Georgian national movement and the problem of inter-ethnic conflicts in Georgia in the post-Soviet period
The article examines the prerequisites for the emergence of Georgian nationalism, identifies its features and characteristics, and provides a typology. The study period covers 1991 - 2012, when Georgian nationalism was in full bloom. Based on various sources and materials, the complex and contradictory nature of Georgian nationalism is shown. The paper emphasizes that Georgian nationalism contributed to the creation of a complex internal political situation in the country. Radical nationalism violated inter-ethnic peace and harmony, their actions radical nationalists led by Z. Gamsakhurdia pushed the country to confrontation on inter-ethnic grounds, which eventually resulted in bloody inter-ethnic conflicts. After E. Shevardnadze came to power, radical nationalism was replaced by so-called pragmatic civil nationalism, which formally demonstrates readiness for inter-ethnic cooperation. But in fact, the new leadership of the Republic was based on the ideo-logy of radical nationalism, engaged in state construction based on it. The same could be said of the revolutionary nationalism of M. Saakashvili was the “driving force” of Georgian politics during his presidency. Having tried to change the ideology of radical nationalism, Saakashvili continued to be influenced by the destructive nationalist ideas of Z. Gamsakhurdia. After following these features of Georgian nationalism in detail, the author of the article came to the conclusion that in the near future it is unlikely to turn Georgian nationalism into a model of liberal integration, because it is unacceptable for ethnic minorities who insist on maintaining an “ethno-pluralistic” system in the Republic, in which their national rights will be respected.