Georgia, due to its strategic location and historical ties, has positioned itself at the center of international balances, drawing the attention of both the West and Russia. In recent years, strained relations with the West have led to internal political conflicts, compelling Georgia to reconsider its foreign policy. With Donald Trump’s return to the presidency of the United States (US), the hope for a “reset” in US-Georgia relations has become one of the Georgian Dream Party’s (GD) primary strategic goals. In this context, GD’s expectations from relations with the US and its criticisms of the West have reflected the effort to safeguard the country’s geopolitical interests.
GD’s support for Donald Trump following the US elections has revealed Georgia’s desire to reshape its strategic relations with the US and strengthen these ties in line with its geopolitical interests. By utilizing the “deep state” rhetoric, GD not only hoped for a reset in bilateral relations but also reflected its effort to solidify Georgia’s position within the international system. Emphasizing Ukraine’s economic and territorial losses since 2014 highlighted GD’s concern over avoiding a similar fate and its search for a unique balance within the Western alliance. In this regard, the potential return of the Trump administration was viewed as a significant opportunity to resolve instabilities in Europe and advance Georgia’s shared interests with the US.[1]
GD’s criticisms of the US and the European Union (EU) have stood out as a strategy to protect Georgia’s national sovereignty and resist external pressures. By labeling the sanctions imposed on Bidzina Ivanishvili as “punishment for peace,” GD claimed that Georgia was being drawn into the Russia-Ukraine War under Western pressure. The statements, “We are being punished for choosing peace over war and stability over chaos,” clearly revealed GD’s perception of Western policies as a source of global instability. This rhetoric demonstrated that Georgia could only sustain its vision of partnership with the West by resisting external interventions.[2]
GD harshly criticized the European Parliament’s (EP) five resolutions, which included calls for sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili and the repeal of laws concerning LGBT propaganda, arguing that these resolutions were an attempt to “undermine Georgia’s sovereignty.” By describing the EP as “an instrument of the deep state,” GD claimed that the resolutions aimed to drive Georgia into economic collapse and potential war. GD’s determination to protect Georgia’s national identity and independent policies underscored its pursuit of a more balanced and equitable partnership with the West.
In a statement made on January 7, 2025, in Tbilisi, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze responded to French President Emmanuel Macron’s allegations that Russia had “clearly destabilized and manipulated the election process” during Georgia’s parliamentary elections held in October. Kobakhidze stated that “everyone should focus on Ukraine,” emphasizing that the real issue facing everyone today is a devastated Ukraine. He underscored that Russia’s interventions in neighboring countries were primarily centered on Ukraine, saying, “The French President should focus on Ukraine.” The Prime Minister dismissed Macron’s allegations as “false” and noted that he would not respond to such statements.[3]
Current political developments in Georgia have been shaped by strained relations with the West and the expectation of a potential rapprochement with the United States. In a statement on January 4, 2025, Georgian parliamentarian Guram Macharashvili indicated that a new period of reviewing US-Georgia relations would begin following Donald Trump’s assumption of the presidency. Macharashvili emphasized, “Trump’s policies align with the interests of Georgian society,” underlining that Georgia would maintain a resolute stance in protecting its national interests despite pressures from the West. Notably, the “Foreign Agents” law adopted in the spring of 2024 and the “Protection of Family Values and Children” law passed in the fall resulted in Georgia being accused of democratic backsliding and anti-LGBT policies. This led to the suspension of economic aid and the cessation of high-level contacts by the US and the EU.[4]
During this period, the Georgian government asserted the legitimacy of the October 26, 2024 elections, which were approved by international observers, and dismissed discussions of legitimacy. However, Western sanctions and opposition protests further complicated the country’s internal politics. Sanctions targeting Bidzina Ivanishvili and senior officials reinforced Georgia’s desire to pursue a more independent path in its relations with the West. Despite the protests, the government defended its decision to postpone negotiations with the EU until 2028, refusing to yield to Western pressures. At this juncture, 2025 was seen as a potential “reset” year for Georgia’s relations with the US.
US Congressman Joe Wilson announced that he would work to ensure new elections in Georgia alongside President-elect Donald Trump. In an interview with Fox News, Wilson stated, “America does not recognize the Ivanishvili regime. The ‘Georgian Nightmare’ regime’s non-recognition law continues America’s great tradition of opposing tyrannical regimes. We will work with Donald Trump to ensure free and fair elections in Georgia.”[5] Referring to GD as the “Georgian Nightmare”, these statements reflected an ideological stance and underscored the Republican faction’s strong opposition to the current government in Georgia.
When examining Georgia’s current political and diplomatic situation alongside the potential impact of the Republican administration in the US, the need to redefine regional balances becomes evident. Statements by figures like Joe Wilson advocating for new elections in Georgia highlight the clash of foreign policy visions within different wings of the Republican Party. While support for a pro-Western government in Georgia echoed the stance of previous Democratic policies, the Trump administration’s priorities did not include directly attempting to change the current government. Wilson’s “new election” rhetoric was more of a symbolic pressure tool than a realistic scenario. In this context, it is more likely that the US will foster a cooperative process based on Western values by working with Georgia’s legitimate government.
From an international relations perspective, adopting a more balanced and moderate US policy in Georgia would be a strategic move to balance power dynamics with both the West and Russia. While drawing closer to the West, Georgia is simultaneously striving to avoid direct conflict with Russia. During Trump’s second term, US policies toward Georgia are expected to carefully balance sustaining pro-Western diplomacy without outright provoking Russia. Supporting Georgia’s NATO and EU integration goals while avoiding a confrontational stance against Russia could prevent escalation. For its part, Georgia must deepen its “reset” initiatives and pursue moderate diplomacy to draw closer to the West without provoking Russia. This approach could mitigate Russia’s reaction and help maintain Georgia’s regional stability.
Ultimately, efforts to reshape US-Georgia relations will hinge on establishing common ground with Georgia’s legitimate government. While strong statements from figures like Wilson may serve as symbolic gestures to enhance US influence in Georgia, it is unlikely that the Trump administration will translate such rhetoric into direct action. Instead, a more diplomatic approach is anticipated, focusing on broader strategic interests. In this context, fostering stability in Georgia and limiting Russia’s influence in the region are expected to align with a US strategy grounded in democratic principles. Georgia, meanwhile, is predicted to continue pursuing a more balanced and moderate foreign policy, solidifying its ties with the West while avoiding direct tensions with Russia. This approach is deemed a suitable scenario for safeguarding both US regional interests and Georgia’s long-term national security goals.
[1] “Trump’s ‘dismantling of deep state’ can lead to ‘mutually beneficial reset’ in US-Georgia relations – Georgian ruling party”, Agenda.Ge, https://agenda.ge/en/news/2025/42362, (Access Date: 09.01.2025).
[2] “Georgia’s ruling party: ‘deep state’ targeting Honorary Chair Ivanishvili ‘for securing peace’”, Agenda.Ge, https://agenda.ge/en/news/2025/42361, (Access Date: 09.01.2025).
[3] “Georgian PM calls for ‘focus on Ukraine’ following French President’s claims of Russian interference in Georgian elections”, Agenda.Ge, https://agenda.ge/en/news/2025/42359, (Access Date: 09.01.2025).
[4] “Vlasti Gruzii Zhdut Perezagruzki Otnosheniy s SSHA Posle İnauguratsii Trampa”, Sputnik Georgia, https://sputnik-georgia.ru/20250104/vlasti-gruzii-zhdut-perezagruzki-otnosheniy-s-ssha-posle-inauguratsii-trampa-291650570.html, (Access Date: 09.01.2025).
[5] “Uilson Nameren Dostignut Perevyborov v Gruzii Vmeste s Trampom”, Sova, https://sovanews.tv/2025/01/08/uilson-nameren-dostignut-perevyborov-v-gruzii-vmeste-s-trampom, (Access Date: 09.01.2025).
