Оpinion Survey of Academic Staff of Higher Education Institutions, Non-Governmental Sector Representatives and Experts Operating in Georgia
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As generally observed, public opinion on foreign policy course in Georgia is usually superficial and less defined because, according to the common belief, it is formed due to the steps taken by the government. When asked about their point of view on Georgia’s aspirations towards Euro-Atlantic integration, citizens express rather explicit and positive reactions, or skeptical attitude. The problem is that the majority of these respondents do not have a deep understanding of the matter. Therefore, their views on country’s foreign policy course is vague and mostly utopian. Such beliefs are shaped by hidden factors; actors that directly or indirectly influence them are covert in most cases. It was crucial to familiarize with the views and assessments of the representatives of academic circles, experts and non-governmental organizations working on Russian studies in Georgia with regard to a broad spectrum of national security, including Moscow’s assertive policy, conflicts in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region, problems with territorial integrity of Georgia, other national security, economic, social and cultural issues. Studying the subject exhaustively in scientific circles enables us to give the civil society the direction it largely requires at this stage. The research intended to analyze Georgia’s foreign policy in relation to Russia since 1991 until today. It was essential to identify the main factors influencing the transformation of the foreign policy course in relation to the Russian Federation and to find out how to make government strategy more effective. Foreign political, economic and military ties of the ruling elites, as well as their respective positions amid interdependence between Russia and the west were also studied. Examining Georgia’s foreign policy towards Russia and studying the existing challenges scientifically was highly significant for identifying potential threats to the country and taking preventive measures. Therefore, the research aimed at revealing opinions and attitudes of the professors of higher education institutions, experts and representatives of NGOs operating in Georgia regarding the stated issues (it should be noted that most of the professors also works in NGO sector). The study observes the views of academic personnel of the following higher education institutions throughout Georgia: LEPL Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, LEPL Ilia State University, LEPL Georgian Technical University, LEPL Sokhumi State University, University of Georgia LLC, Caucasus University LLC, NNLE St. Andrew the First-Called Georgian University of the Patriarchate of Georgia, International Black Sea University LLC, NNLE Georgian Institute of Public Affairs, LEPL Shota Rustaveli Batumi State University, LEPL Telavi Iakob Gogebashvili State University, LEPL Samtskhe-Javakheti State University. Up to 60 in-depth interviews have been conducted within the scope of the research. The report focused on identifying the key factors that affect the public opinion according to the respondents. It was also important to disclose the goals of the undefined actors that influence the population of the country at different levels and to various extent. One of the key objectives of the survey was to find out the reasons for positive or negative attitude toward Russia; to comprehend the outlook of the respondents on the August 2008 War and relations of Georgian governments with Russia. A final report was prepared within the research, which is available to the public of diverse segments: students that receive education in secondary and higher education institutions, study international relations, political science, conflict studies, Russian studies and other disciplines, as well as for any interested individual. The survey report fosters raising awareness of these target groups since solid and unanimous civil position about such matters is of vital importance.
