In a significant development, the United States is contemplating a comprehensive package of military, trade, and visa liberalization incentives for Georgia. However, these incentives come with a condition: Georgia must reverse its trend of democratic backsliding and abandon the controversial foreign agents law.
The Backstory
Georgia’s democracy has been under scrutiny, particularly after the ruling Georgian Dream party passed the foreign agents law. This law requires organizations receiving foreign funding to be labeled as “foreign agents,” mirroring repressive Russian legislation used to suppress Kremlin regime critics. Even before the law’s revival in 2023, EU and U.S. officials expressed concerns about weakening democratic institutions in Georgia and the influence of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, who holds the honorary title of Georgian Dream’s chairman.
The Proposed Measures
The U.S. proposal aims to encourage Georgia’s democratic progress. If Georgia demonstrates substantial and sustained progress toward reinvigorating its democracy, the following measures would be instituted:
- Increased Market Access: Georgia would gain enhanced access to U.S. markets.
- Military Support Package: A military support package would strengthen Georgia’s defense capabilities.
- Visa Regime Liberalization: The visa regime for Georgian citizens would be liberalized.
However, there’s a catch. These incentives would only materialize if Georgia meets specific democratic benchmarks, including substantially fair and free elections and a balanced pre-election environment.
The Stick Approach
In addition to the carrot, the U.S. is preparing a stick. Congressman Joe Wilson, who supports the incentive package, plans to introduce a bill targeting Georgian Dream officials responsible for backing the foreign agents law. The proposed sanctions would apply to government officials undermining democracy, human rights, or security in Georgia. Travel bans would also extend to lawmakers who voted for the law and their families. Furthermore, unspecified consequences would be imposed on police and security services that responded to ongoing protests with excessive force.
The Way Forward
Georgia faces a critical juncture. The U.S. seeks to balance encouragement with accountability, emphasizing its commitment to the Georgian people. As the situation unfolds, Georgia’s path toward democracy remains closely watched by international observers.
