Overview of the Activities Performed by EUGBC in 2014 and Plans in 2015
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Chronicle: the Caucasus in the Year 2014
Chronicle: The Caucasus In the Year 2014 January 1 January 2014 The Georgian State Ministry for Reintegration is renamed into State Ministry for Reconciliation and Civic Equality in a move that Tbilisi officials say will help engagement with the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia 4 January 2014 Russia pledges over 180 million dollars to the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2014–2016 through a decree signed by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev with the financial aid to be provided via the Russian Ministry of Construction 14 January 2014 Hungary becomes the twelfth country to recognize Georgia’s neutral travel documents designed for residents of the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia 16 January 2014 Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili says that Russia lacks the levers to deter the country’s signing of an Association Agreement with the European Union although provocations are expected 20 January 2014 Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili meets with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gül and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a visit to Turkey that includes meetings with representatives of the Georgian diaspora 30 January 2014 Czech President Milos Zeman says during Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian’s official visit to Prague that the mass killings of Armenians during the Ottoman empire amounted to a “genocide” February 3 February 2014 Azerbaijani parliament speaker Oqtay Asadov calls on religious clerics to perform prayers in Azeri and not in Arabic to make it easier for people to -
Georgia: the Death of Zurab Zhvaniya "A Setback for President, Government & Country"
Conflict Studies Research Centre Caucasus Series 05/08 Georgia: The Death of Zurab Zhvaniya "A Setback for President, Government & Country" C W Blandy Key Points * The loss of Zhvaniya removes the balance of power between ambitious factions in the government. * Presidential control could be increased without the restraints imposed by the partnership of Zhvaniya and Burjanadze. * With hawks in the ascendant, more extreme policies may be followed over issues such as Abkhazia and South Osetia. * Observance of the law and the constitution could be further flouted if it suited the executive. Contents Introduction 1 Doubts Over the Circumstances of Zhvaniya's Death 2 Table 1 – Changes to Senior Ministers in Georgian Cabinet 3 The Future 3 The Government of Zurab Nogaideli 4 Table 2 – Prime Minister Nogaideli's Cabinet 4 Box 1 – Opinions on Nomination of Zurab Nogaideli 5 Flaws in Government 5 Box 2 – Synopsis of Situation in Georgia by Davit Usupashvili, Legal Expert 5 Box 3 – Comments on Military Affairs by Kakha Katsitadze 6 Conclusion 7 Appendix: Georgia – Drivers of Instability 12 05/08 Georgia: The Death of Zurab Zhvaniya "A Setback for President, Government & Country" C W Blandy Introduction “Without overstatement it can be said that Zurab Zhvaniya was one of the pillars of Georgian politics in recent times. It is obvious that without the late premier, would there have been a 'Rose revolution'[?] – if Mikheil Saakashvili was its face, then Zhvaniya was its brain centre. Even enemies acknowledged his outstanding talent as an organiser -
Regionalism Beyond Love Thy Neighbour: Why the European Union’S Model of Integration Is Not a Perfect Fit in the Caucasus
Regionalism Beyond Love Thy Neighbour Bikić Regionalism Beyond Love Thy Neighbour: Why the European Union’s Model of Integration is not a Perfect Fit in the Caucasus Delila Bikić Paper Presented at the University of Toronto Political Science Undergraduate Research Colloquium 2015 organized by the Association of Political Science Students on January 14, 2015 at the Hart House Debates Room Submitted to T-Space on March 5, 2015 Sponsored by: Professor Rodney Haddow Undergraduate Chair of the Department of Political Science, University of Toronto Regionalism Beyond Love Thy Neighbour Bikić 1 ABSTRACT More than a decade since its founding, regionalism still remains a foreign term to the Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF), one of the main programs geared towards the mission of a unified, integrated Caucasus. At present, the European Union serves as the best example of regionalism, in which political integration has been achieved through economic imperatives. While Europe celebrates its achievements in twenty-eight member states, questions arise about the potential for European regionalism to be exported to other parts of the world and if so, whether it would be as transformative in encouraging states to perceive themselves as more integrated regional partners. Looking ahead to the future of enlargement, the EU approach in the Caucasus has leaned more towards promoting regional cooperation than opening up accession talks. This has been due in part to the ways in which the countries in the region view their ties to Europe. While Georgians aspire to potential membership in the European club, the same cannot be said about Armenia and Azerbaijan. The factor of regional cooperation is still largely absent, as these countries have a long way to go in developing strong relations with each other. -
State of Georgian Media Since the Rose Revolution
Institute for European Studies Tbilisi State University State of Georgian media since the Rose Revolution Master Thesis by Eter Tsotniashvili Supervisor: Tamar Beruchashvili Co-supervisor: Tamar Khuntsaria A dissertation submitted in particular fulfilment of the requirement of the Institute for European Studies at Tbilisi State University for the degree of Master of Arts (European Studies) Tbilisi July, 2010 Table of Contents Table of content .............................................................................................................. 2 Abstract ........................................................................................................................... 4 Abbreviations ................................................................................................................... 5 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 6 1.Background 1.1 The Legacy of Communism ...................................................................................... 10 1.2 At War with the Press ............................................................................................. 12 1.3 Soviet Dictatorship Ends .......................................................................................... 15 2. Georgian Media after Soviet Union .......................................................................... 16 2.1 Media, Politics and Standards ................................................................................. -
Countering Information War – Lessons Learned from NATO and Partner Countries”
“Countering Information War – Lessons Learned from NATO and Partner Countries” Expert Workshop in Tbilisi September 27 – 28, 2016 Venue: NATO Liaison Office in Georgia, Tsinamdzgvrishvili street No. 162 DAY 0, MONDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER Arrival of participants 20:00 – 23:00 WELCOME DINNER (IN THE SHADOW OF METEKHI, 29A QUEEN KETEVAN AVE) DAY 1, TUESDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 9:30 – 10:00 REGISTRATION OF PARTICIPANTS 10:00 – 10:30 OFFICIAL OPENING KETEVAN CHACHAVA, Director, Information Center on NATO and EU, Georgia WILLIAM LAHUE, Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia/ NATO Liaison Officer in South Caucasus, Georgia DANIEL MILO, Head of Strategic Communication Initiative, GLOBSEC Policy Institute, Slovak Republic 10:30 – 11:30 SESSION 1: CONVENTIONAL WAR: INTERNATIONAL CONTROL OF NARRATIVE What are the lessons learned from recent armed conflicts when it comes to their information war components? How was propaganda used to influence the perception of good and evil in the armed conflict by the public at the national and international levels? What needs to be done to improve our resilience from illicit propaganda narratives, especially in the early phases of the armed conflict? COLONEL AIVAR JAESKI, Deputy Director, NATO Center of Excellence for Strategic Communication in Riga, Latvia TORNIKE NOZADZE, Head of the Strategic Communication Department, State Ministry of Georgia for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Led by: BRIAN WHITMORE, Senior Russia Analyst, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Prague 11:30 – 12:00 COFFEE BREAK 12:00 – 13:30 SESSION -
Georgian Foreign Policy After the Ukrainian Crisis No. 4
No. 4 September 2015 Georgian Foreign Policy after the Ukrainian Crisis By Lika Merebashvili, Intern, Eastern Europe Studies Centre Developments in Ukraine from the 2013 “Euromaidan” to the annexation of Crimea and the ongoing war in Eastern Ukraine are widely referred as the Ukrainian crisis, which emerged as a consequence of the pro-European shift of Ukraine’s foreign policy understood as a threat by Russia to its influence over the Eastern Europe. The recent Russian-Western involvements in Ukraine fomented reconsideration of Georgian foreign policy by the new government of Irakli Garibashvili. However, not all members of the government seem to agree on how the policy should develop. As a result, the problem of poor coordination within the political elite has brought very fragmented and undefined foreign policy in Georgia. The article shows how the Ukrainian crisis affected the foreign policy of Georgia and why the Garibashvili’s government avoided to actively stand against Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine. In addition, analysis of the role of the recent governmental shift in Georgia and the examples of its uncoordinated policies are followed by the consequences and prospects in the conclusion. Governmental Shift and New Foreign Policy Agenda in Georgia In the late 2012 a newly formed coalition Georgian Dream won over the previously dominant United National Movement (UNM), which was famous for its pro-Western and anti-Russian orientation. Euro- Atlantic aspirations of Georgia remained the main foreign policy priority, but along with -
Annual Report 2015
ANNUAL ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015 GEORGIAN NATIONAL PLATFORM Effectiveness and activeness of GNP was significantly promoted by the EU supported project “Strengthening and Capacity Building of Georgian National Platform for the Eastern Partnership” (started in February, 2013 – finished in July, 2015). Through the action GNP managed to raise its voice, strengthened its participation in policy dialogue with the government and raised awareness not only on EU-Georgia relations, but also on Eastern Partnership itself. The EU integration process is becoming more challenging in increasingly changing political ambiance globally. Such a dynamics require joint efforts from all sectors, especially an active engagement of civil Society organisations. Successful implementation of the AAs/DCFTAs in Georgia has been identified as a key success factor of the Eastern Partnership initiative. A great number of the EaP CSF activities focus on different aspects of monitoring the implementation of these agreements. Georgian National Platform members organisations are actively involved in the process and express their readiness to support effective implementation of the AA/DCFTA in the country. GNP NETWORKING Georgian National Platform have organized various meetings, including those of the Coordination Council, Working groups and regional meetings. All the meetings were organised for GNP 143 members. Some working group meetings were held with participation of the representatives of the line ministries. All other events were also attended by the representatives of the Authorities, mostly by high rank officials and policy makers. STRUCTURAL DIALOGUE GNP Coordination Council (CC) conducted regular meetings with high level officials of the Georgian Government and the European Union. At the same time working groups were actively engaged in the issue-based policy dialogue with the relevant line ministries. -
Georgian Nation Building Before and After 2008
1 Kristian Krohg-Sørensen: OUR ICON IS THE HOMELAND - Georgian nation building before and after 2008 Master thesis in Russia studies Institute of Languages and Oriental Studies/Faculty of Humanities University of Oslo Autumn 2011 Supervisor: Pål Kolstø 2 © Kristian Krohg-Sørensen 2011 Our Icon is the Homeland – Georgian Nation Building Before and After 2008 http://www.duo.uio.no 3 Abstract The Russian-Georgian war in 2008 was an event with a large impact to the opportunities of nation building for a country that has followed a difficult path to find its national identity. Due to its deep historical roots, its strong national movement in the 19th century and its previous experience with sovereignty between 1918 and 1921, Georgia had a clearly defined national project before being incorporated into the Soviet Union. Even as elites’ visions of nation building have changed several times during the tumultuous post-Soviet era, the national project has remained constant. Comprising an ambition of closer affiliation with Europe, a more distant relation with Russia and control over national minorities, the national project has met an obstacle after the 2008 war that challenges Georgia’s further opportunities for nation building. Georgian ruling elites, especially since the Saakashvili period, have pursued the national project with determination. They have created a strong national identity, within which the war has been used to create myths and discourses. The problem they are facing in the aftermath of the war is how to continue pursuing this national project when premises have changed regarding relations to Russia and the minorities. 4 Acknowledgements In the course of the accomplishment of this thesis, I have enjoyed invaluable help from a number of people, without whom my work would have been immensely difficult. -
Rose Revolution”
Georgia’s Identity Making in Relations with Russia and the European Union After the “Rose Revolution” Katrina Urtane, 11041013, ES3-3D Supervisor: Antje Grebner 24/06/2014 Academy of European Studies & Communication Management The Hague University of Applied Sciences Author’s Declaration I confirm that this is my own work and that all sources used have been fully acknowledged and referenced in the prescribed manner Respectfully submitted _____________________ (Date,Signature) Georgia’s Identity Making Katrina Urtane Executive Summary After the “Rose Revolution” in 2003, Georgia’s political elite announced its new policy direction to follow democratic and liberal beliefs norms, values and ideas. This has formed Georgia’s national identity, which, the country claims, has always been European. Georgia’s powerful neighbor country – Russia - never supported those changes and saw them as a threat to the Russian influence in the region. The aim of this thesis is to analyze the impact of Georgia’s national identity reshaping process after the “Rose Revolution” in the relationships between Russia and the European Union, in terms of Georgia’s foreign policy and the perspective of social constructivism. The thesis will also analyze how Georgia’s newly proclaimed democracy is being implemented together with its sustainability and stability. The first chapter is a brief introduction which is followed by the second chapter which includes the literature review. This includes an overview and analysis of the research, substantive findings, theoretical and methodological contributions currently in the field. The third chapter of the work is based on the thesis’ theoretical base, namely, the theory of social constructivism. -
Georgia's Democratic Development: Challenges and Problems
Georgia’s Democratic Development: Challenges and Problems Report by GRASS (Georgia’s Reforms Associates) November 2014 Tbilisi Georgia’s Democratic Development: Challenges and Problems TABLE OF CONTENTS: 1. POLITICAL LANDSCAPE ------------------------------------------------------------3 2. THE PARLIAMENT -------------------------------------------------------------------10 3. THE GOVERNMENT ------------------------------------------------------------------17 4. THE JUDICIARY -----------------------------------------------------------------------27 5. THE ELECTORAL SUSTEM AND THE SYSTEM OF SELF GOVERNANCE --30 6. THE GEORGIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH AND ITS ROLE IN THE POLITICAL LIFE -------------------------------------------------------------36 7. PROTECTION OF MINORITY RIGHTS IN GEORGIA ---------------------------41 8. STATE OF THE MEDIA ---------------------------------------------------------------43 9. CIVIL SOCIETY -------------------------------------------------------------------------48 GRASS Restricted Georgia’s Democratic Development: Challenges and Problems 1. POLITICAL LANDSCAPE This section will cover the political landscape of the country, the role of political parties and other influential groups, their interaction and interplay, the major trends and characteristics of Georgia’s political system as well as the general mood of society. Political parties and strong personalities After the 2012 parliamentary election, a bi-party, bi-polar political system emergeD, with the Georgian Dream Coalition (GD) in power (leD by former Prime -
What Georgia Needs to Do to Join the West
fpri.org http://www.fpri.org/article/2016/03/what-georgia-needs-to-do-to-join-the-west/ What Georgia Needs to Do to Join the West Luis Navarro served as Senior Resident Director for the National Democratic Institute of International Affairs in Georgia (2009-2014) and as both presidential campaign manager and the last chief of staff for then-United States Senator Joe Biden (2007-2009). Related program(s) Project on Democratic Transitions Georgia and the EU Executive Summary In recent years, Georgia made major advances in its relations with the EU and Georgia’s pro-Western orientation has always enjoyed high approval ratings from the public. However, recent trends show a decline in these approval ratings and a corresponding rise in pro-Russian sentiments. Coverage of Georgia has tended to focus on Misha Saakashvili's United National Movement, which instituted reforms that transformed Georgia from a failed state into a modern one. The latter half of UNM’s predominance, however, was marked by controversies relating to media freedom, legal overreach, undue pressure on political opposition and a prison scandal. Coverage of Georgia has largely overlooked the role of Bidzina Ivanishvili and his ruling Georgian Dream Coalition, which has continued some of the worst policies of the UNM, such as undue pressure on the opposition, the unequal application of the law and the lack of an impartial, effective campaign finance monitoring vehicle. Moreover, Ivanishvili has expressly promoted the ascent of pro-Russian forces, contributing to the erosion of public support for membership in the EU and NATO. At a time when the Russian government is working hard to re-establish its “sphere of influence” in its “near abroad,” a reset of GD policies is necessary if it is to have a chance at realizing its stated vision of joining the EU and NATO. -
“Building a Modern State in 21St Century - Georgia”
3 September Wednesday (Day 3) Close Session only for CDDRL Fellows and Faculty 9:30-12:30 Close Session only for CDDRL Fellows and Faculty towards Building an Alumni Network and Community 12:30-14:00 Lunch 14:00-15:30 Sight visit to the Public Service Hall 16:00-17:30 Lecture at Free University Agenda of the Conference: 20:00 Graduation Dinner at Funicular Restaurant hosted by the Bank of Georgia University. By invitation only. ON Leadership Forum “Building a Modern State in 21st Century - Georgia” September 1-3, 2014 September 1-3, 2014 Conference Participants: Mr.Giorgi Kadagidze, President of the National Bank of Georgia; Mr. Venue: Courtyard Marriott Hotel Kakha Bendukidze, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Free University and Agricultural Working Language: English with a simultaneous interpretation into Georgian University of Georgia; Mr. Lasha Dolidze, Board Member, Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC); Mr. George Chirakadze, Head of Supervisory Board, President of Business Association of Georgia. 1 September Monday (Day 1) 20:00 Gala Reception hosted by H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili, President of Georgia at the 08:30-09:00 Welcome Coffee and Registration Presidential Palace. By invitation only. 09:00-09:30 Opening Remarks by H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili, President of Georgia; H.E. Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia; Mr. David Usupashvili, Chairman of the 2 September Tuesday (Day 2) Parliament of Georgia; H.E. Richard Norland, Ambassador of the U.S. to Georgia; Ms. Keti Khutsishvili, Director of the Open Society Georgia Foundation; Stanford 09:00-10:45 Panel Discussion I – Regional confl ict and instability: The Situation in Ukraine / Faculty.