Economist Podcasts Georgia undermined: protests and a hunger strike
Nov 18, 2021
Arkady Ostrovsky, the Russia and Eastern Europe editor for The Economist, discusses the escalating protests in Georgia in support of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is currently on a hunger strike, raising questions about the country's political future. Hal Hodson, the publication's technology correspondent, delves into the alarming rise of China's state-sponsored industrial espionage and the ineffectiveness of measures to counter it. Their insights shed light on the tense geopolitical dynamics and evolving language intricacies around terms like 'green-light' and 'gaslight'.
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Saakashvili's Rise and Reforms
- Mikheil Saakashvili, a U.S.-educated lawyer, successfully reformed Georgia's corrupt system after the 2003 Rose Revolution.
- His reforms modernized the country and broke with its Soviet legacy, ultimately leading to the 2008 Russo-Georgian War.
Saakashvili's flaws and return
- Saakashvili's reforms, while successful, had flaws, including a lack of checks and balances and a justice system used for monetary gain.
- He stepped down in 2013 and went into exile, but returned before recent elections, leading to his arrest.
Government's Treatment of Saakashvili
- The Georgian government's treatment of Saakashvili, including releasing a humiliating video of him, seems intentionally degrading.
- He's been imprisoned with former foes, barred from his trial, and essentially told he has the "right to commit suicide."