Georgia’s European Choice During the First Democratic Republic (1918-1921)

ანოტაცია

For Georgian politicians, the future development of a free country has always been closely linked to the European states. The vision of Georgia’s alignment with Europe and its integration into European frameworks dates back to 1918-1921. Considering this fact, Georgia’s current aspirations for European integration reflect a desire to return to its natural political and cultural environment. During the period of 1918-1921, Europeanization was seen as a means of achieving peaceful coexistence, embodying European norms, values, and ideas, while also implementing various structural reforms through cooperation.
The paper aims to analyze, through the study of existing documents, the efforts of Georgia’s political leaders to establish security and democratic values in partnership with Europe. This goal was clearly understood, and, for this reason, immediately following the declaration of Georgia’s independence on May 26, 1918, the Act of Independence, developed by the
National Council of Georgia, became a foundational document. This act outlined the main priorities of the country, rooted in elements of classical European principles, from the form of government to the broad recognition of human rights.
Georgia’s Constitution, which followed shortly after, was similarly grounded in European ideals, and clearly demonstrated the country’s commitment to democratic development. This constitution is viewed by both foreign and domestic scholars as one of the most progressive of its time. Despite the varied and often inconsistent trajectories of development in the modern world, Georgia’s political and civil approach has remained steadfast and unchanged. Over a century ago, the country sought to preserve and strengthen its political course and direct it towards European political and legal unity. It is an effort that continues to this day.