Stopping the Clock: Georgia’s Five Minutes to Dictatorship

Bringing the peace and justice community together.

The Hague Humanity Hub

Dive into the tense moments when Georgia nearly flipped the script and what that means for democracy today.

Once hailed as a democratic frontrunner in the post-Soviet space, Georgia now stands at a critical crossroads. Long regarded as a “bright spot” and firmly oriented toward European integration, enshrined in its constitution, the country is experiencing a rapid and alarming democratic decline. Recent findings, including those detailed in an <a href="https://odihr.osce.org/odihr/20066" title="https://odihr.osce.org/odihr/20066" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">OSCE Moscow Mechanism Report</a>, point to intensifying pressure on civil society, shrinking political freedoms, and a growing concentration of power. Some observers warn that Georgia is now “five minutes to dictatorship.”This timely roundtable, hosted by <a href="https://www.humanityhub.org/community/lex-populi/" title="https://www.humanityhub.org/community/lex-populi/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Lex Populi</a>—an international organization based in The Hague dedicated to advancing the rule of law and strengthening civil society worldwide—in collaboration with <a href="https://www.transparency.ge/en" title="https://www.transparency.ge/en" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Transparency International Georgia</a>, will bring together leading experts to examine the country’s democratic backsliding and explore pathways forward.<ul><li>📅 Date: 2nd July</li><li>🕒 Time: 15h00-17h00</li><li>📍 Venue: The Hague Humanity Hub (Fluwelen Burgwal, 58, 3rd floor), The Hague</li></ul>The discussion will move beyond the early successes of reform to unpack the deeper structural vulnerabilities that were never fully addressed—particularly the failure to establish a genuinely independent and accountable judiciary. The panel will also assess the wave of legislation that has constrained civil society, restricted protest, and heightened pressure on independent actors.Despite these challenges, resistance endures. Civil society organizations, including Transparency International Georgia, continue their work inside the country, while citizens persist in voicing strong support for democratic governance and European integration. With activism both at home and in exile, a key question remains: what can be done to “stop the clock” and support those working to restore Georgia’s democratic trajectory?The roundtable will focus on three central questions:<ul><li>How was the Georgian government able to consolidate one-party dominance so quickly, and what lessons can be drawn from this experience?</li><li>What is the current state of the pro-democracy and pro-European movement, and how can efforts inside and outside the country be better aligned?</li><li>How can Western and international actors respond more effectively, including through legal and policy tools such as cases before the European Court of Human Rights and universal jurisdiction mechanisms?</li></ul>This discussion will also draw comparative insights from other countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland.Chatham House Rules will apply.Why Attend?This session is designed for policymakers, legal practitioners, civil society leaders, academics, and students interested in democracy, rule of law, and European integration. It will also be valuable for representatives of international organizations, journalists, and members of the Georgian diaspora, as well as anyone engaged in or following developments in Eastern Europe and the post-Soviet space who seeks a deeper understanding of democratic backsliding and international responses.Meet the Speakers:<ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/giorgi-chkheidze-0b340527/" title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/giorgi-chkheidze-0b340527/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Giorgi Chkheidze</a>, Rule of Law Advisor, Lex Populi</li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigaurieka/" title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigaurieka/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Eka Gigauri</a>, Executive Director, Transparency International Georgia</li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bstrecansky/" title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bstrecansky/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Boris Strecansky</a>, Civil Society Advisor, Lex Populi</li></ul> The Hague Humanity Hub supports its members in bringing together important conversations to the forefront. 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Stopping the Clock: Georgia’s Five Minutes to Dictatorship

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Stopping the Clock: Georgia’s Five Minutes to Dictatorship

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