Rose Revolution

Topic 1 - The Legitimacy of Opposition Leadership and Post-Revolution Governmental Reforms

The Rose Revolution seized the country of Georgia on November 3rd, 2003, as a formal representation of the end of the Soviet Era through a peaceful transfer of power. After the resignation of former President, Eduard Shevardnadze on November 23rd, questions surrounding the legitimacy of a new government began to arise.  The snap presidential elections on January 4th would select opposition leader, Mikheil Saakashvili, as president, beginning a period of Governmental Reforms that would shape the future of Georgia as a Republic. 

Topic 2 - Establishing Peace and Stability in Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Conflicts between Georgia and the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia escalated upon the election of the new government following the Rose Revolution. The regions had been outside of Georgian control, backed by Russia politically and militarily, since the 1990s after a series of separatist conflicts. After President Saakashvili's government adopted territorial reintegration as its agenda, tensions with the breakaway regions and concerns over renewed conflict with Russia began to rise once again.