the georgian dream

power, protest, and the fight for georgia’s future

Georgia is at a critical juncture, grappling with its identity, the fragility of its democracy, and its role on the global stage as it balances the weight of its past with the possibilities of its future. This is a country of stunning landscapes, ancient traditions, and a people known for their tenacity. But beneath that beauty lies a story of political chaos, democratic backsliding, and a tug-of-war between east and west.

who is Bidzina Ivanishvili?

It’s impossible to talk about modern Georgia without mentioning Bidzina Ivanishvili. His story feels ripped from the pages of a novel. Born into poverty in Soviet Georgia, he rose to become a billionaire in Russia, making his fortune in metals, real estate, and banking. In 2012, he returned to Georgia, swapping his business empire for politics, and founded the Georgian Dream party. At the time, it seemed like a turning point. Georgian Dream promised stability, progress, and a fresh start, ousting the controversial United National Movement and its leader, Mikheil Saakashvili.

Mikheil Saakashvili: You also can’t talk about modern Georgia without mentioning him. As president from 2004 to 2013, he led the country through the transformative years after the Rose Revolution, introducing sweeping reforms and cracking down on corruption. For a while, he was hailed as a hero of democracy and progress. But his time in power was far from perfect, with critics accusing him of authoritarian tendencies. His legacy is as polarizing as it is significant, and his influence still looms large over Georgia’s political landscape. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s left his mark on Ukraine too, serving as governor of Odesa and stirring up just as much controversy there.

For a while, the dream felt real. But now? Many Georgians would call it a mirage.

Under Georgian Dream’s leadership, the cracks in Georgia’s democratic foundations have grown wider. Human rights groups are raising red flags about declining press freedom and a judiciary that feels increasingly compromised.

Then there’s the government’s stance on EU and NATO aspirations. Officially, they champion Western integration, waving the flag of progress. But their so-called 'pragmatic' relationship with Russia tells a different story. That word, ‘pragmatic’, has become a loaded term. Critics argue it’s little more than a smokescreen, allowing Moscow to quietly tighten its grip on Georgia’s media, judiciary, and political systems. On paper, the government aligns with the West, but to many, it feels like the country is being slowly steered eastward.

The October 26, 2024, elections brought Georgia’s tensions to a boiling point. Georgian Dream claimed 54% of the vote, holding onto power, but the opposition immediately cried foul. Allegations of electoral fraud and an uneven playing field ignited mass protests. Thousands flooded the streets, demanding fairness and transparency.

pro-EU protesters in Tbilisi

The government’s response was swift, and brutal. Riot police used tear gas, water cannons, and mass arrests to quell the demonstrations. Over 400 people were detained, with reports emerging of mistreatment in custody. For a country that once prided itself as a democratic beacon in the region, these scenes of violence and suppression struck a deep chord of betrayal.

But the turmoil didn’t stop there. President Salome Zourabichvili, whose term was set to end, refused to step down, declaring the newly elected parliament illegitimate. Her standoff with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has thrown the country into political limbo. Zourabichvili’s defiance has sharply divided public opinion. Some see her as a principled defender of democracy; others accuse her of undermining constitutional norms. Regardless of which side you’re on, her actions have only deepened the crisis.

President Salome Zourabichvili

And then there’s Mikheil Kavelashvili, the former football star turned polarizing political figure, now the president. His close ties to Georgian Dream have sparked outrage among opposition leaders, who see his rise as another step toward solidifying Russian influence over Georgia’s institutions. To many, it feels like the country is being pulled apart, not just politically but ideologically.

Mikheil Kavelashvili had a pretty successful football career, playing for big clubs, notably Manchester City

So where does Georgia go from here?

The promise of EU membership offers hope. It’s a chance to transform the economy, attract investment, and solidify Georgia’s place in the Western world. But Georgian Dream’s decision to delay EU accession talks until 2028 has fueled fears that the government is quietly abandoning that path. NATO membership is another option, but it’s fraught with risk. Joining NATO would likely provoke Russia, a neighbor that has proven willing to go to great lengths to block the alliance’s expansion. And while Georgia is strategically important to the West, whether that importance translates into unwavering support is far from guaranteed.

In the meantime, Georgia could adopt a multipolar strategy. Strengthening ties with regional powers like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and India might bring much-needed investment and security. Closer trade relations with Turkey, for instance, could open access to Middle Eastern and African markets. And while controversial, cautious engagement with China could offer strategic investments that could boost Georgia’s infrastructure and economy.

But foreign policy is only part of the equation. Georgia’s progress depends just as much on what happens within its borders.

Infrastructure is a glaring need. In Tbilisi, overcrowded trains and endless traffic jams frustrate residents daily. Expanding public transit and building affordable housing near transport hubs wouldn’t just make life easier—it would signal that the government cares about its citizens’ quality of life. Education and healthcare need urgent attention too. Real investments in schools and hospitals—not just promises—could rebuild trust in the government and give families hope for the future.

The Tbilisi Metro is a vital lifeline for commuters, but overcrowding and aging infrastructure highlight the urgent need for expansion and modernization to keep pace with the city's growing demands.

Then there’s the fight against corruption. Georgia fares better than many of its regional neighbors, but there’s still room for improvement. Estonia offers a roadmap: through e-governance and transparency, it became a model of innovation and accountability. If Georgia could follow suit, it might unlock foreign investment and strengthen its institutions.

And what about unity? The breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia remain major roadblocks to Georgia’s progress. But if Georgia can become a democratic, prosperous, self-reliant nation, these regions might one day see the value of reintegration. Growth isn’t just about GDP, it’s about creating a sense of hope, of possibility.

Abkhazia and South Ossetia are two breakaway regions in Georgia that declared independence in the early 1990s after violent conflicts. Both territories are heavily supported by Russia, which recognizes their independence, while the international community largely considers them part of Georgia. These regions remain a major point of tension, symbolizing the ongoing struggle between Georgia’s territorial integrity and Russian influence in the region.

Right now, Georgia is in the middle of a storm. Protests rage, political tensions boil over, and the country’s future feels uncertain. But one thing is clear: the choices made today will ripple far into the future.

Georgia is no stranger to struggle. Its people have weathered centuries of conflict, occupation, and upheaval. And every time, they’ve found a way to rise. The fight for democracy, unity, and progress isn’t over, it’s only just beginning.

The question is, will Georgia rise to this challenge?