The Invasion Russia Doesn’t Want You to Know About

The transcript explores the geopolitical tensions between Georgia and Russia, focusing on the impact of Russian occupation on Georgian territory and identity. It highlights the historical context of Russian influence and Georgia's aspirations to align with Western values and institutions like the EU and NATO. The narrative includes personal stories of Georgians affected by the occupation and their resistance against Russian aggression, both physically and through political activism. The transcript also discusses a controversial law in Georgia that mirrors Russian tactics to suppress dissent, raising concerns about a potential shift towards Russian influence. Despite these challenges, many Georgians remain hopeful for a future aligned with European values.

• The situation at the Georgia-Russia border is described as existential, with significant implications for the nation's sovereignty and future.
• Georgia is closely monitoring the events in Ukraine, as they may have direct consequences on Georgia's own geopolitical stance.
• The border, characterized by a fence and Russian military presence, is largely unrecognized by the international community but is a reality on the ground.

"What's at stake is the very existence of this country as a nation."

• The quote underscores the gravity of the situation at the border, emphasizing the threat to Georgia's national sovereignty.

"20% of Georgia's land invaded and occupied by the Russian government in military."

• This highlights the extent of Russian occupation and its impact on Georgia's territorial integrity.

• Georgia is a small but historically rich country located at the crossroads of the Middle East, Europe, and Russia.
• The nation has a long history of being conquered by various empires, including the Persians, Ottomans, and Russians.
• Georgia became an independent country after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, seeking to align more closely with Western institutions like the EU and NATO.

"Georgia is an old country... at the crossroads of the Middle East, Europe, and Russia."

• This quote provides geographical and historical context, highlighting Georgia's strategic location.

"The Russian Empire then became the Soviet Union and took Georgia with it, ruling over the country until its collapse in the 1990s."

• This quote explains the historical subjugation of Georgia under Russian and Soviet rule, setting the stage for its current geopolitical aspirations.

• Russia's military presence in Georgia is a continuation of its historical control over the region.
• The occupation is not recognized by most of the world, yet it is enforced through military bases and border patrols.
• The situation is likened to a "dress rehearsal" for Russia's later actions in Ukraine, suggesting a pattern in Russia's geopolitical strategy.

"Russia now occupies 20% of Georgia... these are the borders that I've been exploring."

• This quote details the current state of Russian occupation and the disputed nature of these borders.

"Some call this the dress rehearsal for what Russia would later do in Ukraine."

• This quote draws parallels between Russia's actions in Georgia and Ukraine, indicating a broader strategy of territorial expansion.

• The local Georgian population is directly affected by the occupation, with some choosing to stay on their land despite the risks.
• There is a strong sense of national identity and resistance among Georgians, who have historically experienced Russian aggression.
• The presence of Russian security and surveillance creates a tense environment for the local communities.

"She's telling us that she's decided to stay because when the Russians came here and occupied this territory they wanted all this land and this is her land."

• This quote illustrates the personal resolve of Georgians to maintain their land and identity despite Russian occupation.

"We have experienced Russia in our skin... you can't find any family in Georgia who has no relatives or ancestors who got killed or terribly treated by Russia."

• This quote reflects the deep-rooted historical grievances and personal losses experienced by Georgians due to Russian actions.

• The conflict in Georgia is part of a larger geopolitical struggle involving NATO and Russian interests.
• Georgia's aspirations to join NATO are seen by Russia as a threat, leading to increased tensions and military actions.
• The international community's response to the occupation is crucial for Georgia's future and its alignment with Western institutions.

"For Russia, NATO enlargement into former Soviet States felt like a threat."

• This quote captures the geopolitical tension between Russia and NATO, with Georgia caught in the middle.

"Right after NATO had promised to let Georgia join, Russia invaded Georgia."

• This quote highlights the direct link between Georgia's NATO aspirations and Russia's aggressive military response.

• The drawing of the line by Russia has significantly affected local communities, especially regarding access to important sites such as churches.
• The presence of Russian soldiers and their actions, such as shooting locals, emphasize the aggressive nature of the occupation.
• The occupation is perceived as a challenge to Georgia's sovereignty and a means to deter its Western alliances.
• The situation is deeply personal for many, including local officials who have lost their homes to the occupation.

"His death serves as a reminder of not only what was lost when this line was drawn but the fact that there's violence here."

• This quote highlights the ongoing violence and loss experienced by the community due to the Russian occupation.

"Russia will sometimes come in and take more land here and there, showing that these are more of a suggestion, a bold-faced challenge to the sovereignty and Independence of Georgia."

• This statement underscores the continuous threat to Georgia's sovereignty posed by Russia's actions.

• Beyond the physical occupation, there is an existential struggle occurring in the capital, which is crucial for Georgia's future.
• The conflict is not just territorial but involves the broader question of Georgia's national identity and independence.
• There is a strong sentiment among the population that Russia aims for a "soft power takeover" rather than a full physical occupation.

"What's at stake is the very existence of this country."

• This quote conveys the gravity of the situation, indicating that Georgia's future as an independent nation is under threat.

"I don't think Russia wants to physically Take Over Georgia; I think what Russia needs is a soft power takeover of Georgia."

• This insight suggests that Russia's strategy involves influencing and controlling Georgia through non-military means.

• Many locals are actively engaged in resisting Russian influence and are aware of the less visible threats to their country's independence.
• There is a generational and instinctive understanding among Georgians of the signs of Russian encroachment.
• Public demonstrations and activism are common as citizens express their opposition to Russian interference.

"Many of them telling me that yes, 20% of the country is occupied, but there's something bigger Happening Here."

• This reflects the awareness among Georgians that the threat from Russia extends beyond territorial occupation.

"Everyone I talk to has been out on the streets."

• Demonstrates the widespread public resistance and activism against Russian influence in Georgia.

• Georgians have a strong sense of European identity despite their geographic location near Iran and Russia.
• European values are deeply ingrained in Georgian culture, often equated with freedom and personal liberty.
• The desire to align with Europe is not a new phenomenon but rooted in historical affinity and cultural values.

"Georgians always have identified as Europeans, but there is a very deep affinity with the values that Europe represents."

• This quote illustrates the intrinsic connection Georgians feel with European values, emphasizing their self-identification as Europeans.

"Freedom is a Georgian value. It didn't come to us from Europe; it's not something that we discovered after the creation of the EU."

• The speaker highlights that the value of freedom is inherent to Georgian culture, not simply adopted from European influence.

• The Georgian drive towards Europe is partly fueled by historical anti-Russian sentiment.
• Stories from the Soviet era, passed down through generations, emphasize censorship and a lack of personal freedom.
• This historical context creates a natural resistance to Russian influence and control.

"We are the generation that got to hear all the Soviet stories. These are the stories of censorship, these are the stories of complete and utter restriction of any sort of personal freedom."

• This quote underscores the impact of Soviet history on current Georgian attitudes, particularly the desire to resist Russian influence.

• There is overwhelming public support in Georgia for joining the EU, with over 80% of the population in favor.
• The path towards EU membership was progressing smoothly until recent political developments threatened this trajectory.

"In all the opinion polls that have ever been done by reputable organizations in countries, more than 80% of Georgians want to join the EU."

• This quote reflects the strong public consensus in Georgia for EU membership, highlighting a national aspiration.

• A new law requiring organizations receiving foreign funds to register as foreign agents sparked controversy and protests.
• The law is perceived as a threat to democracy, reminiscent of similar legislation in Russia used to suppress dissent.
• The Georgian government is accused of aligning more closely with Russian interests, causing public outrage.

"The government is basically suppressing the critical voices, suppressing independent media, labeling them as foreign agents."

• This quote describes the perceived intention behind the law, which is to stifle opposition and control media narratives.

"A nearly identical law was passed in Russia about a decade ago... that foreign agent list is now effectively the blacklist."

• The speaker draws parallels between the Georgian law and Russian legislation, suggesting a potential for similar misuse and oppression.

• The controversial law led to widespread protests, with tens of thousands taking to the streets.
• The protests are seen as a fight for Georgia's future and its alignment with European values.
• The scale and intensity of the protests are unprecedented in Georgia's recent history.

"This law was sensitive, causing a brawl to break out in the Parliament, and it was also the spark that lit a fire for the Georgian people to fight back in a new way."

• This quote captures the immediate and intense reaction of the Georgian public to the proposed law, marking a pivotal moment in civic activism.

"I have not been part of this type of protest before in Georgia; the levels of mobilization are huge, it's unprecedented."

• The speaker highlights the unprecedented nature of the protests, indicating a significant shift in public engagement and activism.

• The government has a vocal anti-Western stance, treating citizens as though they do not understand the implications of authoritarian laws.
• The authoritarian actions of the government are bold, blatant, and intimidating, creating a climate of fear among the populace.
• Citizens use humor as a trauma response to cope with the oppressive political environment.

"You have the government that is vocally anti-western. It just really touched people. I think it's because they treat us as the weird stupid as though we don't understand the real implications and the real aim and purpose of the law."

• The government underestimates the understanding and intelligence of its citizens, leading to widespread discontent.

"It's scary when they come at you. It's scary when your mask kind of goes off and you start suffocating."

• The government's oppressive tactics are fear-inducing and suffocating, both literally and figuratively.

"People think have the best sense of humor and that's like their trauma response as well. Like whatever is happening in the country we will always figure out a way how to make fun of it."

• Humor is used as a coping mechanism to deal with the trauma of living under an authoritarian regime.

• The government employs violent tactics to suppress dissent, including physical beatings and psychological intimidation.
• Detainees are dehumanized, beaten, and humiliated, raising fears about personal safety and human rights violations.

"So they grab you, they take you in, and then inside when there are no cameras, nobody to see you, they kick you extremely. At some point, I thought that they were going to kill me."

• The use of violence and intimidation by authorities is severe and life-threatening.

"They apprehend you, put you on the ground, and then like 10-20 persons just grab you, kick you in the hand and face."

• Arrests are marked by excessive violence and brutality, reflecting the government's disregard for human rights.

"They wait until your face becomes swollen from the beating, and then they take video or photo you and send it to somebody."

• The humiliation is compounded by documenting and potentially disseminating images of the abuse.

• Russia's influence extends into post-Soviet states, exporting authoritarian tactics and laws to these regions.
• The geopolitical strategy benefits Russia, enhancing its influence in the region and posing a threat to neighboring countries.

"The blueprint The Playbook that the Kremlin has used to squash opposition is now being exported to Russia's sphere of influence."

• Russia is extending its authoritarian model to neighboring countries, increasing its geopolitical power.

"Georgia lives in Russia's Shadow. Russia is their former colonizer; they already occupy much of the country and could easily invade again."

• Georgia's historical and current political relationship with Russia creates a precarious situation for its sovereignty and independence.

• Georgia's economy is heavily reliant on Russia, particularly for essential goods like wheat flour.
• The ruling party's actions appear self-serving, prioritizing personal power and financial interests over national interests.

"Georgia gets nearly all of their wheat flour from Russia."

• Economic dependence on Russia makes Georgia vulnerable to political manipulation.

"The way they're acting makes it look like they are protecting themselves, their personal power, and financial interests a lot of which are tied to Russia."

• The ruling party's decisions are influenced by self-interest and ties to Russian oligarchs.

• An oligarch, who amassed wealth in Russia, exerts significant influence over Georgian politics, serving his interests and those of his allies.
• The oligarch's control is not aligned with the public's desire for a Western path, creating tension and conflict.

"Ivan lives in this futuristic looking Mansion overlooking the capital where he quietly pulls the strings on the country's politics."

• The oligarch's wealth and power allow him to control political decisions from behind the scenes.

"He is an oligarch who has made all of his billions in Russia in the '90s, and when you do that, I mean, of course, you have some strings attached."

• The oligarch's financial ties to Russia influence his political actions and decisions.

• Citizens express a strong desire for alignment with Western values and institutions, such as the European Union and the USA.
• There is a pervasive sense of anger and frustration towards the government's choices, which do not reflect the public's aspirations.

"This is the choice of our country that we want the Western path, and we don't want to stick with Russia."

• The public's preference is for a Western-oriented future, contrasting with the government's current trajectory.

"We don't want our government to just decide for us."

• Citizens demand a say in their country's political direction, rejecting unilateral decisions by the government.

• Despite challenges, there is hope and belief in the ability of the Georgian people to prevail and achieve their aspirations.
• The strength of social relations and collective action is seen as a foundation for future success.

"The hope is the only thing that we have left. We are part of the European family, and one day I believe we will see each other as a European."

• Hope is a vital source of resilience, motivating citizens to continue striving for their goals.

"When you have such a network of social relations and so many people who are able to stand for their rights as citizens, I am very hopeful."

• The strong sense of community and solidarity among citizens provides optimism for positive change.