The Berlin Office of the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM)
is pleased to invite you to an expert discussion entitled:

Georgian Lost Dreams
Georgia on the Path to Authoritarianism

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11 December 2026 (Friday)
18:00–20:30
Polish Institute of International Affairs, Berlin Office
Marienstraße 26, 10117 Berlin
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Georgia is facing the most serious crisis in its recent history. The Georgian Dream party, which has ruled the South Caucasus republic since 2012, has been consolidating an authoritarian political system for over two years—that is, since the parliamentary elections that were contested both domestically and abroad. By enacting a steady stream of new laws, it is stifling civil society, the free media, the political opposition, academics, cultural figures, and other social groups that oppose its authoritarian tendencies; representatives of these groups are either being arrested or forced into political exile. Furthermore, it is making a fundamental shift in foreign policy by abandoning its previous course toward Euro-Atlantic integration in favor of a de facto rapprochement with Russia, China, Iran, the Gulf States, and Central Asia. The West’s response to this authoritarian turn has so far been limited; the political opposition is weak and does not appear to be a viable alternative to the ruling party; and public resistance, despite its persistence, is increasingly marked by frustration.

What is the reason for Georgia’s transformation from a leader of pro-democratic change in the post-Soviet space into the enfant terrible of the Western community? Are the changes taking place in this country irreversible? What would have to happen for Georgia to return to the path of democracy and Euro-Atlantic integration?

These questions, among others, will be addressed during an expert discussion accompanying the presentation of Lost Georgian Dreams, a book by Wojciech Wojtasiewicz, an analyst at the Polish Institute of International Affairs specialising in the South Caucasus. 

Agenda

Welcome remarks:

• Małgorzata Gemen, Executive Director, PISM Berlin Office

Panellists:

• Dr. Khatia Kikalishvili, Programme Director for Eastern Partnership at the Centre for Liberal Modernity (Libmod).
• Dr. Stefan Meister, Head of the Center for Order anGovernance in Eastern Europe, Russia,  and Central Asia, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)
• Dr. Franziska Smolnik, German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP).
• Wojciech Wojtasiewicz, South Causasus Region Analyst, Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM)

Moderator: Prof. Kornely Kakachia, Director of the Tbilisi-based think tank Georgian Institute of Politics

Participation is by invitation only. The discussion will be held in English under Chatham House Rules.