Backsliding Georgian Government Needs a Tougher Message From the West

Submission Statement: Georgia’s ruling party has taken actions that move the country away from European integration and risk democratic backsliding. New restrictive legislation and harsh anti-US and anti-European rhetoric by party leaders has sparked concern across the Atlantic. Former US Ambassador Eric Rubin argues that the West needs to clearly communicate its warning to the Georgian government that democratic ties will deteriorate if authoritarian policies and alliances with Russia continue.