Georgia and Armenia’s political transitions are under threat again. In Georgia, disputed elections, opposition leaders threatened with arrest, a polarized electorate and Russia in the background leave the country at risk of prolonged political crisis.
Meanwhile, Armenia’s defeat by Azerbaijan at the end of 2020 over the longstanding Nagorny Karabakh conflict led to widespread protests and demonstrations against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Similar to Georgia, Russia’s (but also Turkey’s) involvement further undermines the possibility of a straightforward solution.
This event explores the two countries’ political crises and the common challenges that they face, despite their different causes. Should Armenia and Georgia continue their current trajectories, the potential for wider regional instability makes understanding of their internal political issues more important than ever.
Participants
Anna Ohanyan, Richard B. Finnegan Distinguished Professor of Political Science and International Relations, Stonehill College
Koba Turmanidze, President, Caucasus Research Resource Center (CRRC-Georgia)
Chair: Laurence Broers, Associate Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Programme, Chatham House
