Paper short abstract:

Based on ethnographic data the contradictions of from below and above strategies in Georgian society regarding new economic projects on the potential of renewable energy production will be discussed with regard to war in Ukraine.

Paper long abstract:

The war in Ukraine an especially devastating effect on the countries that Russian Federation considers to be the sphere of its influence, and which are trying to escape from its power. The search for new alliances or connections to strengthen the security leads to new political and economic projects. The most demanding topic is the problem of energy security. Recently was signed the agreement on strategic partnership in the field of green energy development and transmission between the governments of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary. The document is based on the interests of the four countries related to the consolidation of national and regional energy security and connectivity in the Black Sea Basin, diversification of supply sources, capitalisation of the potential of renewable energy production in the Caspian region and increasing the share of renewable energy. This project is a flagship one for Georgia as part of the EU's "Global Gateway" strategy. Georgian society is quite diverse and anthropological research allows analysing the attitudes from below. The Georgian society since the first days of the Ukrainian war displayed its solidarity to Ukraine through practical actions (receiving and sheltering migrants, collecting and sending humanitarian aid, etc.). Groups of people has mobilised and created networks of support. At the same time not always all groups are supporting the state politics and activities. Based on ethnographic data I will discuss the contradictions of from below and above strategies, which were revealed by the war crises.