by Ulvi Nariman
The ongoing protests in Georgia have once again brought the role
of the Baltic states into the spotlight. Lithuania, Latvia, and
Estonia have actively criticized Georgia’s government, with their
recent sanctions against ruling officials following a violent
crackdown on anti-government demonstrators.
How the Baltics Reflect EU Strategy in the
Caucasus
The Baltic states, particularly Lithuania, have historically
taken swift action in moments of regional unrest that align with
broader Western interests. Lithuania’s imposition of sanctions on
Georgian officials mirrors the nation’s role as a vocal advocate
for EU directives, often prioritizing alignment with Brussels over
independent policy decisions.
In October, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis
displayed this alignment in anti-Azerbaijani remarks during a Parliamentary Assembly of the Council
of Europe (PACE) session. This underscores Lithuania’s readiness to
act as a conduit for broader EU and U.S. strategies. Furthermore,
the Baltic nations have been visible in Georgia’s political
landscape, with officials participating in protests and publicly
supporting opposition narratives.
The Baltic countries’ actions raise questions about the balance
of sovereignty and external influence in Georgia’s domestic
affairs. By imposing sanctions and supporting anti-government
demonstrations, the Baltic states reinforce the perception that the
West seeks to shape Georgia’s political trajectory. The alignment
between Baltic actions and Western objectives highlights how
smaller EU members can amplify geopolitical strategies in the
Caucasus. The Baltic countries’ activism aligns with their role as
staunch supporters of Euro-Atlantic integration and democracy
promotion, but critics argue that such actions risk exacerbating
tensions in Georgia. By imposing sanctions, the Baltic nations
signal solidarity with Western allies while pressuring Tbilisi to
align more closely with EU and NATO values. However, these
interventions also risk deepening polarization within Georgia,
echoing patterns seen in Ukraine before the 2014 crisis.
Lithuania’s involvement goes beyond rhetoric, with its actions
directly challenging the sovereignty of Georgia’s ruling coalition.
This parallels its previous stance on Azerbaijan, where it
supported critical narratives and sanctions to serve EU interests.
The Baltic nations, particularly Lithuania, are positioning
themselves as enforcers of Western strategies, showcasing their
readiness to act decisively when EU or U.S. interests are at
stake.
For Georgia, the Baltic intervention poses a dilemma. While
aspiring to maintain its strategic partnerships with the West, the
country faces growing domestic unrest fueled by external
influences. The Baltic states’ actions, underpinned by a desire to
solidify Western alliances, complicate Tbilisi’s efforts to
navigate a path that prioritizes national interests while balancing
international expectations. As protests intensify and sanctions
bite, the implications for Georgia’s political stability are
profound. The role of the Baltic states in this unfolding crisis
highlights the intricate dynamics of geopolitics in the South
Caucasus, where external forces increasingly shape the trajectory
of nations striving for autonomy amid global power plays.