According to a new Helsinki Commission Report, “Preparing For The Long-Term Russian Crisis,” the Georgian government’s push towards a pro-Russian stance and its increasingly illiberal internal policies have raised concerns in Washington, as well as other Western capitals.
“Political changes in Georgia pose a serious challenge to US foreign policy.” Washington and other Western capitals are concerned about the Georgian government’s pro-Russian stance combined with its increasingly illiberal internal policies. The report stated that the strong pro-Western feelings among the Georgians indicate the possibility of renewing the US-Georgia relationship.
The Helsinki Commission writes: “The United States should develop two-pronged strategies that involve both holding the Georgian Government accountable for its democratic downslide and providing mechanisms for a deeper integration with Western Institutions, provided that democratic government is returned.”
“The US should implement in Georgia a strategy that includes conditional pressuring on the government, while supporting democratic forces as well as civil society. This approach should make clear that US support is conditional on democratic reforms, and a pro-Western position that is consistent with demands from the population and protection of the country’s deteriorating democracy. The US should also work to strengthen its relationship with the Georgians, demonstrating commitment to their aspirations of a democratic, European future. This strategy will help to overcome the differences between the Georgian government and its people, allowing for more stable and constructive relationships.
The Commission states: “Legislative action, such as the MEGOBARI Act, initiated by Joe Wilson, chairman of the Helsinki Commission and which binds US assistance to democratic reforms, could become a model in future US policy toward Georgia.”
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