ეკონომიკური პროფილი (Jun 2025)
THE POLITICAL-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION OF THE POST-SOVIET SPACE AND CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES
Abstract
The political and economic transformation of the post-Soviet space represents one of the most extensive and complex developments in the contemporary system of international relations. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, newly independent states entered a turbulent period of political, social, and economic transition, the consequences of which continue to shape their domestic and foreign policies. This paper aims to analyze the transformation processes in post-Soviet countries, focusing on the political-economic dynamics that define the region’s stability and development prospects. Special attention is given to the models of interaction between the state and the market, the processes of liberalization and democratization, and the internal and external challenges these processes encounter. The paper also explores the geopolitical competition influencing the transformation trajectories of post-Soviet states—particularly in the context of the involvement of the Russian Federation, the European Union, China, and the United States. As a case study, Georgia (among other post-Soviet countries) is examined as a country that has implemented significant reforms but continues to face both external pressures and internal institutional challenges. Methodologically, the research is based on comparative analysis and case study approaches, allowing for the identification of both general trends and country-specific characteristics. The analysis including political documents, economic indicators, and expert assessments. In conclusion, the study outlines the key challenges and opportunities inherent in the political and economic transformation of the post-Soviet space, especially in the context of current global crises. These developments call for a reassessment of future pathways for regional stability and sustainable development.
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