Georgia's 'Tipping Point' – and Why It Matters for the World

Georgia’s ‘Tipping Point’ – and Why It Matters for the World

A small nation in the Caucasus is the focus of a clash between Russia and the West

DEEP DIVE

Protesters holding Georgian and European flags clash with police during a demonstration against the government’s decision to delay European Union membership talks amid a post-election crisis, in Tbilisi, early on December 1, 2024. (Photo by GIORGI ARJEVANIDZE/AFP via Getty Images)

Posted: December 7th, 2024

By Tom Nagorski

Tom Nagorski is the Managing Editor for The Cipher Brief. He previously served as Global Editor for Grid and served as ABC News Managing Editor for International Coverage as well as Senior Broadcast Producer for World News Tonight.

By Ia Meurmishvili

Ia Meurmishvili is Chief International Correspondent at The Cipher Brief. She is a former Managing Editor at Voice of America's Georgian Service, where she hosted the weekly news magazine, "View from Washington." She is a frequent commentator and moderator in international discussions about U.S. foreign and national security policy, particularly with respect to the Caucasus and Eurasia region.

DEEP DIVE — The protests and police crackdowns convulsing the nation of Georgia represent more than one more global conflict zone; they are also the latest frontline in Vladimir Putin‘s efforts to extend Russian influence, and reimpose Moscow’s authority on nations that were once part of the Soviet Empire.

The crisis in Georgia pits a pro-Russian government against an opposition seeking closer ties with the West.

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