On Sept. 16, the U.S. Treasury announced a decision to impose financial sanctions on two high-level Georgian law-enforcement officials and two advocates of violence against peaceful protesters. The same day the U.S. State Department announced visa restrictions on more than 60 Georgian individuals for "their involvement in human rights abuses, corrupt practices, or other anti-democratic actions." In response, the office of Georgia’s prime minister released a statement that "with this decision the American side has approached the critical limit" — marking a low point in the 32-year history of diplomatic relations between independent Georgia and the United States.
This escalation in animosity between Tbilisi and Washington impacts the internal political dynamics of Georgia. And amid the turbulence in the geopolitical landscape of the wider Black Sea/Eastern European region — caused largely by Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine — these deteriorating bilateral relations may have dramatic negative geopolitical consequences for Georgia.
Our speakers will discuss various aspects of this situation and its impacts.
Sponsorship
The Program on Georgian Studies is an activity of the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University and is made possible by a sponsored research award from the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia.
Accessibility
The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 617-495-4037 or daviscenter@fas.harvard.edu in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance if possible. Please note that the Davis Center will make every effort to secure services but that services are subject to availability.
