Georgia’s Democracy on The Edge, Continuity and Change

Abstract

This article examines Georgia’s transition to democracy, focusing on key historical periods and political shifts. It highlights Shevardnadze’s presidency and patron-client relations, the Rose Revolution, Saakashvili’s state-building efforts, and the rise of the Georgian Dream Party under Bidzina Ivanishvili. While Georgia has consolidated as a hybrid government, recent developments, including electoral flaws and declining civil liberties, have weakened democratic progress. The article underscores the challenges ahead, including the 2024 elections and the importance of EU support, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive political landscape.