Date of Submission

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in National Security

Department

National Security

Advisor

Brendan M. Chrzanowski, M.S.

Keywords

Georgia (country), Georgian Dream, Axis of Evasion (AoE), Authoritarian Rule, Democratic Backsliding

LCSH

Georgia (Republic)--Politics and government

Abstract

The last several years have demonstrated a dramatic political shift in Eastern Europe. While the war in Ukraine may be the most well known instance of this, the lesser studied nation of Georgia has seen many notable changes as well. At the hands of a growingly oppressive government, Georgian Dream (GD), the country has experienced democratic backsliding in the form of authoritarian-like policy changes and closer ties with authoritarian states. This has incited widespread protesting and calls to reinstate democratic practices. GD has seemingly deserted its former Western-oriented goals and the financial support these connections bring in favor of relations with the Axis of Evasion (AoE). This begs the question, what have been the full (geo)political consequences of Georgian Dream rule? The thesis aims to answer this by examining Georgia’s democratic backsliding, developing authoritarianism, and increased collaboration with AoE nations. An analysis of these subjects indicates that there have been and may continue to be sociopolitical, geopolitical, and geoeconomic implications, which have culminated in AoE members expanding their sphere of influence. This writing delves into these consequences and explores a set of possible future paths of the political situation in Georgia.

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