Publications

In the contemporary, the so-called information age, with the simultaneous increase in the scope and speed of news dissemination, information operations have become a recognized element of warfare. Hostile states, instead of resorting to open belligerence, often attempt to influence public opinion and intervene in the affairs of other nations through information manipulation. As a result, in the 21st century, effective and coordinated communication is of particular importance.

Recent reports  from the Georgian State Security Service note that disinformation campaigns have been conducted against Georgia, with the primary goal of undermining the country's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. These efforts aim to tarnish Georgia’s international reputation and spread disinformation within the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the critical importance of accurate information and effective communication. It became clear that information is no longer just information; in some cases, proper communication can save lives. While previously we might have discussed the disruption of democratic processes or societal polarization by hostile states, the pandemic demonstrated that communication is directly linked to people’s safety and well-being.

Given the threats described above, the need for well-planned strategic communication and increased public awareness of malicious information campaigns is more urgent than ever.

Strategic communications (StratCom) as a discipline is still evolving, and its definition in academic literature remains varied.  Hallahan et al. (2007) emphasize the core aspects of strategic communication. They argue that any activity within this process is deliberate and not random or unintentional. Moreover, the term "strategic" should be understood in a broad, multifaceted sense. Regarding communication, the authors consider it a cornerstone of process management. According to their definition, strategic communication means „individuals, acting on behalf of organizations, engaging in intentional and purposeful communication events, public movements, or processes".

The practical application of strategic communications, which has gained increasing relevance following the intensification of Russian information warfare—especially after the "hybrid war" waged against Ukraine in 2014—requires states to be prepared for challenges such as the weaponization of information, propaganda, and the distortion of reality. To address these challenges, and as part of the broader state-building process, effective communication and strategic planning are crucial prerequisites for advancing national interests.

In response to these needs, the Georgian authorities began establishing strategic communications departments in cooperation with international partners. On November 2, 2018, the Government of Georgia mandated the creation of strategic communications units within all ministries.  The primary goals of these units were to counter anti-Western propaganda, raise public awareness of Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration efforts, and establish an effective, coordinated, and proactive strategic communications system within the country. Therefore, while the theoretical understanding of strategic communications may be complex, Georgia’s creation of StratCom departments had a clearly defined practical purpose.

Several years after the establishment of these strategic communications departments—and particularly in light of the ongoing full-scale war in the region and threats from the Russian Federation—it is important to assess how well these government StratComs have met their stated objectives. Additionally, the role of these departments has gained further significance following the European Commission’s recommendation that Georgia take concrete steps to counter disinformation and anti-Western rhetoric.  This recommendation is part of the broader conditions associated with Georgia’s candidate status for EU membership and is a key prerequisite for the country's further integration with the European Union.

This document provides an overview of the development of Georgia’s state policy on strategic communications, its legal and structural frameworks, and the shortcomings identified in its practical implementation. Furthermore, our goal is to identify solutions to address the current failures in Georgia’s strategic communications efforts. To this end, we will review best practices, including those from Georgia’s Western partner states.

See the attached file for the entire document.