Security Environment of Georgia
International and regional developments of the last few years have significantly changed the security
environment of Georgia.
The large-scale military aggression committed by the Russian Federation against Georgia in August
2008 made it clear that, for certain countries, open military aggression is still a tool they are willing to
employ in order to accomplish their political goals in today’s world.
The military aggression by the Russian Federation in 2008, the occupation of Georgian territories,
and the deployment of occupation forces in Georgian territories significantly worsened Georgia’s
security environment. The 2008 war demonstrated that the Russian Federation does not accept the
sovereignty of Georgia, including Georgia’s choice of democracy and its independent domestic and
foreign policy.
Moreover, the military aggression by the Russian Federation worsened the security environment in
the Caucasus region as a whole. In addition, the instability in the North Caucasus and the unresolved
conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh both negatively impact Georgia’s security environment. The
creation of a peaceful and cooperative environment in the Caucasus region would pay positive
dividends for the security of Georgia.
Broadening the integration processes in Europe is important for the security of Georgia. Georgia is a
part of the European and Euro-Atlantic space. Therefore, the expansion eastward of NATO and of the
European Union is important for Georgia.
Georgia maintains close relations with the world’s leading democratic states. The support of these
countries plays an important role in the development of a democratic Georgia.
Along with a constantly changing international environment, other factors—such as domestic
political processes—also influence the security of Georgia. Strengthening the country’s democratic
achievements by continuing reforms positively impacts stability and furthers the development of the
state’s democratic institutions.
For the stable and secure development of the country, it is critically important to maintain high longterm economic growth; this is achieved through the adoption of the free-market principles in the
economy, strict fiscal discipline, and a healthy monetary policy. Open partnerships, free trade, and
economic relationships with all nations and international entities—especially the European Union,
the United States and the countries in the region—are important choices that Georgia has made.
3