Publication

This commentary analyzes the results of the 2012 parliamentary elections in Georgia. Defying the expectations of most, the Georgian Dream coalition won the elections. The opposition's victory appears to have undone the stability of the “competitive authoritarian” regime established by the United National Movement. This turn of events points to major miscalculation by the ruling party and serves as a strong lesson for democracy promoters elsewhere in the post-communist space, even if Georgia’s own future remains an open question. The author draws lessons from the Georgian democratic transition and discusses some of its potential developments.