One year has passed since the strategic partnership agreement signed between Georgia and the People’s Republic of China.
We present to you a short analysis of the first results, which clearly shows the propaganda based on the lies of the “Georgian Dream”, which they try to show the superiority of China compared to the USA.
For more information, please see the full report 👇
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.
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.
“The Dragon Dance: Chinese Influence in Georgia’s Media and Academia.” Read More »
Civic IDEA is pleased to present an environmental monitoring report, “PRC’s Contractors’ Environmental Shortcomings on Georgian Highways”.
Since 2018, for the past six years, Civic IDEA has been monitoring PRC state-owned and controlled companies operating within Georgia’s infrastructure sector, focusing on critical projects such as highways, tunnels, and bridges. In this report, we provide comprehensive research on the environmental impacts of these projects, funded by international financial institutions (IFIs) and executed by contractors from the People’s Republic of China. The study offers an overview of the environmental management practices employed and evaluates their compliance, or absence of those, with international standards.
For detailed information, please see the full report below 
PRC’s Contractors’ Environmental Shortcomings on Georgian Highways Read More »
The publication “Foreign Policy” devotes an extensive article to the Georgian government’s attempt to stigmatize civil society. The article quotes the head of Civic Idea who states that non-governmental organizations will not obey the law:
“We will make it very difficult for the government to do anything meaningful against us,” she told me in July. “The problem with the law is that it left lots of loopholes, and we will be using those intensively.”
In June 2024, the author of the article, Maxim Krupski, was one of the speakers at the International Conference on Civic Ideas—Strategic Confusion on the Great Power Chessboard—precisely at the session on the adoption and implementation of “agents” legislation by various countries.
Discover more in the full article below
Civic IDEA is pleased to share the 3rd volume of the collection of articles “China’s Expanding Footprint in Eurasia: Geopolitics, Trade and Environmental Implications”. The collection of articles features the insights of authors, incorporating perspectives and comprehensive views on China’s expanding influence in Central Asia and beyond, shedding light on the complexities and consequences of this dynamic on local and international scales. These articles delve into various aspects of China’s influence and regional dynamics:
√ Bernadett Szel – “Chinese Influence in Hungary” – This article explores how China’s economic and political presence has grown in Hungary, analyzing the strategies employed by China to establish and expand its influence within the country. Szelexamines the implications of this influence on Hungary’s domestic and foreign policies.
√ Tatyana Sedova – “China’s influence in critical minerals (CM) development in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan” – Sedova delves into China’s role in the critical minerals sector of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. She discusses how China’s investment and involvement in the development of these minerals are reshaping the industry and affecting the economic and geopolitical landscape of the region.
√ Olzhas Zhorayev – “Perception of China in Central Asian Countries: Trends and Comparative Analysis” – Zhorayevprovides a comparative analysis of how China is perceived across various Central Asian countries. The article identifies trends in public opinion and governmental stances towards China, offering insights into the factors that shape these perceptions and their potential impact on regional cooperation and policy-making.
√ Fuad Shahbazov – “The increasing role of the Middle Corridor in East-West Trade: What Role for Azerbaijan Kazakhstan Partnership?” – Shahbazov’s article focuses on the Middle Corridor, a key trade route connecting East and West through Central Asia. He examines the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in enhancing the corridor’s efficiency and competitiveness and how this partnership is influenced by China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
√ Vadim Ni – “Will BRI affect public environmental rights in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan?” – The article investigates the environmental implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The article addresses concerns about how increased infrastructure projects and economic activities under the BRI might impact public environmental rights and local ecosystems, proposing measures to mitigate potential adverse effects.
For more information, see the attachment below 
We are pleased to announce the release of our report, “Georgia’s Investment Landscape: Comparative Analysis of Chinese and Western Investments (2018-2023)”.
This report uncovers the actual extent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) investments in Georgia from 2018 to early 2024, demonstrating that Beijing’s economic engagement is significantly less than officially claimed, with investments not exceeding 700 million USD since 2010. The comparative analysis reveals that countries such as the USA, UK, and Netherlands have exhibited substantial and increasing investments in Georgia, particularly in the post-pandemic period. Notably, even EU member countries with smaller economies, such as Malta, have shown a more pronounced increase in their foreign direct investments in Georgia compared to the PRC’s FDI rate.
Read the full report for a clear picture of foreign investment dynamics in Georgia. 👇
Civic IDEA is delighted to present a comprehensive report on the “Geopolitics of Transportation: The Middle Corridor – Trans-Caspian International Route Bypassing Russia”.
This report delves into the resurgence of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), driven by geopolitical shifts and the necessity for reliable trade routes bypassing Russia. It highlights the economic benefits, the role of key players like the PRC, and the support from Western financial institutions. Additionally, it addresses the infrastructure and logistical challenges that need to be overcome for the Middle Corridor to realize its full potential.
Discover more in the full report below: 👇
During a briefing on May 29, 2024, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Levan Davitashvili, revealed that China Communication Construction Company Limited and China Harbor Investment, a Chinese-Singaporean consortium would shortly be declared as the winners of the public-private partner selection contest for the Anaklia port construction project. Given the strategic importance of the Anaklia port project, it is particularly significant who is chosen as the winner of this competition. The document briefly overviews the stages and procedures of the procurement in addition to the international market experience and reputation of the potentially winning company, the impact of the Georgian Government’s decision on the country’s interests and its path toward Euro-Atlantic integration. For detailed information, please see the full report below
ANAKLIA PORT – ANOTHER STEP IN SHIFTING FOREIGN POLICY Read More »
Civic IDEA is pleased to share a two-page report, ‘In the Wake of NUCTECH Raids: Evaluating International Fallout and Its Ties with Georgia,’ which overviews the recent scandals involving the Chinese company NUCTECH, emphasizing its notorious reputation and cooperation with Georgian state institutions.
In-The-Wake-of-NUCTECH-Raids-Evaluating-International-Fallout-and-Its-Ties-with-GeorgiaIn The Wake of NUCTECH Raids: Evaluating International Fallout and Its Ties with Georgia Read More »
Civic IDEA is delighted to announce the release of a two-pager report shedding light on “China’s Secret Cyberattacks”.
The document provides an overview of digital assaults perpetrated against the democratic institutions of both the UK and the US in recent years. Drawing from the indictment document of the US court, the report details the cyber-attacking strategies employed by the defendants. Furthermore, it unravels their intricate connections with the Communist Party of China.
Chinas-Secret-CyberattacksChina’s Secret Cyberattacks Read More »