Pre-election Instrumentalization of Religion: Who Is (Not) Fighting Against the Church?
Date: 11 October 2024
Another example of right-win populist rhetoric from the Georgian Dream party is its manipulation of religion. The ruling party adopted its role as guardian of the Church ahead of the elections, even proposing an initiative to declare Christianity the state religion. One of the arguments for adopting the law on the transparency of foreign influence was the protection of the Georgian Church and Patriarchate, with the ruling party claiming that non-governmental organizations were working against them.
The “Global War Party”
Date: 10 October 2024
Who exactly does the ruling government refer to as the “Global War Party,” and why has it now become necessary to “mend relations” with them?
Ivanishvili versus Georgian Dream leaders: Who accuses whom of financial blackmail?
Date: 7 October 2024
Bidzina Ivanishvili claims that the ruling party has never accused the US or the European Union of financial blackmail. But what have Georgian Dream leaders actually said?
Pre-election Instrumentalization of Anti-LGBT Sentiments and Family Values
Date: 5 October 2024
In recent years, the right-wing populist rhetoric of Georgian Dream has strengthened alongside democratic backsliding. Anti-LGBT and family values have become fundamental components of the ruling party’s pre-election campaign. Indeed, anti-LGBT sentiment has reached the legislative level, with the parliament recently passing an anti-LGBT law. It should be noted that the ruling party’s homophobic narrative is based on disinformation, manipulation of public sentiment, and misconceptions.
"Georgia started the August War" and other disinformation narratives in GD's pre-election campaign
Date: 2 October 2024
"Georgia started the August war," "The war started on August 8th," "The previous government acknowledged starting the war," "The West abandoned us" — these and other disinformation narratives are part of the Georgian Dream's election campaign. The article provides a detailed review and fact-checked analysis of each of these narratives.
In the Footsteps of Georgian Dream's “Unprecedented Peace”
Date: 30 September 2024
In the Footsteps of Georgian Dream's “Unprecedented Peace”: The Daily Struggles of Georgians Under Occupation; The Utility of War-Fear Manipulation