Overview

Georgia emerged from the fall of the Soviet empire in 1991 with the promise of swift economic and democratic reform. But that promise remains unfulfilled. Economic collapse, secessionist challenges, civil war and the failure to escape the legacy of Soviet rule - culminating in the 2008 war with Russia - characterise a two-decade struggle to establish democratic institutions and consolidate statehood. Here, Stephen Jones critically analyses Georgia's recent political and economic development, illustrating what its 'transition' has meant, not just for the state, but for its citizens as well. An authoritative and commanding exploration of Georgia since independence, this is essential for those interested in the post-Soviet world.

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9781784530853

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'This impressive book represents a substantial achievement. It presents a rare but desperately needed and fresh analysis of contemporary Georgia. The author has unusually perceptive eyes that see through the stock categories and cliches that shape so much commentary and analysis about Georgia. I don't know of any other treatment of Georgia (or its neighbours) that is as thorough.' Dr Michael Reynolds, Associate Professor, Princeton University 'Written by one of the world's preeminent scholars of Georgia, this book is an essential volume of the field. Stephen Jones has written an urgent analytical critique of Georgia's current political and economic condition that is sensitive to cultural differences, knowledgeable, heartfelt and honest. The scope and depth of the work make it critical for academics and policy makers, as well as anyone who has a general interest in this small but interesting - and geopolitically crucial - country.' Dr Julie George, Associate Professor of Political Science, CUNY 'I believe that this book is a worthy contribution to the literature on contemporary Georgia. It is clear that Stephen Jones has achieved a rare mastery of Georgian domestic politics - a difficult subject matter, even for Georgian nationals - and has managed to translate his deep area expertise into a readable form for non-specialists. It also deserves to be said that the book is simply beautifully written.' Dr Jesse Driscoll, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Harvard University

Author Information

Stephen Jones is Professor of Russian and Eurasian Studies at Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts. The author of several books on Caucasian history and politics, he has taught Soviet and Russian politics at the University of California at Santa Cruz, the University of London and Oxford University.

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