The Helsinki Commission published a report titled Contesting Russia, Preparing for the Long-Term Russian Threat, which describes the situation in Georgia and provides a strategy for the US.

According to the report, the  South Caucasus region, comprising Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, is currently at a pivotal moment in its history, standing on the edge of both opportunity and peril.

The report suggest that the US should adopt a strategy that involves both holding the Georgian government accountable for its democratic backsliding and providing mechanisms for deeper integration with Western institutions, conditional on a return to democratic governance.

“Georgia’s political shift presents a significant challenge for U.S. policy. The Georgian government’s drift toward a pro-Russian stance, coupled with its increasingly illiberal domestic policies, has raised concerns in Washington and other Western capitals. However, the strong pro-Western sentiment among the Georgian populace suggests that there is still potential for a renewed U.S.-Georgia partnership. The United States should adopt a dual-track strategy that involves both holding the Georgian government accountable for its democratic backsliding and providing mechanisms for deeper integration with Western institutions, conditional on a return to democratic governance,” reads the report.

Based on the report, the US should pressure the government but continue to support democratic forces and civil society.

In Georgia, the U.S. should pursue a strategy that applies conditional pressure on the government while supporting democratic forces and civil society. This approach should make clear that U.S. support is contingent on democratic reforms and a clear pro-Western alignment, consistent with popular demands and the protection of the country’s deteriorating democracy.

At the same time, the United States should work to strengthen its relationships with the Georgian people, demonstrating a commitment to their aspirations for a democratic and European future. Such a strategy could help bridge the gap between the Georgian government and its populace, fostering a more stable and constructive relationship,” reads the report.