Russian information warfare campaigns generally aim to turn Georgian public opinion against the EU, US, and NATO (as well as organizations associated with them). These campaigns are designed to retain Georgia within Moscow’s sphere of influence and thus limit its sovereignty and democratic development.
Failure to counter disinformation threatens to further erode trust in democratic processes and institutions, contributing to democratic backsliding, stalling, or reversing of Georgia’s reform progress. This risks rendering the country more vulnerable to external efforts to undermine its sovereignty, downgrading its national security and leaving the door open to further polarisation. Gender equality and women’s right are particularly at risk, as well as those of marginalised or at-risk groups, such as ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ+ communities.
This simulation exercise, implemented by Chatham House’s International Security and Russia and Eurasia Programmes, suggested ways to strengthen Georgia’s resilience to disinformation and cyber threats.
Combined with surveys, interviews and workshops, this simulation exercise produced recommendations to be considered by Georgian stakeholders from government, the media and civil society, as well as by international donors in their assistance.
