Georgia’s Information Environment through the Lens of Russia’s Influence
Georgia’s Information Environment through the Lens of Russia’s Influence
Contributor(s): Elīna Lange-Ionatamišvili (Editor), James McMillan (Editor)
Subject(s): Media studies, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Political behavior, Politics and communication, Comparative politics, Health and medicine and law, ICT Information and Communications Technologies, Geopolitics, Peace and Conflict Studies
Published by: NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence
Keywords: Georgia; Strategic interests; Russia and its political impact in Georgia; May 9 - Victory Day; COVID-19; media in Georgia;
Summary/Abstract: The executive summary provides a brief overview of the key ideas discussed in the publication. It also highlights questions for further discussion. Since the dissolution of the USSR, one of Russia’s main objectives has been to keep former Soviet republics under its informational, economic, and military influence. In the case of Georgia, its persistent westward outlook has triggered openly hostile rhetoric and action from Russia. In August 2008, Russia demonstrated its readiness to take military action to obstruct Georgia’s NATO integration and assert its dominance in the region. This, however, has only strengthened Georgia’s desire to pull away from Russian influence and integrate more closely with the European Union and NATO. In fact, Georgia plans to formally apply for EU membership in 2024. Georgia’s geopolitical setting is not one to be envied. Aside from NATO member Turkey, Georgia does not have Western-integrated allies in the region. It also cannot escape the economic and military influence of its larger neighbour. Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States are Georgia’s main trade partners. Twenty per cent of Georgia’s territory has been occupied since the 2008 war, and creeping occupation, including regular kidnappings along the administrative borderline, continues. Apart from other factors, such as growing Chinese influence in Georgia, which are beyond the scope of this publication, Russia remains the main threat to Georgia’s stability and development. In terms of Georgia’s information environment, the Kremlin tries to exploit the following vulnerabilities: Georgia’s fragile economic situation, painful social issues, high political polarisation, media-party parallelism, conservativism and traditionalism, as well as certain Euro-Atlantic integration fatigue, where Georgians wish to see more progress. In addition, the occupied territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, as well as conflicts elsewhere in the region, such as Nagorno-Karabakh, remain additional pressure points.
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-9934-564-36-9
- Page Count: 126
- Publication Year: 2021
- Language: English
Georgia’s Strategic Interests
Georgia’s Strategic Interests
(Georgia’s Strategic Interests)
- Author(s):Tornike Sharashenidze
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Political behavior, Politics and communication, ICT Information and Communications Technologies, Geopolitics
- Page Range:11-22
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:Georgia; political and economic landscape; Russia's influence in Georgia; territorial integrity; security risk;
- Summary/Abstract:Similarly to other countries suffering from occupation of their territory, Georgia’s primary national security objective is to regain its lost territories. This is not an easily attainable goal. Georgia’s interests are shaped by its geographical predicament: it is situated in a region that abounds with territorial conflicts and is affected by the Russian-American great power competition. The country is neighboured by Russia – a state that views the South Caucasus as vital to its interests. As Georgia is considered the gateway of the South Caucasus, it became the subject of Russian pressure immediately following the collapse of the Soviet Union. In the early 1990s, weakened by civil war, economic collapse, and disastrous defeat in Abkhazia, Georgia had little choice but to appease Russia and rely on its goodwill. Yet this dynamic could only be sustained as long as the region remained outside of a Western sphere of influence. In the late 1990s, the U.S. and Europe rediscovered the South Caucasus, particularly as a unique opportunity to build a new energy corridor and set an example of democratic transformation. This interest was welcomed by the Georgian public but was met with profound concern in Russia.
Russia’s Strategic Interests in Georgia
Russia’s Strategic Interests in Georgia
(Russia’s Strategic Interests in Georgia)
- Author(s):Nana Kalandarishvili
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Political behavior, Geopolitics, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:23-36
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Russia; Georgia; political goals; NATO; Great Power project;
- Summary/Abstract:This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of Russia’s strategic interests in Georgia. It focuses on Russia’s global and regional goals as laid out in Russian strategic documents adopted following the August War of 2008 with Georgia and the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Namely, the Military Strategy of 2014, the National Security Strategy of 2015, the Foreign Policy Concept of 2016, and the Doctrine of Information Security of the Russian Federation issued in 2016. It examines how Moscow set out to create an alternative to the liberal west – a traditionalist, nationalistic-patriotic centre of gravity with an ambition to spiritual and moral superiority – and how that plays out in Russia’s strategic interests in the South Caucasus and Georgia in particular. Georgia is not pivotal to strengthening Moscow’s position in the world. In fact, the current situation in the Caucasus is already favourable for Russia. Yerevan’s political and military dependence on Moscow, economic ties with Baku, and financially subsidised loyalty of the Northern Caucasus allow Russia to maintain stable influence over these countries. Annexation of Crimea in 2014 strengthened Russia’s control over the Black Sea. The currently irreversible occupation of Georgia’s territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia as well as cautious approach by the current Georgian government not to escalate any tensions with Moscow allows Russia to focus comfortably on its ambitions globally.
How Russia Targets the Cognitive Domain to Achieve Its Strategic Goals in Georgia
How Russia Targets the Cognitive Domain to Achieve Its Strategic Goals in Georgia
(How Russia Targets the Cognitive Domain to Achieve Its Strategic Goals in Georgia)
- Author(s):Nino Bolkvadze
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Political behavior, Political psychology, Politics and communication, Politics and society, Social Norms / Social Control, Geopolitics
- Page Range:37-49
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Russia's influence in Georgia; Strategic goals; value systems; tradition and modernisation; cognitive warfare; propaganda;
- Summary/Abstract:This chapter examines the cognitive domain of Georgia’s information environment and analyses Russia’s attempts to influence people’s perceptions, beliefs, and values in order to advance its strategic goals in Georgia. Specifically, this chapter evaluates which perceptions, beliefs, and values are primarily exploited, who the main targets are, and what tactics are used by Russia to influence the cognitive domain.
Characteristics of the Information Domain of the Georgian Information Environment
Characteristics of the Information Domain of the Georgian Information Environment
(Characteristics of the Information Domain of the Georgian Information Environment)
- Author(s):Natia Kuprashvili
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Media studies, Government/Political systems, Security and defense, Politics and communication, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
- Page Range:50-63
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Georgia; Information security; Russia; media environment; media coverage;
- Summary/Abstract:The aim of this chapter is to describe and contextualise the key stories that circulate in the broadcast and online media, shaping Georgian public discourse. We analyse the Georgian information domain, including the patterns of information flows and their content, media, and messages. This analysis is conducted through the lens of Russia’s strategic interests and influence activities in Georgia. The ongoing hybrid war waged by Russia against Georgia includes information attacks and disinformation, which is identified in official documents of the Georgian government as the one of the main threats to national security. We analyse the power and extent of Russian intervention within the Georgian information domain.
How Does Russia Target the Physical Domain to Achieve Its Strategic Goals in Georgia?
How Does Russia Target the Physical Domain to Achieve Its Strategic Goals in Georgia?
(How Does Russia Target the Physical Domain to Achieve Its Strategic Goals in Georgia?)
- Author(s):Ketevan Chachava
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Media studies, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Political behavior, Politics and communication, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
- Page Range:64-80
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:Russia; Georgia; Strategic goals; physical domain; Russian influence; Georgia’s information environment; Russian interest; media;
- Summary/Abstract:The choice of Georgian citizens is evident: the majority wants Georgia to join the European Union (EU) and NATO. This aspiration is even reflected and enshrined in the constitution of Georgia, which states that Georgia’s accession to the EU and NATO is an overarching priority for the country. However, Georgia’s road to European integration has not been easy. Russia, which considers the post-Soviet space to be its own ‘backyard’ where it should exercise control, has repeatedly sought to undermine Georgia’s European integration process. To that end, Russia has exerted an influence upon Georgia’s information environment through several approaches, including by targeting the physical domain through cyber-attacks, the occupation of 20 per cent of Georgia’s internationally recognised territory, and the application of active measures through influence networks, among others. As a tool for influencing Georgia’s information environment, disinformation has historically been deployed by the Kremlin and gained newfound relevance since the Russo-Georgia War in 2008. Disinformation is often used to manipulate Georgian identity to imply closeness to Russia or to appeal to identity politics in order to amplify the position of those social groups that promote Russia’s interests. In this regard, physical social networks and interconnectivity become crucial.
May 9 (Victory Day) Commemorations in Georgia
May 9 (Victory Day) Commemorations in Georgia
(May 9 (Victory Day) Commemorations in Georgia)
- Author(s):Ketevan Chachava
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Cultural history, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Politics and religion, Politics of History/Memory, Politics and Identity, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:81-92
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:May 9; Victory Day; Georgia; Commemorations; controversy; Georgian Church;
- Summary/Abstract:Every May 8, European, North American, and many other countries around the world celebrate Victory in Europe Day (known as VE Day). For millions of people living in the West, VE Day has a special meaning, symbolising the historic victory over Nazi Germany and an end to nearly six years of a brutal war. On this day, various celebratory events are held to mark the occasion, including parades, memorial services, and street celebrations.
Georgia’s Response to Covid-19
Georgia’s Response to Covid-19
(Georgia’s Response to Covid-19)
- Author(s):Gogita Ghvedashvili
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Media studies, Government/Political systems, Security and defense, Politics and communication, Health and medicine and law
- Page Range:93-108
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Georgia; COVID-19 pandemic; behavioral adaptation; information channels in Georgia; security and preventive measures;
- Summary/Abstract:The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest challenge facing the world today. It has triggered global economic and political crises and produced an oversaturated information environment marred by disinformation campaigns and conspiracy theories that sow discord, divide societies, and undermine public trust in governments’ COVID-19 responses. The following case study analyses Georgia’s information environment during the first wave of the pandemic. Specifically, it describes and evaluates the country’s main information flows and communicators, including the Government of Georgia, Georgian health experts and scientists, Georgian media, the Georgian Orthodox Church, and Russia, during the period from January to August 2020. The case study is based on open-source information, including reports from different state and public institutions, and quantitative and qualitative research conducted by trusted local and international organisations.
How to Respond to Information Operations While Preserving Commitment to Free Speech and the Free Flow of Ideas?
How to Respond to Information Operations While Preserving Commitment to Free Speech and the Free Flow of Ideas?
(How to Respond to Information Operations While Preserving Commitment to Free Speech and the Free Flow of Ideas?)
- Author(s):Anna Keshelashvili, Tinatin Tsomaia
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Media studies, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Government/Political systems, Politics and communication, Social Informatics, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
- Page Range:109-124
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Free speech; Georgian society; Information distribution through media; information flow;
- Summary/Abstract:The developments following the 2020 U.S. presidential election, which took place during the writing of this chapter, have once more highlighted the problem of societal polarisation, information manipulation, and the influence of new information technologies on societies’ political decision-making and real-time behaviour. The 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol, ‘the most recognized symbol of democratic governance in the world’, brought to fore questions around the collective responsibility of citizens, politicians, and tech giants to better understand, protect, and exercise freedom of speech in a time of disinformation. For example: What constitutes ‘harmful’ online content? Where does the border lie between online content that is protected by the right to freedom of expression and online content that should, or needs to, be regulated? Should tech giants be liable for the information they host? Do they have different obligations to society than other private companies do?