Research

Russia’s Naval Expansion in the Black Sea

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The recent announcement of a Russian naval base in Ochamchire, Abkhazia has intensified concerns about regional security, economic stability, and Georgia’s sovereignty. While Russia claims this expansion is a strategic necessity following Ukrainian attacks on its Black Sea fleet, Georgia and its Western allies see it as a direct violation of international law and a further entrenchment of Russian influence in the South Caucasus and the Black Sea.

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The Dragon’s Smile: China’s Soft Power in Georgia

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Civic IDEA is pleased to present its latest report, “The Dragon’s Smile: China’s Soft Power in Georgia.”

This report examines China’s soft power influence in Georgia, with a particular focus on Sino-Georgian cultural cooperation. It explores key areas such as the film and theater industries, highlighting the role of Georgian organizations and individuals in fostering cultural ties between the two nations.

The research indicates that alongside the deepening of Sino-Georgian business relations in recent years, cultural exchanges have also intensified. A notable example of this cooperation is the documentary film “Georgia-China – A Third of A Century,” produced by “Georgian Dream” Parliament member Irakli Mezurnishvili and released in January 2025.

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Georgian Dream’s Surveillance of Protesters through Chinese Cameras

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Civic IDEA’s new report examines the growing use of Chinese surveillance cameras by the ruling Georgian Dream party in various locations, including near the Parliament building, where peaceful demonstrations continue.

In January and February 2025, the Public Safety Command Center 112 significantly increased its procurement of Chinese surveillance cameras, highlighting a rising trend in the use of such technologies to monitor Georgian citizens engaged in protests.

The report underscores key concerns associated with the use of Chinese surveillance technologies, including their implications for human rights violations.

For further details, please refer to the full report below: 👇

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Beijing’s Black Sea Push: A New Maritime Frontier

New, Research / /

Georgia is facing its most acute political crisis. Protests have continued for 106 days, with unwavering demands for new elections. However, as global attention remains fixed on broader security challenges, Georgia is receiving relatively less focus than in previous crises. 

The ruling party, Georgian Dream, sees this as an opportunity to push forward its hidden deals – including the attempted sale of the Anaklia Port to China. Our latest research, Beijing’s Black Sea Push: A New Maritime Frontier, delves into the implications of this shift. With Georgia’s strategic location at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the Anaklia port is poised to become a crucial hub for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, potentially reshaping regional trade and security dynamics. The consequences for Western engagement, economic leverage, and geopolitical stability are significant. This issue is too important to ignore.

Read our full report to understand how these developments affect Georgia’s future and the broader balance of power in the region:

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FIRST APPROACH TO IDENTIFYING THE COMMON CHALLENGES TO DEMOCRACY IN THE WB AND EP COUNTRIES

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We are pleased to share with you a discussion paper titled First Approach to Identifying Common Challenges to Democracy in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership Countries. This paper highlights shared challenges in these regions and provides a foundation for understanding the role of local and international civil society in addressing these issues. Developed through a collaborative effort, the discussion paper is supported by the International Visegrad Fund and Forum 2000’s partnering organizations, including Civic IDEA.

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Guide to Sustainable Policies of Major Financial Institutions

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The guideline, developed by Civic IDEA with the support of CAPS Unlock, provides an in-depth overview of the environmental and social policies adopted by major international financial institutions (IFIs) to promote responsible and sustainable development. It covers the frameworks established by the following IFIs:

World Bank (WB) Asian Development Bank (ADB) European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) European Investment Bank (EIB) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

The guidebook outlines the policies these institutions require borrowers to follow, ensuring that projects minimize negative impacts on communities and the environment. It emphasizes sustainability by mandating comprehensive risk assessments and the implementation of safeguards to address issues such as biodiversity loss, pollution, and social disruption. A core focus is placed on transparency, stakeholder engagement, and responsible project management throughout the entire development process.

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The Road to Dependency: Chinese Banks Eyeing Georgia

New, Research / /

A new report by Civic IDEA examines a key development stemming from the Sino-Georgian strategic partnership: the potential entry of Chinese banks into the Georgian market.

The report highlights recent meetings between the central banks of Georgia and China, during which the National Bank of Georgia consistently expressed interest in the presence of Chinese state-owned banks in Georgia.

It also addresses the risks and challenges linked to Chinese financial institutions, citing examples of “debt-trap diplomacy” in countries such as Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, and Montenegro.

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EMERGING CONCERN Chinese Surveillance Cameras in Georgia

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A new report by Civic IDEA explores an emerging dimension of China-Georgia law enforcement cooperation: the procurement of Chinese surveillance technology by Georgian government institutions.

Drawing on publicly available data, the report examines state procurement of Chinese surveillance cameras between 2019 and 2024, revealing a growing trend in the acquisition of this technology by Georgian authorities.

The report’s final section highlights the significant challenges associated with Chinese surveillance technology, including data insecurity, vulnerability to cyber-attacks, human rights concerns, and close ties to the Chinese Communist Party. These issues have led to the banning of Chinese surveillance technology in several Western countries.

CHINESE SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS REMAIN A GLOBAL CONCERN

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CHINESE COMPANY CRTG: SECURITY RISKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURES

Research / /

“Civic Idea” is pleased to present a new publication examining the recent entry of the Chinese state-owned company, China Railway Tunnel Group (CRTG), into the Georgian market.

The report delves into the controversies and challenges surrounding CRTG, which is overseeing two critical infrastructure projects: the Kvesheti-Kobi highway connecting Georgia to Russia and the Stepantsminda-Gveleti connecting road.

This study highlights key concerns, including security risks, infrastructure deficiencies, and the company’s history of serious international violations. It provides an in-depth analysis of CRTG’s operations in Georgia and explores its track record in other countries.

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Hybrid Threats and Resilience

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This policy paper, Hybrid Threats and Resilience, delves into the evolving nature of hybrid threats—tactics blending conventional and unconventional warfare such as cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and economic coercion. These strategies undermine democratic institutions and societal trust, often operating below the threshold of traditional conflict. Highlighting real-world examples, including Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and China’s strategic use of economic leverage, the paper presents a comprehensive analysis of these threats’ implications on global security. It advocates for a whole-of-society response, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, security professionals, and civil society to build resilience, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain democratic integrity in an increasingly interconnected world.

Why read it?

This paper is essential for anyone interested in understanding and combating the modern threats targeting democratic systems. It combines deep analysis with real-world case studies, offering practical solutions to safeguard institutions and societal values. By reading, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how hybrid threats operate and learn proactive strategies to strengthen resilience and deter adversaries in an era of advanced technology and global interdependencies.

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