History As It Happens: Georgia Between the Kremlin and the West – Detailed Summary

Episode Release Date: December 17, 2024
Host: Martin DiCaro
Guest: Brian Gigantino, Historian and Lecturer at Georgian American University, Co-host of the "Reimagining Soviet Georgia" Podcast

Introduction: Current Unrest in Georgia

The episode opens with Martin DiCaro setting the stage for a deep dive into Georgia's precarious position between Russian influence and Western aspirations.

• Martin DiCaro [00:00]: "More than 100 demonstrators were arrested overnight."

Recent protests have led to significant clashes between demonstrators and police, with 21 officers injured during pro-EU demonstrations. These protests stem from the Georgian Dream Party's controversial decision to delay EU negotiation talks until the end of 2028, sparking accusations that the party has betrayed Georgia's pro-European trajectory.

• Brian Gigantino [01:03]: Discusses the deep-rooted legitimacy of the Georgian Dream Party, which promised to rectify the perceived errors of the previous administration under Mikhail Saakashvili.

Historical Context: The 2008 Russo-Georgian War

A pivotal moment in Georgia's modern history, the 2008 war between Georgia and Russia over Abkhazia and South Ossetia, remains a contentious subject.

• Brian Gigantino [02:08]: "Georgian Dream came to power as this party that was going to undo or right the wrongs... particularly the war with Russia in 2008."

The conflict resulted in Russian military intervention, leading to lasting occupation of the disputed regions. Internationally, the EU-commissioned report placed significant blame on Moscow for escalating the conflict beyond reasonable limits, despite some criticism of Georgia's actions under Saakashvili.

Georgian Dream's Rise and Policy Shifts

Since its ascent to power in 2012, the Georgian Dream Party has navigated a complex landscape of EU integration, strategic patience with Russia, and internal political reforms.

• Brian Gigantino [02:27]: "Today, Russia has launched a full-scale military invasion of Georgia."

Initially, Georgian Dream fostered strong ties with the EU, aiming for deeper integration and market economics. However, the geopolitical upheaval following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 forced a reevaluation of their stance, leading to the suspension of EU talks.

Brian Gigantino's Expertise and Background

Brian Gigantino provides a comprehensive background on his academic journey and focus on post-Soviet Georgia, emphasizing the nuanced perspectives beyond the Russian-centric view of the USSR.

• Brian Gigantino [07:01]: "Studied nationality policy, national consolidation, national development of the South Caucus, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan."

His work highlights the unique positioning of Georgia within the Soviet Union and its drastic decline post-1991, distinguishing it from other post-Soviet states.

Economic Transformation and Neoliberal Policies

The Georgian Dream Party's embrace of neoliberalism and globalization has had profound economic and social impacts, often exacerbating inequality and deindustrialization.

• Brian Gigantino [14:20]: "Georgia is a unique case... The actual process of decline was much more extreme than even in Russia or Ukraine."

The push for foreign direct investment and market-driven reforms, while initially stabilizing, has led to long-term vulnerabilities and unrest among the populace.

Memory Politics and National Identity

Anti-Soviet sentiment has been a cornerstone of Georgia's national narrative, heavily influencing its political landscape and relations with Russia.

• Brian Gigantino [23:39]: "Anti-Soviet memory politics came back to Georgia when the Soviet Union collapsed."

The Georgian Dream Party maintains a pragmatic approach, balancing anti-Soviet rhetoric with the necessity of maintaining peaceful relations with Russia to preserve sovereignty and economic interests.

EU Integration Challenges

Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union are fraught with internal and external challenges, including legislative actions that have strained relations with EU institutions.

• Martin DiCaro [20:15]: Highlights grinding poverty and rural alienation resulting from neoliberal policies, drawing parallels to Russia's "shock therapy."

• Brian Gigantino [42:35]: "Georgia's Euro Atlantic orientation was anchored through these non-state institutions insulating key policy debates from the ebbs and flows of changing governments."

The suspension of EU talks until 2028 reflects the Georgian Dream Party's attempt to recalibrate its foreign policy amidst internal dissent and external pressures.

Geopolitical Balancing Act: Russia, EU, and China

Navigating relationships with major powers, Georgia seeks to leverage economic ties with China to mitigate Russian influence while striving for EU integration.

• Brian Gigantino [50:55]: "China won't say don't pass that anti-gay law or you won't get our investment. They don't make any qualms."

This strategy underscores Georgia's pursuit of national sovereignty and economic development without becoming overly reliant on any single external power.

Current Legislation and Social Policies

Recent laws targeting NGOs and banning gay marriage have polarized Georgian society and alienated Western allies, complicating the EU accession process.

• Brian Gigantino [52:09]: Explains that such legislation alienates segments of the population, fueling broader societal tensions rather than reflecting inherent cultural conservatism.

Future Outlook and Regional Stability

The episode concludes with speculative insights into Georgia's future trajectory, contemplating the implications of continued EU negotiation delays, internal protests, and the broader geopolitical climate.

• Martin DiCaro [53:31]: Raises concerns about Georgia's ability to maintain its westward aspirations amid perceptions of increasing authoritarianism.

• Brian Gigantino [58:30]: Discusses the potential for Georgia to renegotiate its terms with the EU and the long-term impacts of its balanced approach towards Russia and China.

Notable Quotes

• Martin DiCaro [00:10]: "Georgia says 21 police officers have been injured in pro-EU demonstrations on Sunday."

• Brian Gigantino [02:08]: "The Georgian Dream's power and claim to legitimacy was totally rooted in this idea that we are going to move away from the mistakes that were made under the Saakashvili era."

• Brian Gigantino [25:12]: "I don't think that Georgian Dream is trying to go towards Russia. This is actually a misnomer because the Georgian Dream government is simply trying to mitigate what is a real and ever-looming threat of a more aggressive and assertive Russia."

• Brian Gigantino [43:09]: "There is this articulation of the national idea through Europeanization and joining the European Union. That's like one issue."

• Brian Gigantino [53:53]: "It’s very difficult to say from today where I think this is going. Only fools try to predict the future."

Conclusion

The episode of "History As It Happens" provides a comprehensive examination of Georgia's intricate dance between Western integration and Russian proximity. Through Brian Gigantino's scholarly insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the historical, economic, and political factors shaping Georgia's current unrest and future prospects. The suspension of EU talks symbolizes a broader struggle for national identity, sovereignty, and stability in a region fraught with historical grievances and modern geopolitical challenges.

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