The Ilia Chavchavadze Center for European Studies and Civic Education is pleased to announce the release of its latest research publication, "Power Shifts in Post-Soviet States: Political Opportunities and the Role of Political Parties – A Comparative Analysis." This comprehensive study examines the dynamics of peaceful political transitions across five post-Soviet countries: Georgia (2003), Armenia (2018), Moldova (2019), Ukraine (2019), and Belarus (2020), utilizing political process theory and democratization frameworks to identify the key factors that enable or hinder democratic change.

The research reveals critical insights into how elite divisions, state repressive capacity, external influences, and the strategic capabilities of political parties create windows of opportunity for democratic transitions. Through detailed case studies, the publication demonstrates that while hybrid regimes like Moldova and Ukraine achieved change through elections, Georgia and Armenia experienced peaceful revolutions, whereas Belarus's consolidated authoritarianism successfully resisted transformation. The study offers particular relevance for understanding contemporary Georgia's political challenges and prospects for democratic development. This publication was made possible through the generous support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom South Caucasus and is now available in our Library section.

https://www.chavchavadzecenter.ge/public/uploads/other/2025-06-11/5232.pdf