Once regarded as a frontrunner of the Eastern Partnership, Georgia is today sliding into authoritarianism, despite immense public support for European integration. This article explores the paradox of a pro-European society tolerating this democratic backsliding. It argues that a combination of internal and external factors has reshaped public priorities from democracy building to security. Russian propaganda, amplified by the War in Ukraine, has successfully triggered deep-rooted fears of war within Georgian society, enabling the ruling Georgian Dream party to use these narratives and patronage networks to consolidate power. This article highlights the risks this process poses to Georgia’s European future.
Georgians have widely believed that rapprochement with the EU would have a positive impact on the country’s democratisation, economic development, institutional strengthening, rule of law, and living standards.
