Georgia emerged from the fall of the Soviet empire in 1991 with the promise of swift economic and democratic reform. But that promise remains unfulfilled. Economic collapse, secessionist challenges, civil war and the failure to escape the legacy of Soviet rule - culminating in the 2008 war with Russia - characterise a two-decade struggle to establish democratic institutions and consolidate statehood. Here, Stephen Jones critically analyses Georgia's recent political and economic development, illustrating what its 'transition' has meant, not just for the state, but for its citizens as well. An authoritative and commanding exploration of Georgia since independence, this is essential for those interested in the post-Soviet world.

Stephen H. Jones is Lecturer in the Department of Theology and Religion, University of Birmingham, UK. He wasGeneral Secretary of the Muslims in Britain Research Network between 2017 and 2020. He is a sociologist of religion who writes about Islam in the UK, Islamophobia, and religion and politics.

Introduction
Chapter 1: Georgia: A Divided Democracy
Chapter 2: Prelude to Revolution
Chapter 3: Populism in Georgia
Chapter 4: The Interregnum
Chapter 5: The State
Chapter 6: Democracy from Below?
Chapter 7: The Economy
Chapter 8: The Myth of Georgian Nationalism
Chapter 9: National Security and Foreign Policy