The Anti-Western Narratives of Georgian Dream: The EU versus the Soviet Union
Date: 21 October 2024
Non-democratic forces often equate the European Union with the Soviet Union to fuel Euroscepticism and deflect criticism. Although drawing such a parallel is absurd, the governmental forces frequently use this narrative to strengthen their anti-Western sentiments.
EU’s Defense of Democracy Package and Foreign Agents Law
Date: 18 October 2024
On October 11, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze claimed that the EU's proposed directive on "transparency of representatives’ activities for third countries"—part of a larger "Democracy Protection" package—was similar to Georgia’s controversial "foreign agents" law. However, the EU’s directive focuses on preventing foreign interference and disinformation by regulating lobbyists and foreign representatives. In contrast, Georgia’s law targets NGOs and media receiving foreign funding. The EU’s law also includes safeguards to protect fundamental rights, making it very different from the Georgian law, which seeks to label civil society groups as "agents."
Restoring territorial integrity: A matter of Russia’s political will or a new constitutional model?
Date: 15 October 2024
The leaders of Georgian Dream assure voters that a new constitutional model is needed to restore territorial integrity. However, the official strategy of the Georgian government concerning the occupied territories presents a starkly different reality. According to the document, restoring Georgia’s territorial integrity is not possible without Russia’s political will. Yet Russian officials consistently remind the leaders of Georgian Dream that the Kremlin has no intention of reconsidering its stance.
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