EU’s Hesitation on Georgia Protests Highlights Divergent Strategies with Russia
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The European Union’s cautious approach to the ongoing protests in Georgia has drawn criticism, with some observers arguing that the bloc is playing by the rules while Moscow operates outside the bounds of international norms. Thousands of young Georgians have taken to the streets of Tbilisi for over two weeks, opposing the newly reelected “Georgian Dream” government’s decision to withdraw from the EU accession process. The protests have sparked a broader debate about Europe’s role in the region and its ability to counter Russian influence.
Michael Thumann, Foreign Affairs Correspondent for Die Zeit magazine, described the situation as a familiar pattern. “We are basically playing by the rules, whereas Moscow is not,” he said, drawing parallels to the 2014 crisis in Ukraine. Thumann’s analysis underscores the EU’s reluctance to take a stronger stance on the crackdown, despite the growing unrest in Georgia.
Giorgi Badridze, former Georgian Ambassador to London, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that europe’s miscalculations in competing with Russia for influence in Georgia have been evident. “It looks like, traditionally, Russia understood the value of Georgia to the European Union better than many European countries themselves,” Badridze noted. He pointed to the EU’s hesitation in calling for a rerun of October’s parliamentary elections as a missed opportunity to assert its influence.
Key Questions Surrounding the Georgia Protests
- are Georgians defending Europe against Russia? The protests have been framed by some as a grassroots defense of European values, but the situation is complex, with historical and geopolitical tensions playing a meaningful role.
- will NATO stick up for non-member Georgia? As a non-NATO member, Georgia’s security remains a concern, particularly in the face of russian influence. The alliance’s response could signal its commitment to regional stability.
- Will the violence against Georgian protesters stop? The escalating tensions have raised fears of further clashes, with calls for dialog and de-escalation growing louder.
- What do a billionaire and a zebra have to do with it? The involvement of high-profile figures, including billionaire bidzina Ivanishvili, and symbolic acts like the release of a zebra during a protest, highlight the unique dynamics of the demonstrations.
- Can soccer players qualify as politicians? The role of public figures, including former soccer stars, in the protests has added a layer of intrigue to the political drama unfolding in Georgia.
The ongoing protests in Georgia have become a microcosm of the broader struggle between the EU and Russia for influence in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is watching closely to see how Europe responds to the challenge posed by Moscow’s assertive tactics.
Michaela Küfner, DW’s Chief political Editor, hosted the latest edition of Berlin Briefing, providing in-depth analysis of the geopolitical implications of the Georgia protests.Her insights offer a nuanced viewpoint on the challenges facing both the EU and Georgia in navigating this volatile landscape.
As the protests in Georgia show no signs of abating,the EU’s next steps will be critical in determining the future of the country’s relationship with Europe and its ability to resist Russian influence. The stakes are high, and the world is watching.
EU’s Cautious Approach to Georgia protests: A Geopolitical Dilemma with Russia
The ongoing protests in Georgia have exposed a stark contrast between the European Union’s cautious diplomacy and Russia’s assertive tactics in the region. As thousands of young Georgians rally against the “Georgian Dream” government’s decision to withdraw from the EU accession process, the EU’s hesitation has sparked a debate about it’s ability to counter Russian influence. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Dr. Lela Beridze, a renowned expert on Georgian politics and EU-Russia relations, to discuss the geopolitical implications of the protests and the challenges facing both the EU and georgia in this volatile landscape.
The EU’s Cautious Approach: Playing by the Rules?
Senior Editor: Dr. Beridze, the EU’s cautious approach to the Georgia protests has drawn criticism. Michael Thumann of Die Zeit described the situation as the EU “playing by the rules, whereas Moscow is not.” What do you make of this characterization?
Dr. Lela Beridze: I think Thumann’s observation is spot on. The EU has always prided itself on operating within the framework of international norms and democratic principles. However, in the case of georgia, this approach has left the bloc somewhat paralyzed. The EU’s hesitation to take a stronger stance, such as calling for a rerun of the October parliamentary elections, has allowed Russia to fill the void. Moscow, on the other hand, has no such qualms about operating outside the bounds of international norms, as we saw in Ukraine in 2014.
Russia’s Influence in Georgia: A Historical Perspective
Senior Editor: Giorgi Badridze, the former Georgian Ambassador to London, suggested that Russia has historically understood Georgia’s value to the EU better than many European countries themselves. Do you agree with this assessment?
Dr. Lela Beridze: Absolutely. Russia has always viewed Georgia as a strategic buffer zone, both geographically and geopolitically. The Kremlin understands that Georgia’s alignment with the EU and NATO poses a direct challenge to its influence in the region. Unfortunately, many European countries have been slow to recognize the strategic importance of Georgia. This miscalculation has allowed Russia to exploit the situation, whether through economic leverage, political interference, or even direct military action, as we’ve seen in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
The Role of NATO and Georgia’s Security Concerns
Senior Editor: One of the key questions surrounding the protests is whether NATO will step up for non-member Georgia. What role do you see NATO playing in this geopolitical chess game?
Dr. Lela beridze: NATO’s role is crucial,but it’s also complicated. As a non-member, Georgia doesn’t have the same security guarantees as other NATO allies. though, NATO has consistently reaffirmed its support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The alliance’s response to the protests will be a litmus test of its commitment to regional stability.If NATO can send a strong signal of support, it could help counterbalance Russian influence. But if it remains silent,it risks emboldening Moscow.
The Unique Dynamics of the Georgia Protests
Senior Editor: The protests in Georgia have been marked by some unusual elements, such as the involvement of high-profile figures like billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili and symbolic acts like the release of a zebra during a protest. How do these dynamics reflect the broader political landscape in Georgia?
dr. Lela Beridze: These elements highlight the complexity and creativity of Georgian politics. Bidzina Ivanishvili, as the founder of the “Georgian Dream” party, is a polarizing figure whose involvement underscores the deep divisions within Georgian society. The symbolic acts, like the release of a zebra, are a reflection of the youth-driven nature of the protests. They’re using unconventional tactics to draw attention to their cause and challenge the status quo. These dynamics make the protests not just a political movement, but also a cultural phenomenon.
The Future of EU-georgia Relations
Senior Editor: As the protests show no signs of abating, what do you see as the future of Georgia’s relationship with the EU? And how can the EU better counter Russian influence in the region?
Dr. Lela Beridze: The future of EU-Georgia relations will depend heavily on the EU’s willingness to take a more assertive stance. This means not just offering rhetorical support, but also concrete actions, such as economic aid, political reforms, and stronger security guarantees. The EU needs to recognize that Georgia is not just a peripheral issue, but a critical front in the broader struggle against Russian influence. By strengthening its ties with Georgia, the EU can send a powerful message to Moscow: that it will not cede ground in its own backyard.
Senior Editor: Dr. Beridze, thank you for your invaluable insights. The world is indeed watching as the EU navigates this geopolitical minefield, and your analysis provides a much-needed perspective on the challenges facing both Georgia and the European Union.
