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Eastern Europe's Shifting Alliances
Analysis of recent political events in Georgia, Moldova, and Bulgaria, highlighting the influence of Russia and the choices between pro-Western and pro-Russian alignments.
Greek
Greece
International RelationsElectionsRussia Ukraine WarGeopoliticsEuropean UnionPolitical InstabilityEastern Europe
Georgian DreamEuNatoRussian ParliamentVazrajdane
Sergey GavrilovMikhail SaakashviliBidzina IvanishviliSalome ZourabichviliIrakli Garibashvili
- What are the political situations in Moldova and Bulgaria?
- Moldova's recent elections saw a narrow victory for pro-EU forces, while in Bulgaria, continued political instability prevents government formation and strengthens pro-Russian nationalists.
- What triggered the large-scale protests in Tbilisi in 2019?
- In June 2019, a Russian MP's actions in the Georgian parliament sparked massive protests and highlighted the deep-seated anti-Russian sentiment in the country.
- What is the historical context of anti-Russian sentiment in Georgia?
- The 2008 Russo-Georgian war, resulting in the loss of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, left a lasting trauma and fueled anti-Russian feelings, influencing subsequent political events.
- Who is Bidzina Ivanishvili and what is his role in Georgian politics?
- Bidzina Ivanishvili, a pro-Russian oligarch, established the Georgian Dream party, which has governed with methods described as Putin-esque, gradually drawing Georgia closer to Russia despite claiming pro-EU stance.
- What were the outcomes and reactions to the recent Georgian elections?
- Recent elections in Georgia saw the Georgian Dream party win despite widespread allegations of voter intimidation and fraud, prompting condemnation from the EU and the US, and further distancing Georgia from the European Union.