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Jamestown Publishes Tinatin Khidasheli’s Analysis of Georgian Dream’s Shift from Western Partner to Provocateur

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We would like to inform you that Jamestown has published a new article by Tinatin Khidasheli, “Georgian Dream Shifting from Western Partner to Provocateur.”

The article analyzes how Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, has shifted from a pro-Western orientation to adopting a more confrontational stance toward Western partners. Khidasheli examines the government’s increasing use of anti-Western rhetoric and conspiracy-driven narratives – such as references to the “Deep State” and the “Global War Party” – to undermine trust in Western institutions, diplomats, civil society, independent media, and domestic political opponents.

The analysis highlights how this narrative reframes Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration as a security threat, while consolidating domestic political control and deflecting responsibility for democratic backsliding onto external actors. Khidasheli also discusses the broader implications of this shift for Georgia’s strategic direction, its democratic institutions, and its relations with key Western allies.

Full Article

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Brussels Tightens Oversight of Chinese Companies

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

China has accused the European Union of creating unfair “trade and investment barriers,” issuing the statement shortly after the EU launched a new, in-depth investigation last Thursday under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) into Nuctech, a Chinese manufacturer of security equipment. This move came just days after a raid on Temu’s Dublin office, also carried out under the same regulation.

The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) voiced “strong opposition” to what it described as the European Commission’s “targeted and excessive” investigations aimed at determining whether Chinese state subsidies were distorting competition in the European market.

According to the chamber, the FSR is being applied unfairly: so far, most investigations have focused exclusively on Chinese companies or businesses backed by Chinese capital.

A survey conducted this year by the CCCEU, covering 205 Chinese companies and organizations, found that more than 60% of Chinese firms operating within the EU have been directly affected by the implementation of the FSR. Many companies reported business disruptions, lost commercial opportunities, and increased operational risks. Over half of respondents said the FSR had harmed their reputation and the way they are perceived in the market. Beijing further claimed that some firms were forced to scale back or halt projects as a result of these investigations, leading to losses exceeding $2.05 billion.

A report published in May by the U.S. law firm Arnold & Porter noted that Brussels has launched investigations largely based on political and economic priorities, focusing mainly on strategic sectors such as telecommunications, clean energy, infrastructure, and security equipment.

The EU’s heightened scrutiny of Chinese subsidies comes amid growing worries within the bloc that European industry cannot compete with the surge of Chinese imports. French President Emmanuel Macron has described the situation as a “life or death moment” for Europe’s industrial base.

As a result, despite being major trading partners, tensions between China and the EU are rising, especially over Beijing’s support for renewable energy and electric-vehicle sectors. At the same time, the EU’s tougher approach reflects its broader goals: reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and reducing technological dependence on China, a shift that signals Europe’s increased focus on security and strategic resilience.

Author: Sesili Adamia

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Israel Defense Forces Halt Use of Chinese-Made Cars

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In early November 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a decision to cease using cars manufactured in China, citing concerns that data collected by these vehicles could be transmitted to China. According to the IDF, by the first quarter of 2026, about 700 vehicles—including the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro—will be removed from parking areas used by junior officers. The decision followed increasing suspicions that the smart systems embedded in the cars could gather sensitive information about Israel’s military activities and send it to China or other third parties.

This move is not based solely on hypothetical fears of future espionage. Chinese-made vehicles, which have been provided to IDF colonels and other officials since 2022, operate on closed operating systems. These vehicles are equipped with advanced smart technologies, including cameras, microphones, sensors, and communication systems capable of collecting geolocation data, audio and video recordings, and even biometric information. There is a tangible risk that such data could be transmitted to external servers—potentially located in China—without the knowledge or consent of the driver or the importing company.

Moreover, built-in GPS systems continuously collect real-time location and diagnostic data. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, in particular, is equipped with high-resolution 360-degree cameras that are capable of recording military exercises, troop movements, and military equipment. Such capabilities raise serious concerns that sensitive military information could be inadvertently captured and stored.

Notably, Israeli security officials attempted to “sterilize” the vehicles—seeking technical solutions to prevent any transmission of data to external entities—but ultimately concluded that this was not feasible. Taking these risks into account, representatives of Israel’s security and intelligence agencies decided to prohibit Chinese-made vehicles from entering state and security agency premises altogether.

In early November, Israel’s aerospace and defense industries also banned the use of Chinese vehicles. Plans are underway to prohibit these vehicles from entering military-industrial facilities entirely. Personnel who own Chinese-made cars will be required to park them in designated parking areas located outside factory premises.

According to the Israeli Air Force, there are already restricted zones where Chinese vehicles are not permitted to enter. Authorities intend to expand these restricted areas further to prevent unforeseen incidents and to ensure that vehicles driven by employees or visitors do not accidentally enter sensitive or classified locations.

These decisions by the IDF and related defense industries may have a significant impact on the export of Chinese vehicles to Israel. The process is already underway, as the issuance of import licenses for Chinese automobiles has been substantially restricted and delayed. Available information indicates that following the postponement of licensing deadlines for major importers, the Chinese government officially contacted Israel regarding the matter.

Israel’s actions align with similar measures taken by the United States and the United Kingdom, where the use of Chinese-made equipment is restricted on government and security agency premises. In the United States, the Pentagon banned not only Chinese-made vehicles but also Chinese-manufactured mobile phones from military, security, and government facilities.

The risks associated with Chinese smart technologies are also relevant to Georgia. Over recent years, Georgian government institutions have actively purchased and deployed Chinese-made surveillance cameras. Research conducted by Civic IDEA indicates that these cameras pose a national security risk, as there is a realistic possibility that data collected by Chinese surveillance systems could be accessed by Chinese intelligence services. For this reason, certain Chinese-made surveillance cameras have been banned in several Western countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and a number of European Union member states.

At the same time, Chinese-made vehicles are rapidly entering the Georgian market. Between January and August 2024, imports of Chinese automobiles to Georgia increased by 111 percent compared to the same period in the previous year. While experts note the affordability and availability of these vehicles, they also warn of associated risks, including non-compliance with European quality standards. Notably, in 2025, following the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with Sena Auto Group, the Chinese automotive brand Chery—banned by the Israel Defense Forces—officially entered the Georgian market.

Author: Mariam Kapanadze

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Why Didn’t Georgian Dream Fall? – ENB Features Analysis by Tinatin Khidasheli

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The Eastern Neighborhood Bulletin – a regional analytical platform covering political, security, and governance developments across Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus – has published a comprehensive expert review titled “Why Didn’t Georgian Dream Fall?”

The article brings together insights from nine leading specialists from Georgia, Europe, and the United States. Among them is Tinatin Khidasheli, Chairperson of Civic IDEA and former Minister of Defense of Georgia, who offers her analysis on the political developments surrounding the 2024 parliamentary elections and the protest movement that followed.

In her contribution, Tinatin Khidasheli highlights the critical failures of political leadership, noting that while civil society demonstrated remarkable energy and creativity, opposition parties did not transform public demand for change into a unified and credible political strategy:

“The 2024 parliamentary elections were seen as the last shred of hope by everyone, apparently except the main players: the opposition political parties. Georgian political opposition was expected to deliver bold, surprising moves that would catch the ruling party off guard and divert it from its well-structured traps. When the central issue at stake is the country’s sovereignty and reorientation of the entire statecraft, this is no longer a matter for activism alone. Resistance to such a shift must necessarily be political; it must be led, organized, and sustained by actors with the legitimacy and capacity to claim power, that is, political parties.

A simple plan of three phases of unavoidable change should have been set in motion: for people, regardless of partisan preference, to demand the change, then to believe it was possible, and finally to identify those capable of winning and governing after victory. Activists and civil society fulfilled their role. The movement proved creative and energetic, thus, the demand for change was overwhelming. Yet political leadership failed to transform that demand into a credible strategy of power.”

– Tinatin Khidasheli, Head of Tbilisi-based think tank Civic Idea, former Minister of Defense of Georgia, 2015-2016.

You can read the full article here:

Why Didn’t Georgian Dream Fall?

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Tinatin Khidasheli at Hitotsubashi University’s Global Governance Research (GGR) Session

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Civic IDEA Chairperson Tinatin Khidasheli delivered a talk at Hitotsubashi University within the Global Governance Research (GGR) series, addressing the theme “Small States in Turbulent Regions: Lessons from Georgia’s Current Political Challenges.”

The discussion focused on Georgia’s evolving geopolitical environment and the wider dynamics of the South Caucasus, including the pressures created by hybrid threats, authoritarian influence, and regional instability. Khidasheli emphasized how these dynamics shape the strategic choices of small states and how those choices, in turn, affect broader regional security.

In its introduction, the Institute for Global Governance Research highlighted Khidasheli’s leadership at Civic IDEA and her long-standing work on countering authoritarian influence, Russian propaganda, and hybrid warfare. It also noted her earlier roles in public service, including serving as Georgia’s first female Minister of Defense and as founder and chairperson of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association.

The session brought together students and faculty for an in-depth conversation on the challenges facing democratic governance in turbulent regions and the importance of understanding small states’ responses to global shifts.

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Civic IDEA’s Statement Regarding the Targeted Disinformation Campaign Against the Organization

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Today, pro-government media outlets launched a targeted disinformation campaign against Civic IDEA and its chairperson, Tinatin Khidasheli.

The narratives disseminated by these outlets align with Georgian Dream’s latest tactic: labeling anyone who asks critical questions as part of “anti-government forces” to divert attention from real issues. This campaign aims to obscure the findings of our research and discredit the evidence presented in it.

Below, we summarize the key points of the report.

What Facts Provoked the Georgian Dream?

  1. The Sharp Increase in Imports of Iranian Oil and Petrochemical Products to Georgia

In recent years, imports of Iranian oil and petrochemical products have grown dramatically:

  • In 2020, imports from Iran totaled USD 45 million; by 2024, this figure had nearly quintupled, reaching USD 285 million.
  • In 2021 alone, imports of oil and petroleum products increased by 154% compared to 2020, amounting to 3,413 tons.

It is well known that petrochemical exports constitute one of the Iranian regime’s main sources of revenue. Therefore, Georgia’s growing imports of these products amount to indirect financial support for Tehran.

  1. The U.S. Government’s Explicit Warning on Purchasing Iranian Petrochemical Products

On May 1, U.S. President Donald J. Trump issued a warning on the social platform Truth Social, stating:

“Alert: All purchases of Iranian Oil or Petrochemical products must stop, NOW! Any country or person who buys ANY AMOUNT of OIL or PETROCHEMICALS from Iran will be subject to, immediately, Secondary Sanctions. They will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form.”

Clearly, Georgian Dream attempts to downplay or hide relevant facts that show its collaborative stance toward a regime openly hostile to the United States. 

  1. Guidance Published on Iranian Websites on How to Bypass Sanctions Using Georgia

Numerous Iranian online platforms openly discuss fraudulent schemes that allow Iranian businesses to circumvent international sanctions. According to these sources, Georgia offers a convenient route for Tehran to access Russian, Chinese, and even Western markets.

Examples from Iranian sources include:

  • “A favorable environment has been created for Iranian traders: they can bring their products into Georgia and, by repackaging them under Georgian labels, export them to the EU or the U.S. without paying customs tariffs and at competitive prices.”
  • “Iran can indeed circumvent U.S. restrictions and access global markets for various products by trading through Georgia. One of Georgia’s key advantages is its extensive network of trade agreements, particularly with Europe.”

Iranian websites further encourage business owners to take advantage of Georgia’s business environment:

  • The Iranian company Arad Branding published an article advising:
    “If you plan to trade with Georgia, we recommend first registering a company there, especially near ports. This significantly reduces costs and makes imports and exports smoother.”

Indeed, between 2013 and 2024, Iranian citizens registered nearly 9,300 companies in Georgia, illustrating the extent to which the Iranian regime exploits Georgia as a platform for its business operations.

Once again, we emphasize that this report is based exclusively on open sources and statistical data published by the National Statistics Office of Georgia. As before, Georgian Dream responds to factual, evidence-based criticism with its habitual tactic: launching disinformation campaigns and dismissing publicly available information as “fake news.”

Full report

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Tinatin Khidasheli’s Talk at the University of Tokyo

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Civic IDEA is pleased to share that on 1 December, our Chair and former Minister of Defence of Georgia, Tinatin Khidasheli, delivered a presentation at a conference hosted by the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) at the University of Tokyo. 

Her talk, “Frontlines of Influence: Russia, China, and the Hybrid Contest over Georgia,” focused on Georgia’s current geopolitical challenges. Ms. Khidasheli outlined how authoritarian actors – Russia and China – are expanding their political and economic influence in Georgia and shaping developments in the region. She also addressed key issues related to strategic infrastructure, including ongoing debates around the Anaklia deep-sea port.

In the event brief, Akira Igata of the University of Tokyo’s RCAST highlighted how Georgia has become a test ground for hybrid pressure from Russia and China  –  from interference in democratic processes to economic influence and growing pressure on civil society. 

In her lecture, Tinatin Khidasheli discussed these challenges, including China’s planned investments in Georgia such as the Anaklia deep-sea port, and the broader security implications for the region. She also noted that shrinking civic space in Georgia has made civil society leaders frequent targets of disinformation, citing a recent government-backed TV “documentary” that falsely portrayed her as a “Taiwanese agent.” These issues, as Igata emphasized, are not limited to Georgia; authoritarian disinformation campaigns now have global consequences.

The event was attended by University of Tokyo students, members of the academic community, and media representatives. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A and discussion, allowing participants to engage directly with the topics raised during the presentation.

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“Small States in Turbulent Regions” – Tinatin Khidasheli’s Talk

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“Small States in Turbulent Regions: Lessons from Georgia’s Current Political Challenges” – Tinatin Khidasheli’s Talk 

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02/Dec/2025  │  Hitotsubashi University, Japan 

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As part of the series of meetings organized by The Institute for Global Governance Research (GGR) – established in April 2020 as a university-wide organization focusing on global law and global governance research – students of Hitotsubashi University will meet  Tinatin Khidasheli, Chairperson of Civic IDEA . The discussion will focus on the geopolitical situation in Georgia and the South Caucasus, as well as the challenges posed by rising authoritarian powers in the region.

“Tinatin Khidasheli heads the Georgian research and analytic organization Civic IDEA, fighting authoritarian influence in Georgia, confronting Russian propaganda, and advocating for the country’s defense and security policy. She is the author of the first Georgian-language book on Hybrid Warfare and has taught Hybrid Warfare and Defense Policy at several universities. Throughout her career, she has held various high-ranking public positions, including Georgia’s first female Minister of Defense, and was the founder/chairperson of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, which remains one of the largest human rights advocacy groups in Georgia.” – writes The Institute for Global Governance Research

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Georgia and China Deepen Transport Cooperation

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Georgia is deepening its relations with China, especially in transport, trade, and infrastructure. Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili met with China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Li Yan, in London to discuss expanding cooperation, while also discussing maritime links and transport infrastructure. The focus was the Middle Corridor, which is the Trans-Caspian route connecting China and Europe, where Georgia plays a central transit role.

Following Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s visit to China earlier this month, both countries agreed to launch direct flights from Tbilisi to Beijing, with a potential Tbilisi-Shanghai route under discussion. Kvrivishvili stated that these measures would strengthen trade, economic ties, and people-to-people links. Georgia also emphasised the value of Chinese expertise in maritime development.

Cargo transit along the Middle Corridor has surged dramatically. Over the past three years, shipments increased by nearly 90%, and total cargo in 2024 reached 4.5 million tons, which is expected to grow to 5.2 million tons in 2025. Investments in the Anaklia deep-water port and the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway aim to expand to 10 million tons annually by 2027.

However, experts warn that China’s rapid involvement is less about Georgia’s benefit and more about securing its own strategic foothold. Chinese companies are dominating Georgia’s infrastructure projects, such as roads and critical infrastructure. These investments often carry hidden costs of debt dependency, opaque agreements, which imply political leverage favoring Beijing.

Analysts argue that while Georgia benefits from short-term economic gains and growing cargo volumes, the long-term strategic costs are high. Loss of autonomy, as in economic dependency, is an exposure to political leverage by Beijing. In this context, critics argue that Georgia risks becoming a pawn in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which is primarily used to advance Beijing’s geopolitical ambitions. Georgia’s growing dependence on Chinese investment, technology, and trade channels underscores the need for careful scrutiny and safeguards to ensure that national interests are not subordinated to foreign strategic priorities.

Author: Mariam Sanadze

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University of Tokyo Hosts Keynote Address by Tinatin Khidasheli on Russia, China, and the Geopolitics of Georgia

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Civic Idea is pleased to announce that our Chair, former Minister of Defence of Georgia Tinatin Khidasheli, will deliver the keynote address at a public symposium hosted by the Economic Security Intelligence Lab (ESIL) at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo.

Event Title: Frontlines of Influence: Russia, China, and the Hybrid Contest over Georgia

The symposium will examine the evolving geopolitical pressures on Georgia, including Russia’s role in democratic backsliding, China’s expanding economic leverage, and the broader hybrid tactics reshaping the strategic environment in the South Caucasus. Ms. Khidasheli will also discuss key infrastructure and connectivity debates – such as the Anaklia deep-sea port – and consider avenues for enhanced cooperation with partners, including Japan;

“In recent years, Georgia has stood at a geopolitical crossroads, caught between its aspirations for deeper integration with Europe and the expanding influence of authoritarian networks centered in Moscow and Beijing. Although a small country in the Caucasus, Georgia reflects many of the world’s most urgent strategic challenges: Russian elite capture encouraging democratic backsliding, China’s economic engagement creating new dependencies and opaque financial flows, and the rapid erosion of civic space that undermines civil society and opposition voices. 

The symposium will feature a keynote address by Tinatin Khidasheli, former Georgian Minister of Defence and current head of the Georgian think tank Civic Idea. She will outline the current domestic situation and Russia’s role in shaping political dynamics inside Georgia. Her remarks will also explore how Georgia has become a test site for hybrid warfare, with clear parallels to gray zone tactics in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. Ms. Khidasheli will discuss the promised investments from China in Georgia such as the strategically critical port of Anaklia that faces the Black Seas, the regional connectivity logic shaping the Caucasus, and the potential role that Japan can play in countering China’s rise in countries facing similar pressures. These issues are not limited to Georgia. Disinformation campaigns originating from authoritarian actors have had international consequences, including direct implications for Japan. 

As civic space has contracted within Georgia, Ms. Khidasheli has herself become a target of mass disinformation. One prominent example is an absurd television “documentary” that falsely portrayed her as a “Taiwanese agent” and even claimed that the Japanese government bribed her to carry out its agenda.”

Panel contributions will be provided by Dr. Aya Adachi (German Council on Foreign Relations) and Maya Sobchuk (ESIL, University of Tokyo). The discussion will be moderated by Akira Igata.

Event Details

Date: December 1, 2025
 Time: 10:00–11:30 (Registration from 9:30)
 Language: English
 Venue: ENEOS Hall, Building #3-S, Komaba II Campus, RCAST, The University of Tokyo

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