Centralization VS. Democratization and the Role of Foreign Aid. The case of Georgia

Mgr. Enri Akhvlediani

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

The following paper examines an influence of foreign aid on democratization process of Georgia during 2004-2013. The research question is the following: What are the main factors which stipulated the establishment of one-party system and strong centralization of power in Georgia in the period of Saakashvili (who was considered the successful democratic leader by the West)? According to the hypothesis, “Western democracy promotion“, unconditional support and Georgian ruling party, which tried to expand its political power, caused the strong centralisation of power, and the establishment of the one-party system rather than the democratization of Georgia. In order to check the hypothesis, the paper uses research methods such as case study, process tracing, and analytical discussion. I used the theory of Democratic transition to explain the validity of my hypothesis. Despite the fact that the research mainly focuses on the period of Saakashvili’s presidency, it also discusses some important characteristics of Shevardnadze’s period to get the general democratic situation of Georgia. The following survey is an attempt to represent and analyze the materials which show how foreign aid helped Georgian government to centralize all sectors of political life under its power and to establish one party system.

Keywords

Key terms, Democratization, Foreign Aid, Political Elite, Centralisation

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 9. 5. 2016

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 1. 6. 2016
• Vedoucí: PhDr. Pavel Pšeja, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Mgr. Zinaida Bechná, Ph.D.

Masarykova univerzita

Fakulta sociálních studií

Magisterský studijní program / obor:
Politologie / European Politics (angl.)