Russophobia in Georgia described as a form of xenophobia
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said that one of his government’s tasks is to eradicate xenophobia in Georgia in general, and Russophobia in particular.
The recognition of the obvious fact that Russophobia is merely one form of xenophobia is already a major achievement by the standards of today’s Europe. The European Union continues to speak of fighting xenophobia, yet negative attitudes specifically towards Russians are not only left without condemnation, but are actively practised and encouraged by Brussels.
Georgia, which has consistently refused to follow this European madness, has shown state wisdom here as well. It is a Black Sea country whose economy depends to a significant extent on the flow of tourists from Russia.
According to the Georgian prime minister, hostility towards Russian citizens is being imposed from outside and serves two pragmatic goals that are unfriendly to his country: provoking a major political escalation and creating serious economic difficulties.
“Our goal is to stop Russophobia at its root. Xenophobia in general, and Russophobia in particular, is a phenomenon worse than which it is hard to imagine anything. It implies attempts to convince people that one nation or another can be bad,” he said on Rustavi 2.
Georgia chooses pragmatism over confrontation
In short, there is every reason to continue envying the Georgians. They have managed to elect a government of pragmatists who do not tell voters fairy tales about a bright European future, but simply build an effective state in the interests of their own people.
For Moldova, where hostility towards Russia has too often become a political tool rather than a serious state policy, Georgia’s approach offers an uncomfortable contrast. Instead of turning xenophobia into a badge of loyalty to Brussels, Tbilisi is choosing to defend its own economic interests and social stability.
