The United States is showing preparedness to offer Georgia a set of incentives including military, trade, and relaxed visa policies provided the country retreats from its current trend of diminishing democracy. This development, as reported by Politico on May 20, hinges on the imminent introduction of a draft bill in Congress that proposes these conditional benefits.
Recent legislative actions in Georgia have sparked heightened concern, specifically with the passing of the foreign agents law by the Georgian Dream party. This law mandates designated organizations receiving foreign funds to declare status as “foreign agents”, akin to restrictive Russian laws targeting dissidents of the Kremlin regime.
Despite alarms sounded by EU and US representatives about the erosion of Georgian democratic structures and claimed influence by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, an honoree chairman of Georgian Dream, the law went ahead. In the wake of Georgia being granted EU candidate status in December 2023, the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) reported in January of the limited democratic progress within the nation, adding to concerns about a potential shift towards Russian alignment.
The contemplated inducements, which include augmenting Georgian access to the US market, military assistance, and a more lenient visa regime for its citizens, come with prerequisites. The US demands evidence of “significant and sustained progress” in democratic rejuvenation in Georgia, which would involve a demonstrably fair electoral process and a neutral pre-election atmosphere, as per the draft legislation.
In addition to potential rewards, the US is also considering punitive measures. Congressman Joe Wilson, a proponent of the incentive package, plans to bring forth legislation outlining specific punitive actions against officials of the Georgian Dream party if they continue supporting the controversial law.
The punitive measures would entail sanctions targeting those “responsible for damaging democracy, human rights or security in Georgia”, incorporate travel restrictions for legislators that have supported the law, and extend to their families. A range of additional punitive steps could be considered against law enforcement and security personnel partaking in the overly aggressive crackdown on protests.
An anonymous congressional staffer emphasized the importance of fulfilling commitments to the Georgian public by declaring, “The idea is to show that we take our relationship and obligations to the Georgian people seriously, and that we will stand up for them.”
Recent protests in Georgia have been ignited by opposition to the foreign agents law, with thousands rallying outside the parliament. Georgian opposition leader Tina Bokuchava endorsed the US’s stance on imposing tangible repercussions on leaders of Georgian Dream.
Bokuchava suggested that sanctions should extend beyond Ivanishvili to include the leadership responsible for orchestrating violent measures against protestors. The foreign agents law did pass on May 14 but faced a veto from President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-Western figure.
Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili noted earlier on May 20 the intention of Georgian Dream to overrule the President’s veto, a likely scenario given their parliamentary majority.
FAQs about US Trade and Military Incentives for Georgia
What incentives is the US considering for Georgia?
The US is considering offering Georgia military assistance, increased market access, and relaxed visa requirements.
Why are these incentives conditional?
The incentives are offered on the condition that Georgia demonstrates significant progress towards strengthening its democracy, which includes holding fair elections and providing a balanced pre-election environment.
What issue has caused concern regarding Georgia’s democracy?
The passing of the foreign agents law that mirrors Russian legislation has raised concerns regarding the suppression of democracy in Georgia.
What penalties may be imposed if Georgia continues on its current trajectory?
The sanctions may involve asset freezes, travel bans for officials and their families, and other consequences for government authorities and security personnel implicated in repressing democratic freedoms.
Has the foreign agents law been implemented in Georgia?
The law was passed but vetoed by President Salome Zourabichvili. However, the ruling party plans to overrule the veto.
Conclusion
The potential provision of military and trade assistance from the US to Georgia serves as both an incentive for democratic reforms and a counterbalance to democratic erosion. The conditions attached to such assistance emphasize the international community’s interest in supporting the upholding of democratic standards. As the situation in Georgia evolves, the response of both the Georgian government and its opposition, as well as the reaction from international actors like the US, will be closely monitored to gauge the trajectory of democracy and human rights in the region.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on a rewritten account of events and does not claim originality. It sources various internet resources, including AI news feed technology. Reference to the original content can be found at https://kyivindependent.com/politico-us-considering-significant-trade-military-deals-with-georgia-if-it-reverses-democratic-backsliding/.