One of the main challenges in Georgia’s information environment is the difficulty of distinguishing between messages originating from Russia and those promoted by domestic government actors, as government propaganda frequently mirrors Kremlin narratives. This conclusion was reached by the Media Development Foundation (MDF) in its study on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and informational authoritarianism in Georgia.

According to the research, a sharp shift in the Georgian government’s rhetoric, particularly the clear articulation of an anti-Western stance, is linked to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Prior to that, the ruling party positioned itself differently toward domestic and international audiences: internationally, it portrayed Russia as a threat, while domestically it sought to manage relations with Moscow with minimal confrontation.

“The government is increasingly restricting democratic institutions through repressive legislation and hostile rhetoric characteristic of authoritarianism, portraying independent institutions as threats that need to be contained,” the study states.

The research identifies three main narrative directions in which messages from external and internal actors converge around alleged threats stemming from foreign influence:

  • Undermining sovereign democracy: The West and the so-called “deep state” are portrayed as interfering in Georgia’s electoral process, funding non-governmental organizations to advance foreign interests, and attempting to organize destabilization similar to a “second Maidan.”
  • The threat of a ‘second front’ or ‘Ukrainization’ of Georgia: This narrative claims that the West seeks to drag Georgia into a war with Russia, while the war in Ukraine is used as evidence that the West cannot provide security guarantees.
  • The threat of losing national identity: The West is depicted as spreading liberal values that allegedly endanger traditional Georgian culture and are often described using the term “liberal fascism.”

These narratives frame Western actors as both political and cultural threats, reinforcing domestic messaging that presents the government as the defender of Georgia’s sovereignty, values, and security.

The study notes that Russia remains the primary driving force behind foreign influence operations in Georgia. Kremlin-controlled media outlets such as Sputnik, NewsFront, and Pravda operate within a broader multilingual propaganda network, including Georgian-language content, though their reach to a wide audience remains limited.

Local actors promoting Kremlin interests include political parties opposed to Euro-Atlantic integration, among them Alt-Info/Conservative Movement, Alliance of Patriots, Solidarity for Peace, United Georgia Democratic Movement, and the Communist Party. Media outlets associated with these parties, including Alt-Info, Obieqtivi, and Solidarity for Peace, pursue explicitly pro-Kremlin editorial policies, with party members frequently appearing as hosts or commentators.

The study also addresses China’s influence, which manifests through embassy-funded programs aired on pro-Kremlin television channels, as well as the publication of content from China’s Global Times on Georgian platforms and social media accounts.

According to the research, the Georgian government has developed its own information ecosystem.

“Georgian Dream, People’s Power, and affiliated organizations such as Neutral Georgia are among the primary sources of anti-Western rhetoric. Their messaging is amplified through influential television channels controlled by the government and a network of online platforms funded by state contracts. Anonymous social media accounts linked to the authorities are used to discredit opponents and operate in a coordinated manner. Parallel institutions, including the ruling party’s fact-checking Facebook page and the Communications Commission’s ‘Media Criticism’ project, are used as tools to discredit independent media and promote narratives favorable to the government,” the study states.

The baseline study was prepared by the Media Development Foundation (MDF) within the EU-supported SAFIMI project. The project is led by the Maldita.es Foundation and implemented in cooperation with MDF, Transparency International Georgia (TI Georgia), and the Transatlantic Foundation.