The Chavchavadze Center announced an essay competition “Happy Nation – Quo Vadis?” in the spring of 2020. The aim of the competition was to critically analyze the progress made by Georgia starting from its independence in 1991 up to this day; to identify key challenges for contemporary Georgian society from a historical and geopolitical perspectives; and, finally, to provide concrete ideas and solutions for persisting problems. It was expected that participants would identify historical parallels; assess the role of foreign players and their local allies; detect recurring challenges and provide specific recommendations, which could become part of a public discussion and, eventually, be a basis for political formation in the future.  Essays covered a variety of topics, including foreign relations and security, economic policies, the justice system, media, culture, health and social policy, education, western values and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic choice.

The project was made possible with support from the Konrad Adenauer South Caucasus Foundation.