“Georgia’s NATO integration is long-awaited and expected here in Tbilisi,” former Minister of Defence Ms. Tinatin Khidasheli told Brussels Morning. NATO must confirm that membership is a realistic possibility rather than merely an aspiration, not least to deter Russia’s overtures to the region, she said.
Focusing on the strategic rationale, Khidasheli pointed out that Georgian membership is strategically important. “NATO needs to deliver at least on its Black Sea Security agenda and keep the promise of the Warsaw Summit,” she maintained, making clear that dalays undermine NATO’s credibility and embolden Russia.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative has invested in global connectivity repositioning Beijing at the epicentre of the global economy. The project entails financial instruments, as well as investment in transport infrastructure, telecommunications and energy. The TACTICS, The Civic Idea think tank, and the Metropolitan University of Prague invite you to a fascinating discussion on how this “soft power” is reshaping South-eastern Europe and the Black Sea and whether there are any reasons for concern. China, Soft Power, Balkans, Georgia, Caucasus, Black Sea
“Georgian Government’s Tightened Belts: How Much Does Electoral Loyalty Cost?” 10/12/2020 We present the report “Georgian Government’s Tightened Belts: How Much Does Electoral Loyalty Cost?” covering the use of budgetary resources for ensuring the loyalty of the ruling party during elections. The first report addresses the issue of sports events and athletes.
Civic IDEA published another report “Virus of Urgency”
The cases discussed above represent clear examples that the pandemic has hit the world economy on a global scale and almost every country has suffered signicant damages in this regard, although actions of governments were aimed not only at strengthening health systems but also at maintaining economic stability, which cannot be said about Georgia. According to the data from September 2020, the national currency of Georgia depreciated by 4.35 Tetri against the US dollar and the value of one dollar reached 3.3332 GEL. And in relation to the Euro, the exchange rate depreciated by 5.2 Tetri and the value of one Euro became 3.88 GEL.
The big picture allows for the government’s decisions to be carefully evaluated. Today, it is clear that the measures taken by the Government were catastrophic for the Georgian economy that was unstable even before the pandemic. Instead of a short-term model and a concrete action plan with minimal restrictions of rights that should have been offered by the Executive and the Parliament the Georgian society instead was granted strict restrictions announced by the Government. Despite the systematic removal of restrictions, citizens have lost their sense of stability because the government could at any time impose the same or harsher restrictions under a new ordinance. In addition to all this, is the fact that due to the forthcoming elections or, more generally, due to the lack of the medium to long-term plans the Georgian Executive refuses to hold a public debate in the Parliament. This sort of attitude intensies a feeling of confusion and hopelessness in society.
As we can see, both in the South Caucasus and in the Eastern European countries there are numerous facts of a “temptation” for a power grab. It is quite a difcult challenge to create a strong constitutional regime under a state of emergency as it is always in danger of being politically inuenced. Even the EU member states could not be safe from it, as we have seen in Polish and Hungarian examples. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop a mechanism that will better protect the principle of separation of powers and the interest of exercising civil rights even within a state of emergency. Otherwise, the state will be entirely dependent on the goodwill of politicians, which could lead the economic and social development of the country to a certain catastrophe. Unless the appropriate precautionary steps are taken, the emergency measures, as is their nature, will continue to exist for longer than necessary. According to the Venice Commission, the most serious human rights violations take place in the state of emergency situations. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe stated that
„The need for security often leads governments to adopt exceptional measures. These must be truly exceptional, as no State has the right to disregard the principle of the rule of law, even in extreme situations. At all events, there must be statutory guarantees preventing any misuse of exceptional measures“. Once the pandemic is over, states will face new challenges in both, socio-economic and democratic development because no one knows how easily governments will relinquish their increased powers under a state of emergency. Countries with weak democratic traditions and fragile institutions are particularly at risk.
“Fighting the pandemic with a “locked-in” attitude may create a “less open, less free, and less prosperous world.”
Civic IDEA’s 4th China Watch report addresses another Chinese state-controlled company Tebian Electric Apparatus Stock Co Ltd. (TBEA) which has already won two tenders in Georgia and is distinguished with its tainted international reputation. Below, we provide the readers with the key findings of our research:
The report explains TBEA’s origins and activities in order to expose its affiliation with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). TBEA is the enterprise group designated by the Chinese government and has its full support to conduct import-export and business relations outside China. TBEAs activities extend to almost every continent, including Asia, Europe, North and South America, Australia and Africa. The main protagonists of its actions worldwide are the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese state-owned Exim Bank. Moreover, the company’s chairman Zhang Xin, is a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), his name is recorded in the list of members of the 11th and 13th National People’s Congress and he also represents the city of Changji in the National People’s Congress. In addition to that, TBEA has been involved in illegal machinations with the Xinjiang Changji Forced Labor Camp, where detainees are tortured, starved, and inhumanely treated. The company exploited the prisoners’ labor rights by forcing them to work without any compensation.
Our research has revealed particular breaches in the contracts signed between the Georgian state and TBEA Shenyang Transformer Group Co. These agreements were followed by redundant extensions, violation of the fixed terms, futile expenditures. However, the state agencies involved in the procurement procedures, turned a blind eye to these legal violations while granting TBEA with various privileges. To encourage the Chinese company TBEA, the tender commission does not spare any effort to change the terms of the projects while also disqualifying competitors for utterly incomprehensible reasons.
Our report thoroughly reviews the TBEA corruption and fraud scandals in Gambia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, proving that its reputation is being questioned internationally. However, this occasion did not prevent JSC “Georgian State Electro system” to entrust the implementation of the large-scale infrastructural projects to TBEA that left the Kyrgyz population without electricity and heating at -27 degrees Celsius, a company whose branch in India is facing the problem of insolvency, a company that is exposed to corrupt dealings with various governments.
Similar to other Chinese companies operating in Georgia, the state did not even try to implement the so-called “due diligence” concerning TBEA and its activities worldwide. The government failed to examine the company’s international reputation, while even the simplest and the most accessible search platform, Google instantly provides information regarding TBEA’s scandalous and corrupt deals sourced from trusted and qualified media outlets.
OPEN LETTER TO U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE MIKE POMPEO
To: The Honorable Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State From: Georgian Security and Foreign Policy Community Subject: Permanent Presence of American Armed Forces in Georgia
Dear Mr. Secretary,
We, the representatives of the security and foreign policy community of Georgia, sincerely welcome your visit to Tbilisi during these heated times. We are united in our desire to share our views on advancing the U.S.-Georgia defense and security partnership. For Georgia, the United States is a vital ally. Likewise, we believe in Georgia’s share in bolstering Western interests in Europe and globally. Georgia stands as a keystone for securing our allies’ foothold in the East-West Corridor, which multiple U.S. administrations have invested so much to build. We see a U.S.-led Euro-Atlantic system as the only guarantor of a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace.
In recent years, the South Caucasus and the Black Sea regions have become areas of geopolitical instability. Most of these security risks stem from Russia’s ambitions to reconstitute a Soviet-era “sphere of influence,” in what Moscow perceives as its “Near Abroad.” Emboldened by its freedom of action, Russia recently deployed troops to Nagorno-Karabakh to enhance its regional military posture.
Since regaining independence, the freedom-loving citizens of Georgia have toiled to create a functional democracy. In this project, the United States has been an indispensable ally by elevating Georgia to, in the words of President Ronald Reagan, a “Shining City Upon a Hill” that has overcome state failure and successfully battled the Soviet legacy of corruption. The Georgian people do not take genuine American friendship for granted. Over 90 percent of Georgians hold a favorable view of the U.S. and Georgian soldiers have proudly served in the U.S.-led missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We express our profound appreciation for America’s strong support to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We believe that a key step forward to support the Georgian people in our struggle for freedom, while advancing U.S. regional and global interests, would be:
A permanent presence of American armed forces in Georgia. Such a policy may include allied (U.S./European) forces on a rotational basis, as well as logistical and air patrolling elements that would provide a wide range of options for American and allied forces to operate uninterrupted in the South Caucasus and Black Sea regions. At the same time, the U.S. military presence in Georgia would enjoy overwhelming popular support, deter imminent threats and help Georgia move closer to NATO membership.
At this point, Georgia’s capacity to meaningfully contribute to our strategic partnership will be further enhanced by the resilience and vibrancy of its democratic institutions. In this light, we welcome the valuable U.S. engagement in mediating a solution to Georgia’s current political crisis. We are likewise grateful for the momentous and sustained efforts that the U.S. has made over the years, to help strengthen Georgia’s democracy.
We fully support the process of strengthening the U.S.-Georgia alliance, inclusive of the presence of the U.S. military on the ground, to the benefit of shared Euro-Atlantic security.
Sincerely,
Zviad Adzinbaia International Security and Digital Diplomacy Fellow, The Fletcher School, Tufts University Founder, LEADx Change
Eka Akobia Dean, Associate Professor, The School of Governance, Caucasus University
Irakli Alasania Former Minister of Defense Former Ambassador to the United Nations
Irina Arabidze National Security and Foreign Policy Analyst
Phikria Asanishvili Associate Professor of International Relations, Tbilisi State University
Giorgi Astamadze Doctoral Candidate in History, University of Karlsruhe
Nato Bachiashvili Chairperson of International Centre for Geopolitical Studies
Giorgi Badridze Senior Fellow, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies (Rondeli Foundation) Former Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain
Zurab Batiashvili Research Fellow, Rondeli Foundation
Zaza Bibilashvili Chairman, The Chavchavadze Center for European Studies and Civic Education
Levan Bodzashvili Former Deputy National Security Assistant to President Former Deputy Foreign Minister
Eto Buziashvili Research Associate, Atlantic Council Former Adviser to the National Security Council
Mikheil Darchiashvili Former Deputy Defense Minister Member of the Governing Board, Atlantic Council of Georgia
Davit Darchiashvili Professor, Director, Center for Russian Studies, Ilia State University
Jaba Devdariani Founder, the United Nations Association of Georgia & Civil.ge
Paata Gaprindashvili Director, Georgia’s Reforms Associates Former Ambassador to Austria
Kakha Gogolashvili Director of European Studies at Rondeli Foundation (GFSIS)
Giorgi Goguadze Assistant Professor of International Affairs, Caucasus University
Tornike Gordadze Former Minister of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Georgia Professor, Paris Institute of Political Studies (France)
Giorgi Gvalia Professor of Politics and International Relations, Ilia State University
Shota Gvineria Senior Fellow, Economic Policy Research Center Former Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Gia Japaridze Senior Fellow, Ilia Chavchavadze Center for European Studies and Civic Education. Former Charge d’Affaires to Portugal and Cyprus
Tedo Japaridze Former Ambassador to the United States Former Foreign Minister
Nino Kalandadze Director, The Chavchavadze Center for European Studies and Civic Education
Nodar Kharshiladze Founding Director, Georgian Strategic Analysis Center Former Deputy Minister of Defense
Tinatin Khidasheli Chairperson, Civic Idea Former Minister of Defense
Beka Kobakhidze Chair, MA Program in Modern History of Georgia, Ilia State University
Batu Kutelia Vice-chair, Atlantic Council of Georgia Former Ambassador to the United States
Khatuna Lagazidze Senior Fellow, Georgian Strategic Analysis Center Former Senior Advisor to the National Security Council
Ekaterine Metreveli President, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies (Rondeli Foundation)
Grigol Mgaloblishvili Former Ambassador of Georgia to NATO
Khatuna Mshvidobadze Professorial Lecturer, The George Washington University Senior Fellow, Senior Fellow, Rondeli Foundation
Giorgi Muchaidze Executive Director, Atlantic Council of Georgia
Sophia Petriashvili Former Associate Professor of International Relations, Tbilisi State University
Alex Petriashvili Former Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Former Ambassador to Turkmenistan and Afghanistan
Tengiz Pkhaladze Associate Professor, Georgian Institute of Public Affairs Former Foreign Policy Advisor to the President
Mirian Popkhadze Fellow, Foreign Policy Research Institute Former Representative of Ministry of Defense to the United Nations
Irakli Porchkhidze Vice President, the Georgian Institute for Strategic Studies (GISS)
Datuna Rakviashvili Secretary, National Security Council, 2016 – 2018
Giorgi Rukhadze Senior Fellow, Georgian Strategic Analysis Center
Tornike Sharashenidze Professor of International Affairs, Georgian Institute of Public Affairs
Vasil Sikharulidze President, the Atlantic Council of Georgia; Former Ambassador to the United States
Tornike Turmanidze Professor of International Relations, Tbilisi State University
Gela Vasadze Regional Program Manager, Georgian Strategic Analysis Center
Temuri Yakobashvili Ambassador of Georgia to the United States (2010-2013)
On October 29, Civic IDEA, together with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, organized the second webinar on War and Peace issues in the South Caucasus and the costs of war, featuring experts from countries involved as well as international organizations dealing with the issue. The participants discussed the current situation in the region, the involvement of different international and state actors in the conflict, and the long-term consequences of the ongoing Nagorno Karabakh dispute for the Caucasian region.
Civic IDEA’s third China Watch Report covers the controversies over SinoHydro & China Railway 23rd Bureau Group Co. The latter brings the story of Sinohydro Corporation Limited and China 23rd Railway Bureau Co, the Chinese companies that are responsible for the main infrastructural projects in Georgia and have a tainted reputation globally. We discuss the misconduct of the projects led by them in Georgia, particularly, the violations of environmental laws, violations of labor rights, violations of contractual terms, and regulations. Also, we evaluate the experiences of foreign countries to highlight the absence of due diligence on the side of the Georgian government while granting contracts to the company.
Civic IDEA will host a discussion on current developments between Armenia and Azerbaijan with the experts from both countries and Georgia. The discussion will be moderated by Tinatin Khidasheli, Chairperson of Civic IDEA, and former MOD of Georgia. Dr. Leila Alieva — Russian and East European Studies (REES) affiliate, Oxford School of Global and Area Studies University of Oxford Ahmad ALILI — Head of Caucasus Policy Analysis Center, Lecturer at the Academy of Public Administration Stepan Grigoryan — Chairman of the Board, Analytical Centre on Globalization and Regional Cooperation (ACGRC) Styopa (Stepan) Safaryan, founder of AIISA, & a Chair of the Public Council of RA, a consultative body to the PM of Armenia. Giorgi Kanashvili – Senior expert at Civic IDEA, former Director of Caucasia House. video:
