Marika Mikiashvili - Update on Georgia - August 30, 2024

@MriyaReport news from Ukraine & replays of guests you might have missed or want to listen to again.

Marika Mikiashvili (X/Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Mikiashvili_M⁠⁠⁠⁠) is a Georgian researcher and political activist. She specializes in hybrid threats, governance, national identity, security issues, and post-socialist Europe & Central Asia governance, identity, security research/teaching.

Mriya Report welcomes Marika back to cover the current situation in Georga and the russian influence. Marika once again provides great insight into Georgian affairs as the country approaches critical elections. She discusses the ruling party, Georgian Dream, and its controversial actions, such as pushing for a constitutional majority to outlaw opposition parties and potentially alter the constitution singlehandedly. Marika highlights the government's aggressive rhetoric and lies. Despite these challenges, Marika remains hopeful, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and the potential for a peaceful transition of power, though she acknowledges the risks of escalating authoritarianism.

Marika also draws a connection between Georgia's situation and the broader geopolitical context, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. She notes that Georgian Dream's narrative mirrors Russian propaganda, casting Georgia's pro-Western opposition as a threat to national security. Marika stresses the importance of international support and awareness, suggesting that stronger external pressure on the Georgian government could help prevent further democratic backsliding.

#Democracy #Georgia