Atlantic Council Program Assistant Ian Hansen writes for the Huffington Post on the importance of securing a strong liberal democracy in Georgia:
This Friday, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine will sign association agreements with the European Union, an undeniably important step for countries trying to escape Russia’s shadow. Such agreements will not automatically shield countries in Central and Eastern Europe from future Russian aggression. In fact, ever the tactician, Vladimir Putin has already intensified pressure as global attention turns away from the region.
Western leaders face a steep challenge as they manage competing foreign policy interests: how best to leverage their limited resources to reduce the number of conceivable tactical options at Putin’s disposal to destabilize the region and endanger Western interests.
It is tempting but wrong to entirely focus resources and attention on the conflict in Ukraine. A wiser and more easily achievable bet is to secure a strong liberal democracy in Georgia.