Post-Soviet colour revolutions and Georgia’s geopolitical struggle

Source: The post Post-Soviet colour revolutions and Georgia’s geopolitical struggle has been created, based on the article “Georgia and the resurrection of the colour revolutions” published in “The Hindu” on 18th February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses post-Soviet “colour revolutions” that aimed to replace pro-Russian governments with pro-Western ones. These movements, though peaceful, were seen by Russia as Western interference. Georgia’s recent protests reflect ongoing geopolitical struggles between Russia and the West.

What Are Colour Revolutions?

1. Definition: Colour revolutions were peaceful uprisings in post-Soviet states to replace pro-Russian governments with pro-Western ones.
2. Key Examples:

• Georgia (2003) – Rose Revolution: Eduard Shevardnadze was replaced by Mikheil Saakashvili.
• Ukraine (2004) – Orange Revolution: Protested against election fraud.
• Kyrgyzstan (2005) – Tulip Revolution: Led to leadership change.

3. Western Influence: Western groups, like the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), provided financial and logistical support. The goal was to promote democracy but was seen as external interference.
4. Russia’s View: Russia saw these revolutions as Western attempts to weaken its influence. It feared similar movements inside its borders.
5. Long-term Impact: The initial promise of democracy soon faded. Corruption remained, and leaders backed by the West often acted undemocratically. Public frustration grew as real change did not happen.

What Is Happening in Georgia Now?

1. The Georgian Dream Party secured a decisive victory in recent elections.
2. Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former footballer, became the new President.
3. Former President Salome Zourabichvili initially refused to vacate office.
4. She called herself the “only legitimate President” and joined protests.
5. She claimed the elections were marred by electoral malpractices and corruption.
6. The ruling party accused Western-backed NGOs of organizing the protests.
7. Protests in Georgia reflect a long-standing geopolitical battle between Russia and the West.

What Is the Global Context of These Events?

1. These events occur amid global tensions over the U.S.’s role in the world, especially under President Donald Trump.
2. Russia continues to try to maintain its influence over its neighboring countries.
3. The effectiveness of Western soft power strategies like promoting democracy appears to be waning.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the recent protests in Georgia reflect the broader geopolitical struggle between Russia and the West.