Georgia’s newly passed foreign influence law has ignited widespread protests, drawing comparisons to Russia’s laws that stifle dissent. Critics argue this move indicates a shift towards authoritarianism, undermining democratic principles and threatening Georgia’s goal of European integration. The public’s reaction underscores deep societal divides and a strong commitment to democracy among Georgians.
The ongoing protests against this law provide valuable lessons for political campaigns, particularly in harnessing youth activism, leveraging national identity, and managing crises effectively. Let’s dive into some strategic insights that political professionals can draw from the Georgian experience to solve similar challenges and foster meaningful change in their respective countries.
Georgia’s foreign influence law: its impact on NGOs and media
Georgia’s newly passed foreign influence law requires NGOs and media that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from foreign sources to register as “agents of foreign influence.” The law’s provisions impose strict regulations on NGOs and media, subjecting them to detailed scrutiny and complex reporting requirements. This mirrors Russia’s 2012 foreign agents law, which has been used to silence critical voices and limit the influence of independent civil society organisations. In Georgia, many NGOs and media outlets depend significantly on foreign funding, particularly from the EU and the US. Labelling them as “foreign agents” severely restrict their operations, leading to a substantial rollback of civil liberties and media freedom.
And yet, there is room for hope in the future of Georgian democracy, as thousands have protested these laws for several weeks. Here are some of the lessons learned from these protests which serve as a blueprint of how to successfully mobilise against authoritarian action of a government.
Strategic insights for mobilisation
Harnessing youth activism
Youth activism has been a crucial force in the protests against Georgia’s foreign influence law. The younger generation in Georgia is politically engaged, tech-savvy, and skilled at organising both online and offline.
Youth activists in Georgia have effectively used various online platforms to organise and mobilise against the draft law. Telegram has been crucial for secure, encrypted communication, allowing activists to coordinate protests and share real-time updates. For example, the “No to Draft Law” channel quickly grew to thousands of members. WhatsApp is used for smaller group discussions and planning among core organisers, such as the “Youth Against Draft Law” group, which focuses on detailed decision-making. Facebook is utilised for broader public engagement and event announcements, with the “Protest Against Draft Law” page attracting significant national and international attention.
To disseminate information and rally support, activists produce engaging digital content like short videos and infographics. These materials explain the foreign influence law and a call to action, gaining traction on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Additionally, workshops and seminars, such as the “Empower Youth, Empower Future” webinars on Zoom, are organised to equip activists with essential advocacy skills. Influential youth leaders and social media influencers also play a vital role. By using their platforms on Instagram and TikTok, they encourage their followers to join the movement, amplifying the campaign’s reach.
This multi-platform strategy has enabled rapid mobilisation and sustained engagement, ensuring the movement remains dynamic and resilient. Political campaigns can further maximise youth activism by continuing to organise workshops and seminars that equip young activists with the skills needed for effective advocacy. Additionally, creating digital content that resonates with younger audiences, such as short videos, infographics, and interactive social media posts, can help keep them engaged and drive the movement forward.
Leveraging European identity
The aspiration for European integration is a strong sentiment among Georgians. The foreign influence law is seen as a departure from Western democratic values towards authoritarian-style governance. Political campaigns can capitalise on this by emphasising Georgia’s European identity and ambitions. Highlighting policies that align with European standards, showcasing endorsements from European leaders, and framing the narrative around a future within the European Union can rally public support and create a strong, unifying message.
Campaigns should also organise events featuring prominent European figures to directly address the Georgian public and express solidarity with their democratic goals. Additionally, producing content that highlights the benefits of EU integration, such as economic development, improved governance, and enhanced human rights, can further reinforce the importance of aligning with European values.
In Ukraine, the 2014 Euromaidan protests effectively leveraged European integration by highlighting EU association benefits, gaining endorsements from European leaders, and organising public events with prominent EU figures. Similarly, Georgia’s campaigns can emphasise policies aligned with European standards, showcase European leader endorsements, and host events with EU figures, like a visit from the President of the European Commission in Tbilisi, to underscore the benefits of EU integration and reinforce Georgia’s European identity.
Crisis management
Effective crisis management is essential in volatile political environments. The protests in Georgia highlight the need for timely and transparent communication from leaders. Campaigns should be prepared with comprehensive crisis response plans, including clear communication strategies, rapid response teams, and mechanisms for engaging with both supporters and critics. Demonstrating competence and empathy during crises can build trust and credibility.
A coordinated crisis management strategy should include regular updates through multiple channels, such as social media, press releases, and community meetings. Leaders should be visible and accessible, offering reassurances and actionable plans to address protestors’ concerns. Establishing a hotline or digital platform for citizens to voice their concerns and receive timely responses can enhance public trust and reduce misinformation.
International solidarity and narrative
International support has been significant in the Georgian protests. Statements from foreign governments and international organisations have strengthened protestors’ resolve and highlighted the global implications of the issue. Political campaigns can benefit from fostering international solidarity by building alliances with global partners, participating in international forums, and ensuring their struggles and achievements are visible globally. Crafting a compelling narrative that resonates both domestically and internationally can amplify their impact.
To enhance international solidarity, campaigns should actively engage with global human rights organisations and seek endorsements from influential international figures. Organising joint statements and coordinated actions with international allies can exert additional pressure on the Georgian government. Leveraging international media to highlight the protests and the broader implications of the draft law can attract global attention and support.
Position of the EU and Western support
The EU and Western nations have been vocal in their support for the Georgian protests, condemning the foreign influence law as undemocratic. European leaders have urged the Georgian government to respect civil society and uphold democratic reforms. Western support has included diplomatic pressure, public statements of solidarity, and potential economic and political consequences for failing to comply with democratic norms. Political campaigns can leverage this support by aligning their messages with international democratic standards and emphasising the backing of influential global actors.
Campaigns should work closely with EU institutions to secure concrete support measures, such as increased funding for civil society initiatives and enhanced monitoring of democratic practices in Georgia. Aligning their objectives with those of the EU and other Western allies can strengthen their legitimacy and bolster their efforts to advocate for democratic reforms.
Adapting to the dynamics of modern protests
The protests against Georgia’s draft law reveal the evolving dynamics of modern political activism. Successful campaigns must adapt by embracing youth activism, leveraging national identity narratives, practising effective crisis management, fostering international solidarity, and capitalising on EU and Western support. Understanding and integrating these elements can empower campaigns to navigate contemporary political landscapes and drive meaningful change.
As Georgia faces a critical juncture, the actions of political leaders and campaigns will shape the nation’s future. By effectively addressing the challenges posed by the draft law and leveraging their democratic institutions’ strengths, Georgians can safeguard their future and ensure continued progress towards a free and democratic society.
