In this discussion, Beka Kobakhidze, a professor and expert on Georgian politics, sheds light on the recent pro-democracy protests in Georgia that erupted after the Prime Minister suspended EU accession. The talk reveals the government's violent crackdown on demonstrators and the increasing influence of Russia in the region. Kobakhidze connects these events to broader trends of rising authoritarianism and public resistance. The resilience of the protesters is emphasized, along with their aspirations for democratic governance and Euro-Atlantic integration.
The mass protests in Georgia, ignited by the government's suspension of EU accession, reflect a strong public backlash against authoritarian practices and election manipulation.
Activists emphasize the need for international support to strengthen resistance against the Georgian government's violent repression and underscore the importance of democratic freedoms.
Deep dives
Protests and Government Crackdown
Following the government's decision to suspend Georgia's European Union accession process, mass protests erupted in Tbilisi, marking a significant public backlash against perceived authoritarian rule. Protesters expressed their anger towards the Georgian Dream party's reported manipulation during the elections, where evidence suggests they intimidated voters and engaged in vote-buying tactics. The violence faced by protesters has been severe, with accounts of police brutalizing participants and arresting hundreds, highlighting the government's determination to quell dissent. This crackdown reflects a larger trend of authoritarianism that many citizens fear will replicate the political atmosphere found in neighboring Russia.
Election Manipulation and Political Repression
Reports indicate that the recent parliamentary elections were marred by significant manipulation, resulting in the ruling party claiming an improbable victory. Observers documented widespread intimidation tactics used against voters, alongside allegations of ballot stuffing and coercion, which has fostered distrust in the electoral process. With the judiciary under government control, there is little recourse for citizens seeking to contest these results. Consequently, opposition leaders are now demanding new elections and the release of political prisoners as core conditions to restore legitimacy to the political landscape.
Public Sentiment and Resistance
Public sentiment in Georgia strongly favors Euro-Atlantic integration, with a reported 85% of citizens supporting accession to the EU and NATO. This overwhelming majority fuels ongoing protests, as many Georgians are unwilling to accept the government's pro-Russian pivot and are demanding accountability. Notably, the protests extend beyond Tbilisi, reaching smaller towns where citizens have come out to demonstrate against the advancing authoritarianism. Activists emphasize that resistance is vital, not just for the immediate political landscape but to protect the potential for democratic freedoms in the future.
International Implications and Calls for Support
The geopolitical implications of Georgia's unrest are significant, particularly given the context of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As calls for Western support grow louder, many activists believe that international attention is crucial to both deter authoritarian actions and bolster morale among protesters. However, the response from Western nations has been slow, with calls for sanctions against key figures in the Georgian government. Activists argue that any visible commitment from the international community could empower the resistance and signal to the government that their actions cannot go unchallenged.
On November 28, Georgia Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that he was suspending Georgia’s accession process to the European Union. In the weeks since, thousands of protestors have demonstrated in the capital city, Tbilisi, and across the country.
Lawfare Associate Editor for Communications Anna Hickey sat down with Dr. Beka Kobakhidze, Professor and Co-chair of MA Program in Modern History of Georgia at Ilia State University, to discuss the protests, Russia’s growing influence in the country and the broader region, and the violence the government has used to crack down on the protests.