BLUF: The Russian occupation of South Ossetia has caused tensions in Georgia, with fears that Russia may try to further expand its control and influence. EU monitors are keeping an eye on the situation, documenting the steady hardening of boundaries through a process called “borderisation.” The ruling party in Georgia, Georgian Dream, is pursuing EU membership while at the same time adopting rhetoric that aligns them more closely with Russia, causing concern among opposition parties and civil society activists about the erosion of pro-western sentiments and democratic institutions in the country.
Revised Text: Russia’s occupation of South Ossetia has created tensions in Georgia, with concerns that Russia may attempt to expand its control. EU monitors are tracking the situation, documenting the hardening of boundaries through “borderisation.” The ruling party in Georgia, Georgian Dream, pursues EU membership while adopting rhetoric that aligns them more closely with Russia, which worries opposition parties and activists about the erosion of pro-western sentiments and democratic institutions in the country.