The divisive prospect of US Military bases in Georgia

The Idea of American Military bases in Georgia has produced a lot of different opinions within the political figures in the country. Even though this concept isn’t a part of the agenda at the moment, the topic polarizes the community in significant ways.

Some say that Georgia’s declared foreign policy, aspiration to join the NATO, to regain control over its occupied territories and to keep its policies pro-western juxtaposes the comments made by the president of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, stating that US military base on the territory of Georgia is not necessarily a good idea.

In the interview with 'America’s Voice,' President Zurabishvili stressed that the partnership between Georgia and the NATO, and specifically with the US is of utmost importance and military cooperation between these two entities is essential.

President elaborated further: "I do not think that building the American Military Base in Georgia is recommended. It is not necessary to take steps that can be seen as provocative and therefore I do not think that Georgia is ready to have US military base, not only because of Russia but also because of the terrorist movements that are very active in the region. We should deepen and improve our cooperation and not move forward in the direction that can provoke the reaction of others."

Almost all officials from the Mayor of Tbilisi to members of the opposition to the EU Ambassador of Georgia has shared their opinions regarding the topic. Opposing the idea can be seen and evaluated by the International Community as a pro-Russian move or may be seen as an indicator of the shift in our foreign policy. On the other hand, supporters of this statement call for evaluation using the full context, saying that we are in no position to provoke hostility until we have the guarantee that the necessary help will be provided to us in case of emergency.

The provocative undertone of stationing the US military base in Georgia is hard to argue against. But whether or not Georgia should go through it despite the potential reaction of our northern neighbor is where the opinions split.

On the one hand, there are people who support the military base and think that from a president should not make Russia's interest a priority, so the foreign policy should be conducted based on Georgia’s interests exclusively, which while being a valid point, also neglects the potential escalation of events when talking about building a military base.

In the ruling party, the opinions are rather neutral. Tamar Chugoshvili, First Deputy Chairperson of the Parliament, stated that this topic is not on the agenda, so the chairperson sees little point in discussions regarding the US military base.

“If we want to talk about provocations, we experience provocations every day from Russia. As for the United States, the importance of military cooperation between Georgia and US defense agencies is very high. The relationship is in a better state than ever before.

As for military bases, as I know, no discussion of this topic is taking place. The topic of military bases is not on the agenda. Consequently, I do not think there should be a big discussion. But military cooperation in any form with the United States is a priority for our country. This country is our main partner and supporter. Deepening cooperation in any form that will help the security of our country is vital for us," said Chugoshvili.

The EU Ambassador to Georgia, Carl Hartzell has also expressed his attitude regarding the topic and the comments made by the president.

Of course, the security issue should be considered in a broader context. As for military bases, this is an issue that is a part of a broader context. The EU always support Georgia's independence and territorial integrity as well as the right of Georgia to have its own vision on security issues," said Carl Hartzell.

In the opposition, the statement caused a lot of discontents. The leader of 'European Georgia' David Bakradze stated that Salome Zurabishvili's words directly contradict Georgia-NATO's future obligations.

Davit Bakradze demanded an official explanation from the Government of Georgia on whether or not Salome Zurabishvili's statement is representative of the position of the Georgian government.

"The deployment of American and general military forces in Georgia is not only our future security guarantee but also the commitment of Georgia when it becomes a member of NATO. Therefore, Salome Zurabishvili's words directly contradict the Georgia-NATO's future obligations. This is exactly the statement which directly benefits Russia and states that Georgia should not be a part of the Western security system,” said Bakradze.

An open discussion on this topic is essential for developing a reasonable approach. Even though it is not an urgent issue that needs immediate resolution, it brings out a few underlying challenges and prospects that Georgia will have to deal with eventually.