Georgia: From Autocracy to Democracy

This book explores Georgia's political and economic development over the past 25 years, including its transition from autocracy to democracy, and provides insights from policy-makers, practitioners, and scholars.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2020
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Over the past quarter-century, Georgian politics has undergone profound and intricate transformations, shaping the country as a state and society. This book delves into the domestic and international developments that have contributed to Georgia's evolution, encompassing a wide range of topics such as the economy, elections, judicial and educational systems, relations with the European Union, and Georgia's interactions with its regional neighbors, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran. In the book, Georgian policy-makers, practitioners, and scholars, who have worked in various sectors of the administration, opposition, third sector, and academia, offer firsthand insights into Georgia's political and economic life. Their accounts provide a unique perspective on the extraordinary transformations that Georgia has experienced over the past twenty-five years, from the authoritarianism of President Gamsakhurdia to the post-conflict era of democracy today.

The economy has played a crucial role in Georgia's political and social transformation. The country's transition from a centralized planned economy to a market-oriented economy has been challenging but ultimately successful. The privatization of state-owned enterprises, the promotion of foreign investment, and the establishment of a free trade zone have all contributed to economic growth and job creation. However, Georgia still faces challenges such as income inequality, corruption, and regional disparities.

Elections have also been a significant factor in Georgia's political development. The country has held democratic elections since 1990, with multiple presidential, parliamentary, and local elections taking place. These elections have been characterized by high voter turnout, competitive campaigns, and respect for democratic norms. However, there have been occasional incidents of political violence and irregularities, which have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

The judicial and educational systems have also undergone significant changes in Georgia. The country has established a independent judiciary, with the Supreme Court serving as the highest court of appeal. The education system has also been reformed, with a focus on improving access to quality education and promoting lifelong learning. However, there are still challenges such as gender inequality in education, limited access to higher education, and corruption in the education sector.

Georgia's relations with the European Union have been a key focus of its political development. The country has pursued a European integration agenda, seeking to align its policies and regulations with EU standards. Georgia has signed and ratified numerous bilateral agreements and has been working towards membership in the European Union. However, Georgia's relationship with the EU has been complicated by regional tensions and geopolitical challenges.

Georgia's interactions with its regional neighbors, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran, have also played a significant role in its political development. The country has maintained diplomatic relations with all three countries, but there have been occasional tensions and conflicts. Georgia's proximity to Russia and its historical ties with the Soviet Union have been a source of concern for some Georgia, while Georgia's close relationship with the West has been seen as a means of promoting stability and democracy in the region.

In conclusion, Georgia's political and social transformation over the past quarter-century has been remarkable. The country has undergone a transition from authoritarianism to democracy, with significant improvements in the economy, elections, judicial and educational systems, and relations with the European Union. However, Georgia still faces challenges such as income inequality, corruption, and regional disparities. The book Georgia: From Autocracy to Democracy provides a valuable insight into the country's political and economic life, offering firsthand perspectives from policy-makers, practitioners, and scholars. By examining the past and present, this book contributes to our understanding of Georgia's development as a state and society and its role in the broader regional context.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487507855