Professor Lottaz: Georgia should act in line with its national interests, position itself as bridge between nations

Georgia should always act in accordance with its national interests and seek to position itself as a bridge between nations rather than a pawn in great-power competition, Swiss professor Pascal Lottaz told Georgian journalists at the Tbilisi Sustainable Development Forum.

According to Lottaz , Georgia plays a vital role in regional connectivity and has an important responsibility in promoting stability and peace across the South Caucasus.

“Georgia’s role is particularly significant in ensuring peace and cooperation in the region. We are witnessing heightened tensions across Georgia’s neighborhood, including developments involving Iran, ongoing instability in parts of the Middle East, and broader geopolitical challenges. In such circumstances, a stable and secure Caucasus region is more important than ever.

Georgia has unique experience in managing relations with Russia. Despite the difficult legacy of the 2008 war, the conflict has not escalated further, and the country has continued its development. Today, Georgia is at a different stage of national development and faces its own distinct challenges and opportunities.

Maintaining peaceful relations with Russia, continuing constructive engagement with the European Union, and making use of available economic opportunities are, in my view, essential both for Georgia and for the wider region. Protecting citizens’ security, ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of transport and trade corridors, and fostering dialogue among neighboring countries, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, remain critically important tasks. Georgia has made meaningful contributions in these areas over the past decade,” he said.

The Swiss professor expressed hope that Georgia would continue to contribute to regional peace and prosperity.

“I hope Georgia will continue to fulfill the role of a small state that promotes dialogue, stability, and prosperity rather than division and confrontation. Georgia should pursue policies that best serve its own interests. This means maintaining constructive economic relations with both Russia and the European Union without being forced to choose between competing geopolitical camps.

The challenge for Georgia is to determine how it can serve as a bridge connecting different nations, rather than becoming an instrument in the rivalry of larger powers. In that context, a balanced and pragmatic approach, including elements of neutrality, may be a reasonable path for Georgia,” Lott stated.