The West’s support of democracy and the sustainability of Georgia has always been critical. These days, however, such support has, practicably-speaking, become particularly decisive. A series of recent actions by the Georgian Dream ruling party has set in motion a cascade of risks now threatening the nation. These risks are multifaceted, ranging from the country’s damaged reputation to the very integrity of its social fabric.
What should the Western policy-makers bear in mind when it comes to doubling down on Georgia’s democratic resilience and institutional capacity building? How should our partners in the West react to the ongoing policy line of “disconnect” from the very Western order that this country has been pursuing for the last three decades?
To start with, we need to keep up the “name-and-shame” approach, giving timely and due assessment to the backsliding of the democratic order in Georgia, and pointing out the perpetrators behind it with no hesitation or ambiguity in wording. This is about sending a powerful message of solidarity to pro-democracy forces in the country, and such support is of paramount significance in these very uneasy times.
The next steps are political in nature and involve providing explicit, unambiguous input toward Georgia’s immediate restoration of democratic order and the rule of law. The primary responsibility for this lies with the United States and the European Union. Two key initiatives, the MEGOBARI Act and the Georgian People’s Act, must advance through the US Congress and be implemented without delay. In parallel, the “name-and-shame” strategy should be expanded and executed broadly.
The current crisis serves as a stark reminder to the Georgian people and West that we must prove that the decades of investing in our partnership have not been in vain
A number of other measures could also be placed on the agenda, such as the proposal for Georgia’s Marshall Plan, which would send a strong message not only to the Georgian people, but to the wider region. This plan should focus on a substantial aid package to stimulate Georgia’s economy and enhance its investment profile. Beyond its economic impact, the plan would signal the United States’ commitment to maintaining its influence in the region and countering malign hybrid warfare from adversaries.
Supporting Georgian democratic resilience and sovereignty has to be perceived within the larger context of the Western-led soft power order in both Georgia and the region.
The European Union must also take a strong stand. It has a clear responsibility to continue its support in “beefing up” Georgia, especially as an EU candidate country, by ensuring that the path toward European integration is meaningful and results-driven. The nine conditions set by the EU for opening accession talks should remain as the linchpin of EU-Georgia integration, despite the current suspension of talks.
In addition to the EU integration roadmap, further measures are critical to assist Georgia’s pro-democracy groups. Grassroots support for Europe is the foundation of Georgian resilience in resisting any attempts to derail its pro-EU integration, institutional capacity building, and development. This support is essential in ensuring that Georgia remains on the path to democracy and competitiveness.
Yet it is important that we recognize that the challenges faced by the European Union in dealing with Georgia are complex. The EU must remain steadfast in its principles and standards while navigating the delicate political situation in Georgia. A key issue in this regard is whether to maintain or reverse the EU’s visa-free entry regime for Georgian nationals. While this is a debatable issue, my view is that maintaining the current regime serves the EU’s long-term interests and strengthens pro-European sentiments among Georgians.
The current crisis in Georgia serves as a stark reminder to both the Georgian people and the West that we must prove again that the decades of investing in our partnership and cooperation have not been in vain. This moment is a critical test of our shared commitment to a future together. It is a test we must pass, reaffirming our mutual faith in the path ahead.
Op-Ed by Victor Kipiani, Chairman of Geocase, a Tbilisi-based think tank
