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Abstract:

The article focuses on the phenomenon of hybrid threats in Georgia, especially those coming from Kremlin-linked political parties. I concentrate on how are the hybrid threats presented through the narratives these parties use to communicate with potential voters and show them the "reality" in their way.

Based on my research, I find notable parallels between the narratives used by these Georgian political parties and those promoted by the Kremlin. To be precise, I point out the similarities in their views on the European Union, the 'West', LGBTQ topics, the COVID-19 pandemic, liberalism, and others. I suggest these parties share similar anti-systemic, undemocratic, or populist political tendencies, such as German AfD and Hungarian Fidesz. By using rhetoric similar to their Russian partners, these parties are contributing to the hybrid threats, although in a less visible way than the cyber-attacks and other specific hybrid forms.

Another issue related to these political parties is their attitude towards the media. The media is one of the easiest ways to manipulate the nation through narratives, so it is profitable to have control over it and decide which news the citizens should hear or read. However, this subtle proliferation poses a strong danger to Georgia's democracy and democratic institutions.

My study contributes to academic discourse on hybrid threats and political manipulation by clarifying the influence of Kremlin-linked narratives on Georgian political discourse. Based on expert interviews, content and discourse analysis, and analysis of the media corpus, my research offers insights into the mechanisms through which hybrid threats are being materialized in Georgia.