Georgia’s Democratic Reversal: The Danger of an Unquestioned Consensus

In an analytical article for the Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, Ambassador David Dondua explains Georgia’s democratic reversal not as a sudden accident or a single political betrayal, but as the outcome of a deeper and rarely discussed vulnerability: an unquestioned, almost sacred consensus on the European path that was never truly debated, explained, or internalised by society. Paradoxically, what once appeared to be a strength later turned into a weakness. Emotional support without sufficient knowledge proved fragile and easily manipulable. This argument is not directed against Georgia’s European choice. On the contrary, the author remains firmly convinced that it was—and remains—the correct strategic direction. However, strategic orientations cannot be sustained by slogans alone; they require understanding, societal ownership, and continuous public engagement. The article invites critical reflection and discussion, particularly from experts and practitioners working on democracy, EU enlargement, societal resilience, and hybrid threats.