Georgia in international networks

What are the aims of Western funds working in the Caucasus?

Georgy Kalatozishvili, Tbilisi. Exclusively for VK

In 2002, during the decline of his long rule, the President of Georgia Eduard Shevardnadze spoke at the open session of the government (under him all governmental sessions were open for the mass media) with an unexpected initiative – to begin an investigation of financial and other activities of international organizations, foreign funds and connected non-profit (non-governmental) organizations.

Shevardnadze’s initiative caused heavy indignation amongst representatives of the civic sector and measured criticism by diplomats registered in Georgia. The reaction could be heavier, if Shevardnadze would implement his threat and start controlling the working of international funds in Georgia. But the President, who felt the end of his political career approaching, dared not to make such a radical step.

His motivation was quite interesting: “Finally, these funds and non-profit organizations should call themselves what they are. They are the staff on preparation of overthrowing power and liquidation of the President!” It was said by the person recognized by the West as one of the main democrats of the post-Soviet area. But at that moment he felt the common direction and general tendency of work of international funds in Georgia – preparation for change of power by elections or “a velvet revolution,” i.e. without violence.

Of course he simplified the scheme: work of all international funds and foreign organizations could hardly be limited by such a primitive “agenda.” But Shevardnadze was right in the main point – these structures contribute to establishing of conditions for radical transformation in the society and country. Some people perceive it as a riot and anarchy, others – as a premise to reforms and progress.

Regarding the number of non-governmental organizations in the ratio to the number of population, Georgia takes first place in the whole post-Soviet area. It means not only an absence of any obstacles, but also special attention to this country and the Caucasus by international funds which finance non-governmental organizations in Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.

Foreign structures investing into non-governmental sector, science, and culture differ from each other by the status and functions. First of all, international or governmental organizations. For instance, the European Union generously finances many programs connected with development of regional languages, environment, scientific research, supports efforts of conservation of environment, and so on. The German Society for Technical Support conducts workshops on development of local self-governing, employees’ training, establishes platforms for experience exchange, and so on.

The most numerous and active international funds in Georgia are German organizations: Friedrich Nauman Fund, Friedrich Ebert Fund, Friz Tissen Fund, Wolksvagen-Stiftung Fund, and others. They cover a wide-scale spectrum of social, cultural, and scientific life. Some funds became instruments of providing personal views of Western businessmen.

President of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili understands that the strategic target of all Western funds financing the non-governmental sector is providing “compatibility” of social and governmental institutes of the country and all-European and European-Atlantic systems.