The Pragmatic Approach of Bidzina Ivanishvili in Georgian Politics: small state in a complex neighbourhood

Al Bawaba

01-04-2025

Dr. Gil Feiler
Bidzina Ivanishvili's political career in Georgia has been characterized by a distinctly pragmatic approach to governance that recognizes the practical limitations and opportunities facing the small Caucasian nation. As the founder of the Georgian Dream party and a significant political figure in Georgia, Ivanishvili has consistently prioritized economic development and stability while navigating the complex geopolitical realities that confront a country positioned between major regional powers. His approach reflects a clear-eyed assessment of Georgia's size, resources, and strategic position rather than ideologically-driven policies.
His background as a successful businessman has informed his governance philosophy, emphasizing:
1. Investment in infrastructure: Recognizing that economic growth requires fundamental infrastructure improvements, Ivanishvili's policy direction has supported significant investments in transportation networks, energy systems, and urban development projects that create both immediate employment and long-term economic benefits.
2. Promotion of tourism: Understanding Georgia's natural and cultural assets, Ivanishvili has championed the development of the tourism sector as a source of foreign currency and employment. This has included restoration of historic sites, simplification of visa requirements, and international marketing campaigns that have substantially increased visitor numbers.
3. Agricultural modernization: Acknowledging Georgia's agricultural heritage and potential, policies under Ivanishvili have supported the modernization of the agricultural sector through technology transfer, access to international markets, and development of high-value products such as wine that leverage Georgia's comparative advantages.
4. Business-friendly reforms: Ivanishvili has advocated for regulatory reforms, tax simplifications, and reduction of bureaucratic obstacles to business formation and operation.
Geopolitical Realism: Navigating Complex Regional Dynamics
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Ivanishvili's pragmatic approach has been his handling of Georgia's challenging geopolitical position. Situated at the crossroads between Europe, Russia, and the Middle East, Georgia faces significant security and diplomatic challenges that require careful navigation. Contrary to characterizations by critics, Ivanishvili's approach to Russia has been guided by pragmatic assessment rather than alignment or subservience:
Ivanishvili's policies acknowledge the unavoidable reality that Georgia shares a border with Russia and cannot simply ignore its powerful neighbour. This geographical fact necessitates maintaining functional relations where possible while preserving Georgian sovereignty.
Following the disastrous 2008 war, Ivanishvili has pursued policies aimed at reducing immediate tensions with Russia while not compromising on core sovereignty issues. This approach recognizes that renewed military conflict would be devastating for Georgia's development prospects and security.
While maintaining dialogue with Russia, Ivanishvili's government has simultaneously pursued some integration with European institutions and strengthened partnerships with other regional powers. This balanced approach reflects recognition of Georgia's need to maintain multiple international relationships rather than exclusive alignment.
Despite pursuing normalized relations with Russia where possible, Ivanishvili's policies have maintained firm positions on issues of territorial integrity and sovereignty. The pragmatic approach does not entail abandonment of core national interests, but rather pursuit of these interests through viable means.
This nuanced approach to foreign policy demonstrates not alignment with Russian interests, but rather a realistic assessment of Georgia's position as a small state in a complex neighbourhood. Rather than pursuing policies that might be emotionally satisfying but practically counterproductive, Ivanishvili has advocated for approaches that maximize Georgia's limited leverage and protect its long-term interests.
Domestic Governance: Stability and Incremental Reform
Ivanishvili's pragmatism extends to his approach to domestic governance, where he has generally favoured stability and incremental progress over rapid, disruptive change: Recognizing that democratic institutions require time and stability to develop, Ivanishvili's approach has focused on gradual strengthening of governance structures rather than constant reorganization.
Understanding the importance of social cohesion for development, policies under Ivanishvili have aimed to address immediate social needs while building foundations for longer-term prosperity. In a society with strong traditional values, Ivanishvili's pragmatic approach has sought to balance respect for Georgian traditions with necessary modernization and international integration.
This approach reflects recognition that Georgia's development requires stability and continuity as well as reform—a pragmatic assessment that governance must be adapted to specific national conditions rather than imported wholesale from other contexts.
Fundamental to Ivanishvili's pragmatic approach is a clear recognition of Georgia's limitations as a small state with approximately 3.7 million citizens. This acknowledgment informs policies that: Rather than attempting to compete across all domains simultaneously, Ivanishvili's approach has emphasized focusing Georgia's limited resources on strategic priorities with realistic potential for success. Policies have sought to identify and develop areas where Georgia can successfully compete despite its size limitations, such as tourism, specialized agriculture, and transit infrastructure. Unlike some previous approaches that committed Georgia to obligations beyond its realistic capacity, Ivanishvili's policies have generally aimed to match commitments to actual resources and capabilities.
To Conclude, Bidzina Ivanishvili's approach to Georgian politics and development represents a fundamentally pragmatic vision that recognizes both the country's potential and its limitations. By focusing on economic development, managing complex international relationships realistically, and pursuing governance adapted to Georgia's specific conditions, this approach offers a pathway toward sustainable progress that is neither subservient to external powers nor detached from practical realities.
The characterization of this approach as Russian-aligned misunderstands its essential nature. Rather than serving Russian interests, Ivanishvili's policies reflect a pragmatic assessment of how best to serve Georgian interests given the realities of the country's size, location, and resources. This pragmatism—focusing on what can actually be accomplished rather than what might be ideally desired—provides Georgia with a foundation for sustainable development and increased prosperity while navigating the complex challenges of its geopolitical environment.
In a region where ideological rigidity and unrealistic ambitions have often led to instability and conflict, Ivanishvili's pragmatic approach offers an alternative path focused on gradual, sustainable progress grounded in realistic assessment of national capacities and limitations.