Friday, December 6, 2024

Standing Firm Against External Influences: The Struggle to Preserve Georgian Sovereignty and Tradition

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS Priest

In the heart of the Caucasus, Georgia stands at a crossroads, not just geographically but culturally and politically. Recent pro-European Union protests in Tbilisi have garnered significant attention, sparking debates about the future direction of this proud nation. As someone with a background steeped in battling ideological impositions, I see these developments as more than a simple call for European integration; they represent a potential surrender to a conglomerate of agendas that threaten the very fabric of Georgian identity.

Georgia's historical and cultural landscape is deeply intertwined with the Georgian Orthodox Church, which has been a bedrock of national identity and resistance against various forms of imperialism. The current push towards the EU, however, is not merely a political alignment but an endorsement of values that are starkly different from traditional Georgian principles. This includes a radical LGBTQ agenda, the insidious creep of socialist ideologies, and a softening stance towards Islamism—each of which has historically sought to undermine the nation's core values.

The EU's track record with other Eastern European nations provides a cautionary tale. Economic benefits come with cultural and political strings attached—strings that could bind the hands of Georgia, limiting its ability to navigate its own path. Moreover, the rise of LGBTQ rights under the EU framework often clashes with traditional Christian values, challenging the societal norms that have unified Georgia for centuries.

Furthermore, the embrace of socialism, masked as progressive economic policy, could destabilize the Georgian economic framework, shifting it from free-market principles to state-controlled mechanisms. This shift has shown to stifle innovation and prosperity in numerous other contexts, a risk Georgia cannot afford.

Islamism, too, presents a subtle yet significant threat. While Georgia has coexisted peacefully with its Muslim minority, the broader European approach to Islamic immigration and integration has led to numerous cultural conflicts and security issues. The EU's leniency towards radical Islamic elements under the guise of multiculturalism could expose Georgia to similar challenges, diluting its national identity and compromising its security.

As Georgians, the call to action is clear. It is imperative to stand with the Georgian Orthodox Church and those who champion the preservation of our cultural heritage and freedom from external mandates. The allure of the European Union, while tempting with its promises of economic aid and global integration, must be critically evaluated. Georgia's sovereignty and traditional values are at stake, and these should not be traded away lightly.

In conclusion, the path forward for Georgia is one of cautious pragmatism, critical of easy promises and vigilant against ideological impositions. Let us champion a future that respects our past, protects our present, and prudently steers our national trajectory.


Citations:

  1. "The Impact of European Integration on National Identity: The Case of Eastern Europe," European Sociological Review.
  2. "Cultural Conflicts in Europe: A Comparative Perspective," Journal of Transatlantic Studies.
  3. "Economic Policies and Their Impact on Innovation: The Pitfalls of Over-Regulation," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization.

No comments: