The U.S. Helsinki Commission has issued a stark warning about Georgia's political trajectory, stating that the Georgian Dream government has "pivoted towards Russia and an illiberal orientation." In X thread, the commission expressed growing concern over Georgia’s shift away from its traditionally pro-Western path, raising alarm over the implications this could have for the country's democratic future and its place in the South Caucasus. 

"South Caucasus is on a precarious strategic knife’s edge. As Russia seeks to maintain its grip in the region by stoking regional conflicts, the United States and our allies must rethink our approach. Armenia, historically one of Russia’s closest allies, is moving away from Moscow. At the same time, Azerbaijan is increasing their ties with Russia and balancing them with their collaborative and long-standing relationship with NATO-member Türkiye and the EU. Meanwhile, Georgia’s Georgian Dream government has pivoted towards Russia and an illiberal orientation, seemingly casting aside its people’s pro-Western sentiments. This drift towards a pro-Russian stance is a serious concern. The U.S. must adopt a dual-track approach to Caucasus, increasing accountability measures for democratic backsliding, while providing mechanisms for deeper, stronger, integration with Western institutions. The path forward is one we must chart together.  The “South Caucasus” chapter of our new staff report shows the comprehensive course of action the U.S. must take to strengthen democratic resolve in the region and counter Russia’s creeping influence." - the Helsinki Commission tweeted