Newsletter

Weekly update

Large-scale anti-government demonstrations continue in Georgia, and the powers that be are responding with brutal, repressive measures.
Most Georgians want to join the European Union; so far, the country has maintained good relations with Brussels. However, the current government, driven by pro-Russian sentiment, has canceled accession talks with the EU. As a result, Georgia may face a situation similar to Ukraine’s 2013-2014 Maidan protests.

President Salome Zourabichvili, who is strongly pro-European, has declared she will not step down, even though the recently elected parliament (which she claims is illegitimate) has chosen a new president.

These developments pose a challenge for Moscow. It is also possible that, under pressure, the current Georgian government will ask the Kremlin for help. Such a request could risk transforming the country into a Russian satellite.

This week’s relevant geopolitical events

On Monday, Germany’s parliament will hold a final vote of confidence in the current government – its last step before elections on February 23.
Israel’s military is escalating operations in Syria, targeting critical infrastructure linked to terrorism and other threats.
Europe’s leaders agree that defense spending must rise, but lack a clear funding strategy. Proposals to cut other public spending – particularly bloated administration – face strong political resistance.

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