THE PROBLEM OF NATIONALISM IN GEORGIA: FEATURES AND MAIN MANIFESTATIONS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the problem of nationalism in Georgia. The main approaches of the Soviet state to the national question are analyzed. Nationalism in post-Soviet countries is rather complex phenomenon, since even at the present stage the influence of the “Soviet past” and external factors on the main narratives of right-wing parties and groups is felt. The article examines the role and significance of the idea of the formation of a “Soviet person” as a supranational identity and its influence on the further development of the national idea in the post-Soviet space. The theoretical basis of the study was the work of such scholars as R. Brubaker, who examined nationalism in post-Soviet societies, including Georgia. During the study, emphasis was placed on the key, turning points in the formation of modern nationalism. The “point of departure” was the establishment of Georgia’s independence, and the features and significance of nationalism at that time for the formation of an independent state were analyzed. The article examines the role and position of the first president of Georgia, Z. Gamsakhurdia, and the conflicts in the country after the declaration of independence. The features of nationalism during E. Shevardnadze’s tenure in power were examined. The policy of the next president of Georgia, M. Saakashvili, was clearly oriented towards Western structures, and therefore towards liberal-democratic values.The formation of nationalist narratives was influenced by external factors: Western countries and Russia. During M. Saakashvili’s time, the influence of Western countries and liberal democratic values was felt. However, after the pro-Russian elite came to power, nationalist rhetoric in the country acquired an anti-Western color, in some cases, was oriented towards European conservatives.