The current political unrest in Georgia, centered in its capital, Tbilisi, resonates deeply with the nation’s mythological, historical, and cultural ethos. It’s not merely a political skirmish over election integrity or foreign influence—it’s a profound struggle for identity, sovereignty, and the soul of a nation caught in the vortex of modern global currents. To understand the present, we must excavate the past, analyze the philosophical currents shaping the global psyche, and project the future trajectory of this ancient yet resilient nation.

A mythic battle: sovereignty vs. subjugation

Georgia’s history is steeped in tales of resistance and resilience. From the myth of Amirani, the Georgian counterpart to Prometheus, who defied divine authority to bring fire to humanity, to Queen (“King”) Tamar’s Golden Age of cultural and political ascendancy, the nation’s narrative has always revolved around the tension between external domination and the assertion of its sovereignty. Today’s protests against alleged electoral fraud and foreign interference mirror these archetypal battles.

The presence of Russian influence in Georgian politics is not merely a geopolitical issue; it is a haunting reminder of centuries of imperialist dominance. For many, the struggle is existential—will Georgia continue as a beacon of democracy with its European roots in the Caucasus, or will it be reduced to a pawn in a neo-imperial game? This tension is mythic in scope, casting today’s protesters as modern Amiranis battling against the chains of submission.

Is a global return to tradition a pseudo-renaissance?

Globally, there is a discernible shift toward traditional values. However, this resurgence is not a genuine revival of deep-rooted traditions but a pseudo-traditionalism—a selective and superficial adoption of symbols and practices devoid of their original sacred meaning. From the United States to Europe, and now in Georgia, we see movements cloaking themselves in the garb of morality and heritage, yet their actions betray their claims.

In the United States, political conservatism often conflates traditional values with populist rhetoric, using religion as a tool rather than a guide. Similarly, in Georgia, some factions exploit religious sentiment to push regressive agendas, accusing progressives of promoting “LGBTQ propaganda” or undermining national values. These pseudo-traditionalists, while claiming to defend cultural heritage, desecrate it by reducing complex spiritual and historical narratives to simplistic political tools.

This phenomenon is not unique to Georgia. In Russia, the Kremlin has weaponized Orthodoxy to justify aggression and authoritarianism. In the United States, evangelical movements have sometimes prioritized political power over genuine spiritual renewal. Globally, this pseudo-traditionalism thrives in an era of uncertainty, offering the illusion of stability and moral clarity in a fragmented world.

Philosophical accents: the sacred and the profane

The desecration of the sacred is one of the most alarming aspects of this pseudo-traditional movement. When individuals claim to act “in the name of God” while violating basic human rights, they profane the very ideals they claim to uphold. True spirituality is rooted in compassion, justice, and humility—values often absent in the rhetoric of those weaponizing religion for political gain.

In Georgia, the accusation that LGBTQ advocacy is “propaganda” is not only a misrepresentation but a violation of human dignity. This stance ignores the core teachings of Christianity—love, acceptance, and the sanctity of every human soul. By framing diversity as a threat, these groups undermine the essence of faith and culture, reducing them to tools of exclusion and fear.

Memory and identity

For Georgians, forgetting Russia’s historical aggression is akin to forgetting one’s identity. From the annexation of Georgian territories to the August War of 2008, the scars of Russian imperialism are fresh. Yet, some within Georgia seem willing to align with Russian interests, either out of ideological alignment or opportunism. This is a betrayal—not only of Georgia’s sovereignty but of the memory of those who fought for its freedom.

Russia’s attempts to reassert influence in Georgia are part of a broader strategy to destabilize the region and undermine democratic movements. Those who collaborate with such efforts are not patriots but enablers of subjugation, perpetuating cycles of domination under the guise of protecting tradition.

A future vision

As we look to the future, Georgia’s path must balance respect for its rich cultural heritage with the embrace of modern democratic principles. This requires a return to authenticity—a reclaiming of traditions as living, evolving practices rather than static relics. It also demands vigilance against pseudo-traditional movements that distort history and faith for political gain.

Philosophically, Georgia’s journey can serve as a global example. By resisting the allure of superficial traditionalism and engaging in a genuine dialogue about identity, sovereignty, and human rights, Georgia can emerge as a leader in the global struggle against authoritarianism and cultural erasure.

In the end, those who promote exclusion, hate, and subjugation under the guise of tradition are the true violators of human rights and desecrators of the sacred. Whether in Georgia, the United States, or elsewhere, such movements threaten the very foundations of democracy and spirituality.

Georgia’s protests are not merely political—they are a cultural and philosophical stand for integrity, memory, and the future. The battle for European Tbilisi is a battle for the soul of a nation, echoing the struggles of the past while shaping the possibilities of tomorrow. Let us hope that Georgia, like Amirani, can break free from its chains and continue to light the way for others.