356. Georgia, Russia, and the fight for democracy - An interview with the President of Georgia
Dec 27, 2024
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Salome Zourabichvili, the President of Georgia, is a French-born diplomat turned political leader navigating her country's turbulent political landscape. She discusses the precarious balance between pro-Russian and pro-European factions, highlighting the urgent need for international support. Zourabichvili delves into the implications of authoritarian pressures on Georgia's democracy and the risks of electoral irregularities. She reflects on the role of oligarchs and the influence of Russian diplomacy, offering a cautionary tale about the dismantling of democratic values in her nation.
Salome Zourabichvili emphasizes the critical importance of international support for Georgia to resist Russian influence and strengthen democracy.
The ongoing protests in Tbilisi reflect widespread public discontent with electoral fraud, highlighting the desire for renewed democratic legitimacy.
Deep dives
Salome Zurabishvili's Unique Journey to Leadership
Salome Zurabishvili has a remarkable background that shaped her leadership perspective. Born and raised in France to Georgian parents who fled their homeland during the Soviet occupation, she maintained a deep connection to Georgian culture and language throughout her life. Her diplomatic career began in France, but her strong desire to see Georgia thrive led her back to the country to engage in its political landscape. This journey culminated in her presidency, where she now faces the significant challenge of steering Georgia toward a European future amid strong Russian opposition.
The Tensions Surrounding Legitimacy and Elections
Georgia is currently experiencing significant political turmoil following disputed elections, which many observers allege were manipulated to favor the ruling party, Georgian Dream. Zurabishvili, as the last directly elected president, refuses to recognize the legitimacy of a newly elected president backed by Russian influence, emphasizing the constitutional violations that marred the election process. The protests in Tbilisi reflect widespread public discontent with the alleged electoral fraud, with citizens demanding new elections to restore trust in their democracy. This situation underscores the vital need for strong international support to uphold democratic values in the face of authoritarian pressures.
The Geopolitical Importance of Georgia
Georgia occupies a vital geopolitical position that connects Europe, Asia, and the Caspian Sea, making it a critical player in the regional balance of power. The ongoing struggle between Western affiliations and Russian influences has profound implications not only for Georgia but for neighboring countries as well. As international scrutiny increases, the fate of Georgia could set a precedent for other nations in the region, particularly those that seek to assert their independence from Russian hegemony. The concept of Europe and the broader West supporting Georgian democracy becomes crucial, as the outcomes will likely influence future relations with countries like Moldova, Ukraine, and beyond.
The Role of External Support and Responses to Russian Aggression
The podcast highlights the perceived lack of robust international support for Georgia amidst its current political challenges, particularly from European leaders. Zurabishvili emphasizes the need for democratic allies to take a firmer stance against Russian interference in elections, warning that caution may result in detrimental consequences for democracy in the region. The notion that Russian tactics are being tested in Georgia serves as a warning to neighboring democracies, and the podcast calls for a more decisive reaction from Western partners. As the political landscape evolves, the ongoing street protests signify the resilience of the Georgian populace, determined to pursue a future aligned with European values.
Will Georgia’s President accept the inauguration of her successor on the 29th of December? If she does, will Georgia be handed over to Russia? Is there a way back to Europe for the country?
In this live interview, Rory and Alastair speak with Salome Zourabichvili to ask all of this and more.
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