Overview

How have discourses of Euro-Atlanticism been used in domestic and international affairs by the political elite in Georgia? After the 2003 Rose Revolution, as relations with Russia soured, a Euro-Atlantic orientation portrayed as a single and coherent strategy became the cornerstone of Georgian foreign policy as well as a model for domestic reforms. This promise of a prosperous future offered new hope to the Georgian population. Scepticism or critical thinking towards President Saakashvili and his government were equated to pro-Russian treason and pro-western orientation and impressive reforms, promoted as being modelled along ’European standards’, emerged simultaneously with an outspoken rhetoric and active symbolism. References to Europe and the Euro-Atlantic structures became ubiquitous as European flags were brandished throughout the country. Addressing a gap in the existing literature the author examines a large volume of data extracted from news items from 20 different Georgian and International media channels over a ten-year period. Through this he identifies patterns in the discourse to explain the intentions of the Georgian elite and examines the effectiveness of the rhetoric.

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9781472454607

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Reviews

'A highly timely, scholarly contribution on a theme of the Europeanness of Georgia, and as such of the utmost importance for both Georgia and the European Union itself. As Georgia begins to implement its very bureaucratic new Association Agreement with the EU, it is vital to comprehend by contrast the political, philosophical and emotional meaning of Europeanness in public discourse and perceptions of the people. The book is a model of its kind, and the author might like to do the same next for Ukraine too.' Michael Emerson, Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), Belgium 'This book provides an excellent, and insofar under-explored, insight on the dynamics behind the Euro-Atlantic discourse, its impact on Georgian identity and on the ever evolving geopolitical challenges of the region. Taking advantage of more than a decade working in and on the region, with first-hand experience of both the North and South Caucasus Frederik Coene offers a unique account that the academic community, think tanks and decision makers should consider a must read for future reference.' Abel Polese, Tallinn University, Estonia 'The product of over a decade of painstaking research, Dr Coene provides a rigorous, intimate and long-overdue analysis of Georgia's multifaceted relationship with the European Union. This illuminating and insightful work is essential reading for those who seek a nuanced understanding of Georgia's quest for a new partner and patron to offset the attentions of its larger neighbour, Russia.' Donnacha O Beachain, Dublin City University, Ireland

'A highly timely, scholarly contribution on the 'Europeanness' of Georgia, and as such of the utmost importance for both Georgia and the European Union itself. As Georgia begins to implement its very bureaucratic new Association Agreement with the EU, it is vital to comprehend by contrast the political, philosophical, and emotional meaning of 'Europeanness' in public discourse and perceptions of the people. The book is a model of its kind, and the author might like to do the same next for Ukraine too.' Michael Emerson, Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), Belgium 'This book provides an excellent insight on the, so far under-explored, dynamics behind the Euro-Atlantic discourse - its impact on Georgian identity and on the ever evolving geopolitical challenges of the region. Taking advantage of more than a decade working in and on the region, with first-hand experience of both the North and South Caucasus, Frederik Coene offers a unique account that the academic community, think tanks, and decision makers should consider a must read for future reference.' Abel Polese, Tallinn University, Estonia 'The product of over a decade of painstaking research, Dr Coene provides a rigorous, intimate, and long-overdue analysis of Georgia's multifaceted relationship with the European Union. This illuminating and insightful work is essential reading for those who seek a nuanced understanding of Georgia's quest for a new partner and patron to offset the attentions of its larger neighbour Russia.' Donnacha O Beachain, Dublin City University, Ireland

Author Information

Frederik Coene is currently Head of Operations Section in the Delegation of the European Union to Belarus. He has previously worked in Chechnya, Abkhazia, Tajikistan, Georgia and Belgium for different non-governmental organisations and EU institutions. He holds an MA in Commercial Sciences and in Caucasian and Central Asian Studies, as well as a PhD in Political Sciences. He is also the author of several articles and books on the Caucasus.

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