Ilia State University

PhD Student, School of Graduate Studies

Other Affiliations: London School of Economics, Government
University of Edinburgh, School of Social and Political Science

University of Edinburgh

Thesis Title: Making Georgian Nationalisms

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This dissertation reflects on three periods of recent Georgian history under the presidencies of Zviad Gamsakhurdia (1991-92), Eduard Shevardnadze (1995-2003) and Mikheil Saakashvili (2003-onwards). By employing a normative approach to the study of nationalism, the thesis critically reflects on the evolution of Georgian nationalisms under these three periods from being predominantly ethnocultural to more civic, and in its final phase to having a more civil/multicultural character. To examine certain normative elements of Georgian nationalisms, the dissertation analyzes the dynamics and changes in terms of three key socio-political and cultural factors. After briefly reflecting on certain structural factors determining the emergence of Georgian nationalism in the late 1980s, in all of the following periods the thesis examines: the social and political nationalist discourse (political, academic discourse etc.); the state’s policies towards ethnic minorities (with focus on the implementation of policies and the degrees of inclusivity of minorities); and legislative/constitutional changes (critically reflecting on new concepts and laws). By this, we endeavour to provide an explanation for the emergence and evolution of Georgian nationalisms.

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