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The Making of Modern Georgia, 1918-2012: The First Georgian Republic and Its Successors
When most of Eastern Europe was struggling with dictatorships of one kind or another, the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918-1921) established a constitution, a parliamentary system with national elections, an active opposition, and a free press. Like the Democratic Republic of Georgia in 1918, its successors emerged after 1991 from a bankrupt empire, and faced, yet again, the task of establishing a new economic, political and social system from scratch. In both 1918 and 1991, Georgia was confronted with a hostile Russia and followed a pro-Western and pro-democratic course. The top regional experts in this book explore the domestic and external parallels between the Georgian post-colonial governments of the early twentieth and twenty-first centuries. How did the inexperienced Georgian leaders in both eras deal with the challenge of secessionism, what were their state building strategies, and what did democracy mean to them? What did their electoral systems look like, why were their economic strategies so different, and how did they negotiate with the international community neighbouring threats. These are the central challenges of transitional governments around the world today. Georgias experience over one hundred years suggests that both history and contemporary political analysis offer the best (and most interesting) explanation of the often ambivalent outcomes.
- GenresPolitics
395 pages, ebook
First published January 11, 2013
2 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Stephen F. Jones
10 books9 followersStephen Francis Jones is an English historian of Eastern Europe. He has been a member of the Mount Holyoke College faculty since 1989. He is an expert on post-communist societies in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Jones has briefed the U.S. Department of State on a regular basis, as well as a number of U.S. ambassadors to Georgia.
From 1989 to 1991, during the collapse of the Soviet Union, Jones was repeatedly called upon by the New York Times, the McNeil-Lehrer News Hour, and National Geographic magazine for background information. In 1992, he was included in a New York Times article discussing Georgia's future. Additionally, he has participated in five different news programs with the BBC World Service as well as numerous American radio and TV stations, including NPR's Weekend Edition. In July 1996, Jones traveled to Georgia for the World Bank to examine the impact of economic reform on the lives of ordinary citizens in Caucasia and the following year traveled as a consultant to UNDP (United Nations Development Program) to Abkhazia, a secessionist region in Georgia, to investigate the plight of refugees.
Jones is also leading an ongoing effort to work with officials in Georgia to identify, preserve, and catalog archival materials and employ contemporary library technologies to support the nation's archival and library systems. In 2003-2004, he directed two summer programs for Georgians funded by the U.S. State Department. The first was a Georgian Library Professionals program, the second a program on religious tolerance. In 2011, he was named a foreign member of the Georgian Academy of Sciences. That same year, Jones was awarded an honorary doctoral degree from Tbilisi State University, Georgia.
At Mount Holyoke, Jones has taught Nationalism: East and West, Post-Soviet Foreign Policy, and The Rise and Fall of the Soviet Empire. Coconvening six conferences, Jones has published widely, including dozens of articles, chapters, and book reviews on contemporary events in the Commonwealth of Independent States.
From 1989 to 1991, during the collapse of the Soviet Union, Jones was repeatedly called upon by the New York Times, the McNeil-Lehrer News Hour, and National Geographic magazine for background information. In 1992, he was included in a New York Times article discussing Georgia's future. Additionally, he has participated in five different news programs with the BBC World Service as well as numerous American radio and TV stations, including NPR's Weekend Edition. In July 1996, Jones traveled to Georgia for the World Bank to examine the impact of economic reform on the lives of ordinary citizens in Caucasia and the following year traveled as a consultant to UNDP (United Nations Development Program) to Abkhazia, a secessionist region in Georgia, to investigate the plight of refugees.
Jones is also leading an ongoing effort to work with officials in Georgia to identify, preserve, and catalog archival materials and employ contemporary library technologies to support the nation's archival and library systems. In 2003-2004, he directed two summer programs for Georgians funded by the U.S. State Department. The first was a Georgian Library Professionals program, the second a program on religious tolerance. In 2011, he was named a foreign member of the Georgian Academy of Sciences. That same year, Jones was awarded an honorary doctoral degree from Tbilisi State University, Georgia.
At Mount Holyoke, Jones has taught Nationalism: East and West, Post-Soviet Foreign Policy, and The Rise and Fall of the Soviet Empire. Coconvening six conferences, Jones has published widely, including dozens of articles, chapters, and book reviews on contemporary events in the Commonwealth of Independent States.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 2, 2020
This book fulfilled a challenge; it was the only one I could find under quarantine that did. This collection of scholarly essays examines a variety of aspects of modern Georgia: national security, relationship to the EU, international trade, ethnic tensions, etc. I did not have the background or interest in the subject to appreciate this book.
June 24, 2019
This is a collection of essays that were mostly presented at a conference in the US in 2012, now compiled and published together. Most of the leading scholars on Georgia are here, as are several government officials (though it should be noted most are from the Saakashvili administration).
Overall its an interesting read, though I found it didn't quite go for what the title implies, which is a look at the 1918-21 republic and developments in Georgia since then to create the modern state. The first half of the book almost entirely focuses on developments in recent years, with only a few references to the first republic. The second half does go more into the history, though that is more about relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia than anything.
It would have been nice to get more details on the first Georgian republic, especially as several essays note that little is written about it (especially in English), and many of the issues it faced (threat of Russian invasion, separatism) are still prevalent today. But overall for anyone wanting a serious look at modern Georgian history, this is a key book to read.
Overall its an interesting read, though I found it didn't quite go for what the title implies, which is a look at the 1918-21 republic and developments in Georgia since then to create the modern state. The first half of the book almost entirely focuses on developments in recent years, with only a few references to the first republic. The second half does go more into the history, though that is more about relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia than anything.
It would have been nice to get more details on the first Georgian republic, especially as several essays note that little is written about it (especially in English), and many of the issues it faced (threat of Russian invasion, separatism) are still prevalent today. But overall for anyone wanting a serious look at modern Georgian history, this is a key book to read.
December 23, 2024
The Democratic Republic of Georgia (DRG), though it lasted less than three years, remains a foundational event in Georgian history, representing the first modern Georgian state and serving as a model for future governments. Geopolitical scholar Stephen F. Jones, renowned for his fluency in Georgian and proficiency in Russian and French, offers the first significant English-language analysis of the DRG, highlighting its legacy through a multidisciplinary lens.
The book is divided into four sections, each exploring a different facet of the DRG and its impact:
Georgia's Neighbors
This section focuses on Georgia’s international relations, particularly with Russia. The narrative emphasizes Russia as a persistent threat, with its "neo-imperialism" continually undermining Georgian independence (36). Jones also explores internal challenges, such as corruption and unemployment, which hindered the country’s development. Georgia’s relations with Europe are presented as more positive, though European support for Georgia has often been limited. Modern energy pipelines, like the Baku-Supsa pipeline (1999) and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline (2006), strengthen ties with the West, especially in energy security discussions involving the EU (27).
State-Building and Democracy
A key theme in this section is Russia's controversial citizenship policy in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. By issuing Russian passports to residents of these regions, Russia sought to create a justification for intervention, claiming a responsibility to protect its newly minted citizens. This action violated principles of sovereignty, as Georgia had not consented to Russia's granting of citizenship and had consistently opposed it. The policy, often referred to as "passportization," was intended to solidify Russian influence in the region, despite resistance from Georgia and other post-Soviet states. This "passportization" violated Georgia’s sovereignty and set the stage for Russia’s military intervention in 2008. The book situates this move within Russia’s broader strategy of maintaining influence in the post-Soviet space, using citizenship as a tool to challenge Georgian autonomy.
Ethnic and National Conflicts
Ethnic tensions in Abkhazia and South Ossetia trace back to the DRG era, where Soviet nationality policies often prioritized political objectives over ethnic concerns. These tensions laid the groundwork for ongoing conflicts in these regions, a theme that continues into current Georgian geopolitics.
The DRG’s Legacy
The legacy of the DRG was largely ignored by Soviet authorities but gained renewed attention during glasnost. Today, the DRG is occasionally invoked to highlight Georgia’s democratic aspirations and European orientation, though its socialist origins often clash with contemporary nationalist narratives.
Jones' book offers valuable insights into the DRG's historical context and modern influence, but a more detailed analysis of the Soviet era, especially post-World War II, would have strengthened the study. The omission of this period limits understanding of the DRG's legacy in Georgia's broader historical trajectory and post-Soviet identity. The Soviet period, especially under Stalin, Khrushchev, and Brezhnev, significantly shaped Georgia’s internal dynamics and relations with Russia. A deeper examination of Soviet centralization and reforms would provide essential context for contemporary issues, such as the conflicts over Abkhazia and South Ossetia and ongoing Russian influence. Such a lack of post-World War II analysis is particularly striking when considering modern issues such as Georgia’s relationship with Russia. For example, Alexander Rondeli’s argument that Russian neo-imperialism remains Georgia’s greatest challenge could have been enriched by tracing post-war Soviet policies that entrenched Russian influence in Georgia. Similarly, the economic policies of the Soviet era, including industrialization and infrastructure development, had lasting impacts on Georgia’s post-independence economy but are not discussed in detail.
Additionally, the book’s reliance on archival materials feels uneven. While Malkhaz Matsaberidze extensively utilizes archival resources in his analysis of the DRG’s 1921 constitution, other sections, particularly those addressing state-building and ethnic policies, appear to lack the same level of primary source utilization or documentary evidence. The use of primary sources in these areas could have illuminated the internal debates and external pressures faced by DRG leaders, offering a richer understanding into their decision-making processes. Malkhaz Toria examines how the DRG’s legacy gained attention during glasnost, yet the broader political and social transformations of the 1980s, which led to Georgia's independence in 1991, are underexplored. For example, how did Georgian intellectuals, artists, and dissidents use the DRG’s legacy to critique Soviet rule? Did this legacy play a role in the independence movement? This omission creates a gap in understanding Georgia's post-Soviet identity and geopolitical positioning, particularly for readers without specialized knowledge (such as myself).
Nevertheless, this work serves as a useful resource for studying Georgia and the Caucasus. It traces Georgia’s evolution from brief independence to Soviet domination and the challenges of post-Soviet nationhood, highlighting the nation’s resilience through upheaval. The analysis of state-building is particularly compelling, addressing struggles with authoritarianism, governance, and ethnic divisions. Overall, The Making of Modern Georgia combines historical, political, and cultural analysis effectively to illuminate the complexities of modern Georgian statehood and identity. The book provides a diverse array of perspectives that offer critical insights into how external pressures and internal dynamics have shaped Georgia’s history and continue to influence its trajectory today.
The book is divided into four sections, each exploring a different facet of the DRG and its impact:
Georgia's Neighbors
This section focuses on Georgia’s international relations, particularly with Russia. The narrative emphasizes Russia as a persistent threat, with its "neo-imperialism" continually undermining Georgian independence (36). Jones also explores internal challenges, such as corruption and unemployment, which hindered the country’s development. Georgia’s relations with Europe are presented as more positive, though European support for Georgia has often been limited. Modern energy pipelines, like the Baku-Supsa pipeline (1999) and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline (2006), strengthen ties with the West, especially in energy security discussions involving the EU (27).
State-Building and Democracy
A key theme in this section is Russia's controversial citizenship policy in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. By issuing Russian passports to residents of these regions, Russia sought to create a justification for intervention, claiming a responsibility to protect its newly minted citizens. This action violated principles of sovereignty, as Georgia had not consented to Russia's granting of citizenship and had consistently opposed it. The policy, often referred to as "passportization," was intended to solidify Russian influence in the region, despite resistance from Georgia and other post-Soviet states. This "passportization" violated Georgia’s sovereignty and set the stage for Russia’s military intervention in 2008. The book situates this move within Russia’s broader strategy of maintaining influence in the post-Soviet space, using citizenship as a tool to challenge Georgian autonomy.
Ethnic and National Conflicts
Ethnic tensions in Abkhazia and South Ossetia trace back to the DRG era, where Soviet nationality policies often prioritized political objectives over ethnic concerns. These tensions laid the groundwork for ongoing conflicts in these regions, a theme that continues into current Georgian geopolitics.
The DRG’s Legacy
The legacy of the DRG was largely ignored by Soviet authorities but gained renewed attention during glasnost. Today, the DRG is occasionally invoked to highlight Georgia’s democratic aspirations and European orientation, though its socialist origins often clash with contemporary nationalist narratives.
Jones' book offers valuable insights into the DRG's historical context and modern influence, but a more detailed analysis of the Soviet era, especially post-World War II, would have strengthened the study. The omission of this period limits understanding of the DRG's legacy in Georgia's broader historical trajectory and post-Soviet identity. The Soviet period, especially under Stalin, Khrushchev, and Brezhnev, significantly shaped Georgia’s internal dynamics and relations with Russia. A deeper examination of Soviet centralization and reforms would provide essential context for contemporary issues, such as the conflicts over Abkhazia and South Ossetia and ongoing Russian influence. Such a lack of post-World War II analysis is particularly striking when considering modern issues such as Georgia’s relationship with Russia. For example, Alexander Rondeli’s argument that Russian neo-imperialism remains Georgia’s greatest challenge could have been enriched by tracing post-war Soviet policies that entrenched Russian influence in Georgia. Similarly, the economic policies of the Soviet era, including industrialization and infrastructure development, had lasting impacts on Georgia’s post-independence economy but are not discussed in detail.
Additionally, the book’s reliance on archival materials feels uneven. While Malkhaz Matsaberidze extensively utilizes archival resources in his analysis of the DRG’s 1921 constitution, other sections, particularly those addressing state-building and ethnic policies, appear to lack the same level of primary source utilization or documentary evidence. The use of primary sources in these areas could have illuminated the internal debates and external pressures faced by DRG leaders, offering a richer understanding into their decision-making processes. Malkhaz Toria examines how the DRG’s legacy gained attention during glasnost, yet the broader political and social transformations of the 1980s, which led to Georgia's independence in 1991, are underexplored. For example, how did Georgian intellectuals, artists, and dissidents use the DRG’s legacy to critique Soviet rule? Did this legacy play a role in the independence movement? This omission creates a gap in understanding Georgia's post-Soviet identity and geopolitical positioning, particularly for readers without specialized knowledge (such as myself).
Nevertheless, this work serves as a useful resource for studying Georgia and the Caucasus. It traces Georgia’s evolution from brief independence to Soviet domination and the challenges of post-Soviet nationhood, highlighting the nation’s resilience through upheaval. The analysis of state-building is particularly compelling, addressing struggles with authoritarianism, governance, and ethnic divisions. Overall, The Making of Modern Georgia combines historical, political, and cultural analysis effectively to illuminate the complexities of modern Georgian statehood and identity. The book provides a diverse array of perspectives that offer critical insights into how external pressures and internal dynamics have shaped Georgia’s history and continue to influence its trajectory today.
May 9, 2023
This is not a standard book, but rather a collection of articles written by different authors about Georgia. This creates it own problem because almost every article consist of repetitive information about Georgia. It feels to me that it is because each author felt the need to introduce Georgia because they probably did not know if other authors would do that, and in the end many did the same. So, editing of the book is not great, let's say.
One thing that is consistent about this book is that it shows how far Georgia has advanced, since independence in 1991, to become integrated into the global economy, primarily serving as the major transit route of oil and gas pipelines coming from Central Asia and Azerbaijan. It all started in the 1990s when many painful mistakes were made, but it managed to make some far-sighted political decisions too that bear the fruits now.
One thing that is consistent about this book is that it shows how far Georgia has advanced, since independence in 1991, to become integrated into the global economy, primarily serving as the major transit route of oil and gas pipelines coming from Central Asia and Azerbaijan. It all started in the 1990s when many painful mistakes were made, but it managed to make some far-sighted political decisions too that bear the fruits now.
July 10, 2024
Relatively little history, and relatively little on the First Republic specifically, but the political-science, international-relations etc. analyses are also quite enlightening, and - 10 years after the book came up - prescient to an uncanny degree.
November 30, 2022
These essays offer some fabulous international analysis of the geopolitical position of Georgia historically and today. The biggest takeaway for me, however, was a reminder of how little scholarship has been published in English about the first Georgian republic.
I learned quite a bit, but put it down feeling hungrier for more historical work--the majority of the essays in this book actually focus on the titular "Successors" as opposed to the First Georgian Republic.
Nonetheless, the diversity of topics and perspectives made for rich reading.
I learned quite a bit, but put it down feeling hungrier for more historical work--the majority of the essays in this book actually focus on the titular "Successors" as opposed to the First Georgian Republic.
Nonetheless, the diversity of topics and perspectives made for rich reading.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews