILIENCE
Author(s): Ana MikautadzeSubject(s): Governance, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development, Geopolitics, Russian Aggression against Ukraine, Russian war against Ukraine
Published by: PIC Promotion of the Intercultural Cooperation
Keywords: Georgia; authoritarianism; democratic backsliding; European integration; Eastern Partnership; public opinion; security priorities; Russian propaganda; Ukraine war; political consolidation; Georgian Dream party;
Summary/Abstract: Once regarded as a frontrunner of the Eastern Partnership, Georgia is today sliding into authoritarianism, despite immense public support for European integration. This article explores the paradox of a pro-European society tolerating this democratic backsliding. It argues that a combination of internal and external factors has reshaped public priorities from democracy building to security. Russian propaganda, amplified by the War in Ukraine, has successfully triggered deeprooted fears of war within Georgian society, enabling the ruling Georgian Dream party to use these narratives and patronage networks to consolidate power. This article highlights the risks this process poses to Georgia’s European future.
Journal: Ukraine Analytica
- Issue Year: 11/2025
- Issue No: 03 (38)
- Page Range: 23-32
- Page Count: 10
- Language: English
