GENERAL OVERVIEW

Teimuraz BERIDZE

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Teimuraz Beridze, D.Sc. (Econ.), professor, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, International Black Sea University (Tbilisi, Georgia)

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The year 2006 was outstanding in Georgia’s recent history for several reasons: first, it marked the halfway point between the Rose Revolution and the next presidential and parliamentary elections, which makes an in-depth analysis of the developments not only desirable, but also necessary; second, though not free from foreign political (the so-called Russian factor) and domestic political (the confrontation between certain social groups and the existing power) problems, Georgia strengthened its independence; third, Georgia’s economy showed certain positive trends (the GDP was on the rise, financial discipline was tightened, fiscal revenues increased, the banking sector became stronger, and several energy and transport projects were finally launched). This was achieved despite certain negative factors: Russia’s embargo, galloping inflation, the still high unemployment level, the trade deficit, etc. Fourth, on the international scene, Georgia drew closer to the EU and NATO; the country’s leaders did not spare any efforts, particularly diplomatic, to advance toward the settlement of the territorial problem.

In 2006, the country experienced political ups and downs: its relations with Russia reached the lowest point mainly because the two countries, for historical reasons, were pursuing different goals. The Russian Federation remains in the clutches of the “great power syndrome” when dealing with the former Soviet republics, while Georgia is back on……………

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