Neutrality Studies What Really Happened When The USSR Broke Apart | Dr. Peter Mamradze & Lasha Kasradze
Apr 14, 2025
Dr. Peter Mamradze, a physicist-turned-politician and former chief of staff to Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze, shares gripping insights on Georgia's turbulent transition post-USSR. He discusses the rise of nationalism, Tbilisi's civil unrest, and the challenges of restoring order under armed gangs. Mamradze recounts pivotal moments like the 1989 Tbilisi massacre and the chaotic post-Soviet landscape. He also reflects on Western involvement and Georgia's strategic decisions with Russia, painting a vivid picture of a nation navigating perilous waters.
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Paramilitary Chaos After Soviet Collapse
- Dr. Peter Mamradze recounts Georgia's immediate post-Soviet descent into paramilitary rule and street gangs that controlled Tbilisi.
- He describes police disarmed and widespread looting, rape, and armed armored cars in early 1990s Georgia.
Loud Extremism Triumphed Politically
- Mamradze argues nationalism rewarded the loudest extremists, not moderates, fueling radical policies.
- He links popularity to who shouted most and promised ethnic 'cleansing' during that period.
Rustification Undermined Tbilisi's Tolerance
- Mamradze explains Tbilisi's historic multiculturalism shifted as internal migration 'rustified' the city and reduced tolerance.
- He links demographic change and provincial influx to growing ethnonationalist sentiment.
