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Information campaign around the Azerbaijani-speaking villages of Kakheti

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The Civic Idea team visited the Azerbaijani-speaking villages of Kakheti as a part of  “My vote for EU” information campaign.

The campaign served to inform the population and strengthen electoral activism as well as to lead a dialogue with the villagers, to listen to their local problems and to raise awareness about the European future of Georgia.

Within the campaign, together with volunteers, we visited the following Azerbaijani-speaking villages: Karajala, Kabali, Ganjala, Yormughanlo.

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“Civic Idea” monitors the 2024 parliamentary elections of Georgia.

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“Civic Idea” Monitors the 2024 parliamentary elections of Georgia. Within this initiative, the organization is conducting three-day  training in Kakheti Region.

Students, lawyers and civil society representatives will observe the elections in the Kakheti region, including Azerbaijani-speaking villages, in the name of the civil idea.

Our goal is to promote a fair and transparent election process!

“Civic Idea” monitors the 2024 parliamentary elections of Georgia. Read More »

Civic IDEA’s Chairperson, Tinatin Khidasheli, participated in an expert panel titled “Georgia’s Elections: Between Authoritarianism and Democratic Renewal”

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Civic IDEA’s Chairperson, Tinatin Khidasheli, participated in an expert panel titled “Georgia’s Elections: Between Authoritarianism and Democratic Renewal” at Forum 2000 in Prague. Alongside Vasil Sikharulidze (Atlantic Council of Georgia) and Rostislav Valvoda (Prague Civil Society Centre), the panel explored the critical stakes in Georgia’s upcoming elections.

In less than two weeks, Georgians will head to the polls in decisive elections, likely to determine whether the country turns towards closer ties with the West or falls further under Russia’s influence

Georgia’s upcoming elections in late October are pivotal. The victory of the ruling party could severely limit the country’s aspirations for EU and NATO membership. The stakes are high, and a strong, well-informed monitoring mission is essential to assess the fairness of the election process. While Russian interference is highly probable, this election may also mark the first time we see significant involvement from the PRC, given its growing interests in the region. What are the latest developments and challenges? What is the situation in the ranks of Georgia’s pro-Western forces? What can we expect if the ruling party prevails in the polls? These were the questions that were discussed during the panel.

“There is a great share of the Georgian public wanting a change from the current policies that are indeed taking a Russian direction,” noted the Prague Civil Society Centre’s Executive Director, Rostislav Valvoda, during the panel.

Civic IDEA’s Chairperson, Tinatin Khidasheli, participated in an expert panel titled “Georgia’s Elections: Between Authoritarianism and Democratic Renewal” Read More »

Civic IDEA held meetings in Washington DC with the partner organizations

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From September 24 to 27, 2024, Civic IDEA, alongside Democracy Research Institute and Courtwatch, held meetings in Washington DC with the partner organizations and US state agencies including The German Marshall Fund, National Endowment for Democracy, Atlantic Council, American Foreign Policy Council, Freedom House, USAID, National Press Center Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Congress, focusing on the pivotal 2024 Georgian elections.

Discussions highlighted that the ruling Georgian Dream party may face defeat, with the opposition offering diverse alternatives, though success depends on a strategic, unified campaign. Concerns were raised about Georgian Dream’s use of the church in political campaigns, with international scrutiny deemed essential to ensure fair elections.

 The meetings also addressed key challenges in Georgia, particularly the controversial Foreign Agents Law, and its impact on civil society, judicial independence, and EU integration. Participants emphasized the need for judicial transparency and anti-corruption reforms as vital to Georgia’s democratic progress.

Civic IDEA held meetings in Washington DC with the partner organizations Read More »

Civic IDEA, in collaboration with the Democracy Research Institute and Courtwatch, participated in a meeting hosted by the German Marshall Fund focusing on Georgia’s critical 2024 parliamentary elections.

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On September 25, 2024, Civic IDEA, in collaboration with the Democracy Research Institute and Courtwatch, participated in a meeting hosted by the German Marshall Fund in Washington, DC, focusing on Georgia’s critical 2024 parliamentary elections.

There is growing optimism that the ruling Georgian Dream party might lose power, as the opposition offers voters multiple coalition options. However, for success, a unified and well-coordinated campaign will be essential to build voter momentum, as public perception often determines electoral outcomes. Concerns were also voiced about the legitimacy of Georgian Dream’s campaign tactics, particularly its use of the church to influence political campaigns. International oversight and pressure are seen as crucial to ensuring a fair and transparent election process.

In addition to these discussions, the event also addressed other significant challenges facing Georgia, such as the controversial Foreign Agents Law. Civic IDEA and its partners examined the law’s implications, as well as its potential broader impact on civil society, judicial independence, and Georgia’s EU integration path. Key reforms, including the need for judicial transparency and anti-corruption measures, were underscored as vital for the country’s democratic progress.

Civic IDEA, in collaboration with the Democracy Research Institute and Courtwatch, participated in a meeting hosted by the German Marshall Fund focusing on Georgia’s critical 2024 parliamentary elections. Read More »

Civic idea’a Researcher Aksana Akhmedova has attended “International Democracy Day Brussels 2024”

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Civic idea’s Researcher Aksana Akhmedova has attended the conference  “International Democracy day” taking place in Brussels.

“In 2024, the year of elections, half the world’s population is going to the polls to elect new governments and representatives who will shape future policy. These elections are taking place in a context of global democratic backsliding, with half of all countries surveyed in a recent report experiencing democratic declines, and all regions showing an eroding respect for basic rights, including freedom of expression and assembly.” 

“IDD 2024 Brussels” was about “A year of elections”  and therefore an assessment of the current state of global democracy. 

The conference was held in the European Committee of the Regions, and was attended by members of the EU institutions, as well as activists and representatives of civil society from different countries – to discuss the state of democracy, its challenges and future opportunities.

Civic idea’a Researcher Aksana Akhmedova has attended “International Democracy Day Brussels 2024” Read More »

Tina Khidasheli is participating in the annual OSCE conference taking place in Warsaw.

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Tina Khidasheli is participating in the annual OSCE conference taking place in Warsaw. She addresses the participants in „Responding to “Foreign Agents” Legislation to Support Civil Society Resilience” session .

“The fundamental freedoms of peaceful assembly, association and expression are under increasing threat in many parts of the OSCE region. Governments across the region are introducing so- called “foreign agents” legislation (sometimes referred to as “foreign influence” or “sovereignty protection” laws) under the guise of transparency measures, which is often used instead to unduly restrict civil society activity. This legislation often arises in tandem with laws restricting media freedom, and other efforts to constrict and control civic space.”

Her purpose is to present its vision to the OSCE member states to identify concrete measures participating States, international organizations, and local civil society can take to address and mitigate the detrimental effects of these laws.

Event support & organizers: United States, Sweden, United Kingdom, Canada, Republic of Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, Estonia, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Norway, Finland and Poland

Tina Khidasheli is participating in the annual OSCE conference taking place in Warsaw. Read More »

Civic IDEA held a meeting at National Endowment for Democracy in Washington, DC, focusing on the pivotal 2024 Georgian elections

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On September 25, 2024, Civic IDEA, alongside Democracy Research Institute and Courtwatch, held a meeting at National Endowment for Democracy in Washington, DC, focusing on the pivotal 2024 Georgian elections. Optimism is growing that the ruling Georgian Dream party may lose power, with the opposition presenting diverse options for voters. However, success will require a unified, strategic campaign to build momentum, as elections are often won by shaping public perception. Concerns were also raised about the legitimacy of Georgian Dream’s tactics, including their use of the church in political campaigns. International scrutiny and pressure are seen as vital to ensuring a fair and transparent election.

Alongside the topics mentioned above, the event focused on addressing pressing challenges in Georgia, including the controversial Foreign Agents Law. Civic IDEA and its partners discussed the law’s impact, as well as the broader implications for civil society, judicial independence, and Georgia’s EU integration efforts. Key reforms, such as the need for judicial transparency and anti-corruption measures, were highlighted as crucial steps for the country’s democratic development.

Civic IDEA held a meeting at National Endowment for Democracy in Washington, DC, focusing on the pivotal 2024 Georgian elections Read More »

Civic IDEA’s Chairperson Tinatin Khidasheli Participates in AFPC Briefing at Capitol Hill

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On September 24, 2024, Civic IDEA’s chairperson, Tinatin Khidasheli, participated in a high-level briefing organized by the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC) on Capitol Hill. The event, which aimed to provide key insights to U.S. congressional staffers, focused on the geopolitics of the Caucasus region, Georgia’s foreign policy, and China’s growing influence in the country.

Khidasheli shared her expert analysis of Georgia’s strategic positioning in the current global landscape, addressing the implications of Chinese involvement in the region, particularly within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework.

The event also featured several prominent speakers from AFPC, Laura Linderman and Michael Sobolik, each contributing a unique perspective on the geopolitical significance of the Caucasus, perspectives of “Middle Corridor” project and broader foreign policy issues.

Civic IDEA’s Chairperson Tinatin Khidasheli Participates in AFPC Briefing at Capitol Hill Read More »

“The Dragon Dance: Chinese Influence in Georgia’s Media and Academia.”

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On September 19, Civic IDEA together with the journalism Resource center hosted the presentation of the 2nd Media monitoring report, “The Dragon Dance: Chinese Influence in Georgia’s Media and Academia.” The report delves into the portrayal of China across various Georgian media outlets and examines the evolving Sino-Georgian academic partnerships. It covers the period from April 1, 2023, to November 1, 2023. The study employed a qualitative research methodology, which included desk research, media monitoring through content analysis, qualitative case study comparisons, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. The media outlets monitored during this research were: Mtavari Channel,  TV Pirveli, Public Broadcaster, Tv Imedi, POSTV, BM.GE, Chinesestories.ge, Sinomedia.ge,  Sinologia.ge, SputnikGEO.

-Tap to see the slides from the presentation-

Beyond the media landscape, the research explored the development of academic cooperation between China and Georgia, particularly in the wake of the China-Georgia Strategic Partnership Statement. This partnership has paved the way for significant educational collaborations, including establishing scholarships, joint educational projects, and promoting Chinese language programs within Georgian educational institutions. One of the notable outcomes of this partnership is the transformation of Guram Tavartkiladze Teaching University into the Georgian International University (GIU), a rebranding driven by Chinese stakeholders.

The research also highlighted the role of platforms like Sinomedia in fostering these educational initiatives. Created by Georgian graduates of Chinese universities, Sinomedia is instrumental in promoting Chinese educational programs, competitions, and language courses within Georgia. However, the study also raises concerns about the security risks that come with increased academic cooperation with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It calls on Georgian educational institutions to remain vigilant and recognize these risks as their partnership with China continues to grow. The research further outlines various events and initiatives, such as international competitions and partnerships with Chinese agencies, which illustrate the expanding influence of the PRC in Georgia’s academic sector.

Civic IDEA is particularly grateful to Innovations and Reforms Center(IRC) and National Endowment for Democracy (NED) for supporting this effort.

-Please find the pictures below-

“The Dragon Dance: Chinese Influence in Georgia’s Media and Academia.” Read More »

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