the georgian dream

power, protest, and the fight for georgia’s future

Georgia is at a critical juncture, grappling with its identity, the fragility of its democracy, and its role on the global stage as it balances the weight of its past with the possibilities of its future. This is a country of stunning landscapes, ancient traditions, and a people known for their tenacity. But beneath that beauty lies a story of political chaos, democratic backsliding, and a tug-of-war between east and west.

Who is Bidzina Ivanishvili?

It’s impossible to talk about modern Georgia without mentioning Bidzina Ivanishvili. His story feels ripped from the pages of a novel. Born into poverty in Soviet Georgia, he rose to become a billionaire in Russia, making his fortune in metals, real estate, and banking. In 2012, he returned to Georgia, swapping his business empire for politics, and founded the Georgian Dream party. At the time, it seemed like a turning point. Georgian Dream promised stability, progress, and a fresh start, ousting the controversial United National Movement and its leader, Mikheil Saakashvili.