Georgia

Georgians feel most secure in their immediate surroundings compared with other countries (93%). This feeling of security is accompanied by the second-lowest level of concern regarding a decline in personal economic situation (40%). 

Some 90% of Georgians are concerned, along with Turks and Ukrainians, about inflation, the cost of living and economic crises. This mood is also influenced by high unemployment (youth unemployment stands at 30%) and widespread informal employment. These components collectively account for the observed outcome that 86% express concerns about their personal future, the second-highest level in the poll after Ukraine. 

Georgians are conscious of global interdependencies, and 79% feel that Georgia’s well-being is linked to positive developments in other countries. However, 68% feel that Georgia does not receive the status it deserves, 13% higher than the poll average.
 

Their prevailing sentiment is that an era of a »my country first« is dawning. Georgians still very much believe in the Western-dominated security order, having the lowest rate of agreement that the era of American supremacy is over (28%). They also have the third-highest approval that Europe is becoming a global power (44%). Among 18–29 year olds, this percentage rises to nearly 60%. Georgians are least convinced that middle powers such as Türkiye or Brazil are emerging as new centres of influence. In contrast to Russian respondents, Georgians show the lowest agreement that laws and rules are no longer relevant.

Georgians believe in the Western-dominated security order: 44% think that Europe is becoming a global power and only 28% agree that the era of American supremacy is over.

The overwhelming majority in Georgia prefer stronger cooperation with the EU (85%), the highest support in the poll, next to Ukraine. At the same time, opinion is split on whether EU politics are regularly in conflict with the interests of Georgia (43% each agreeing and disagreeing). EU membership has been supported by a majority of Georgians for many years. When asked about the reasons for EU membership, most people choose higher living standards (49%). They also cite EU funding, as well as security from Russia. Diving deeper into the findings suggests that young Georgians are more pro-Western, particularly in terms of foreign policy and international alliances. This generational shift could have significant implications for Georgia’s future direction, possibly with regard to closer ties with the EU. Georgia's relations with the EU soured after controversial laws were introduced in 2024 curbing LGBTQ+ rights and targeting foreign-funded civil society groups. 
 

Young Georgians are more pro-Western than older generations.

The EU paused its accession process, and the internal Georgian conflict about the European perspective has 
intensified since.

However, an either-or framing oversimplifies the situation. An absolute majority of Georgians (58%) support a balanced approach between the EU and Russia, rather than aligning with one side at the cost of deteriorating relations with the other. Nonetheless, 43% of polled Georgians desire more cooperation with Russia (50% oppose closer ties), although only a quarter of those aged 18–29 support this. At the same time, there is also a wish to reduce reliance on Russia, even if it has a negative impact on living standards in Georgia (58%).

Outside the narrow Russia-versus-the-West framing, Georgians support enhanced cooperation – 76% with the USA and 60% with China. At the same time, they want to reduce dependency on China (51%). In contrast to Ukraine, they show relatively low support for reducing dependency on non-like-minded states, which reflects a distinctive and pragmatic stance on this issue.

Georgians suffered from Russian aggression in the 2008 five-day war. Afterward, Russia recognised the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. These became more dependent on Moscow. Russia continues to maintain bases and troops there. Against this backdrop, Georgians avoid taking a strong position on the war against Ukraine. Instead, they favour a neutral stance (40%), the highest endorsement for that in the poll, and support diplomatic efforts to end the war (38%). A majority (58%) hold Russia responsible for the ongoing war, while 33% point to the US and 24% to Ukraine. Notably, among younger people perceptions of responsibility on the part of both Russia and Ukraine are higher, while blame toward the US is lower.

Moreover, the war is mostly (42%) perceived as a proxy war between the West and Russia. This stance is shared only in Serbia and Türkiye. Some 36% view the war as an attempt by Russia to expand its territory. This perception is even more pronounced among those aged 18 to 29 (43%). Notably, it is lower than in western European nations such as France, the UK and Sweden, where it exceeds 60%. Less than 5% lean towards the third characterisation, namely that it is a war between democracies and autocracies. 

58% support a balanced approach between the EU and Russia, rather than aligning with one side at the cost of deteriorating relations with the other.

However, the geographical proximity to Russia is reflected in the fact that most people are worried about nuclear escalation (76%). This is not surprising given Russia's recent nuclear exercises and threats to use nuclear weapons.

The Georgian government maintains a neutral, possibly defensive stance. Still, a large majority (74%) advocate continued support for Ukraine, the second highest in the poll. Georgian respondents are the strongest proponents of humanitarian assistance. Accordingly, they reject the idea of sending troops, the second-highest level in the poll. When it comes to increased weapon deliveries, people are also sceptical, but women support this slightly more than men (23% vs 18%). Georgians support Ukraine becoming an EU member (72%) and a NATO member (64%).

Regarding an end of the war, Georgians express more optimism for a diplomatic solution than people in any other polled country (48%). This might stem from experience with a ceasefire in their own country, which was brokered by the EU in 2008. The ceasefire neither settled the conflict nor returned occupied territories, but it stopped the fighting and safeguarded Georgia’s independence.
 

Georgia's further course is dependent largely on internal political developments. The contested October 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia drew international attention amid allegations of fraud and irregularities. The ruling Georgian Dream party secured a fourth consecutive term. This sparked protests in Tbilisi, demanding new elections. Many see the unrest as part of a broader geopolitical struggle between Russia and the West. Still, Georgians express the most optimistic views in the poll about developments regarding peace and security over the next five years – in Georgia, Europe and globally. Women are overall more positive.

Georgia seeks to play a more engaged role, with nearly 71% supporting a proactive foreign policy to address international problems, crises and conflicts. They show the highest levels of agreement to take on more international responsibility and to cooperate with any country if it is conducive to peace. Foreign policy priorities should include concerns about human rights violations (36%), geopolitical tensions (33%) and fighting terrorism and extremism (25%), while trade wars and global inequality play a minor role.

However, Georgia’s commitment to international responsibility is somewhat limited: almost 70% indicate that Georgia should focus on its own well-being and avoid international involvement. Only 20% are in favour of military interventions in conflicts. Together with Ukraine, united by the Russian aggression, they have the highest approval rate for increasing military spending (77%). However, about two-thirds (67% women, 59% men) prioritise economic and social over defence spending. Notably, among 18–29 year olds, 34% support prioritising military spending, compared with a total of 24%.

Georgians express more optimism for a diplomatic solution in the war against Ukraine than people in any other polled country.