Path to Modern State

Georgia, situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, boasts a rich and ancient history. The early Georgian kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia, which emerged in the 6th century BCE, laid the foundation for a distinct Georgian identity. The Georgian alphabet was created during this period, becoming a lasting national identity symbol. Over the centuries, these kingdoms were influenced by various empires, including the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and later the Ottomans and Russians, which significantly shaped Georgia’s culture, politics, and religion.

In the 4th century AC, Georgia became one of the earliest nations to adopt Christianity as its state religion. This pivotal decision helped unite the Georgian people and preserve their national identity. The Kingdom of Georgia reached its height during the reign of Queen Tamar in the 12th and early 13th centuries, a period often called Georgia's Golden Age. This era was marked by territorial expansion, economic growth, and a flourishing of arts and culture. Georgian literature flourished during this time, highlighted by Shota Rustaveli’s epic poem The Knight in the Panther’s Skin, which remains a key part of Georgian identity.

Following the Mongol invasions in the 13th century, Georgia began to fragment, leading to a long period of decline. By the late Middle Ages, the kingdom had disintegrated into several smaller states, often subject to the influence and control of neighboring empires, including Persia and the Ottoman Empire. For centuries, these invasions and foreign dominations disrupted Georgia's political stability and economic prosperity.

In the 18th century, facing constant threats from Persia and the Ottoman Empire, Georgia sought protection from Russia. In 1783, the Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti (eastern Georgia) signed the Treaty of Georgievsk, establishing a protectorate relationship with the Russian Empire. However, this soon led to Russia's outright annexation of east Georgia in 1801, followed by the annexation of western Georgia in 1810, marking the start of a century-long Russian dominance.

After a brief period of independence following the Russian Revolution of 1917, Georgia was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1921. The Soviet era saw Georgia undergo significant industrialization and urbanization, but it also came at a heavy cost, with political repression and the purging of many Georgian intellectuals and leaders. 

The Georgian national movement gained momentum in the late 1980s during the wave of anti-Soviet sentiments across Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. In 1991, as the Soviet Union began collapsing, Georgia declared independence.

The early years of post-Soviet independence were marked by significant internal strife, including civil war and ethnic conflicts, particularly in the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. These conflicts resulted in the de facto secession of both regions, supported by Russia, and have remained frozen conflicts ever since. Georgia's economy also suffered dramatically during the 1990s, characterized by hyperinflation, corruption, and political instability.

In the early 2000s, a shift in leadership led to a series of reforms aimed at addressing corruption, liberalizing the economy, and modernizing state institutions. Since then, Georgia has made substantial progress in building a more transparent and efficient government. Reforms in the judiciary, law enforcement, and public administration have earned praise from international bodies. Additionally, economic initiatives, such as privatizing state-owned assets and promoting a more business-friendly environment, have fueled growth. Nonetheless, issues like unemployment and regional inequalities remain ongoing challenges.

The country has expressed a strong desire to join the European Union and NATO. In 2014, Georgia signed an Association Agreement with the EU, which included the creation of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). In 2017, Georgian citizens were granted visa-free access to the Schengen Area, marking another step towards closer integration with Europe.