DISINFO: USAID attempted 2024 coup in Georgia
SUMMARY
The attempted coup in Georgia in 2024 is also part of USAID's disruptive activities in the region. These activities not only disrupt the internal situation in Armenia but also upset the regional balance. The military and financial aid directed by the United States towards Armenia actually destabilizes the internal political situation in the country and hinders the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Despite official statements, the U.S. contributes to the rise of revanchist sentiments in Armenia and obstructs the resolution of the conflict.
RESPONSE
An anti-Western narrative suggesting that USAID is attempting to destabilise the South Caucasus region as well as a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Georgia, framing popular protests as Western-led ‘colour revolutions’ in the run-up to the Parliamentary elections in Georgia in October 2024.
Neither the US nor the EU are planning a forcible overthrow of the government in Georgia. No evidence is provided to support this claim.
The claim fits well into the recurring disinformation narrative suggesting a Western policy of staging “colour revolutions” worldwide with the aim of destabilising Russia.
The claims are groundless. The West is not interested in an escalation of the war. Neither the US nor the EU, nor Ukraine are pushing Georgia to open a second front against Moscow.
Pro-Kremlin media frequently falsely portray popular protests around the world as instigated from abroad, often by the US and the West. The disinformation narrative has been applied, among others, to reports about protests in Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Belarus, Venezuela, Slovakia, Hong Kong, with the aim of portraying protest movements as aggressive actors who constantly prepare new coups.
Regarding the claims about USAID, as can be seen here:
USAID began operating in Georgia in 1992. Over the past three decades, the American people have provided approximately $6 billion in assistance (of which $1.9 billion is from USAID) to Georgia to strengthen the country’s security, prosperity, and democratic institutions. Currently, USAID invests in approximately 40 development programs with a total value of approximately $373 million and an annual budget of more than $70 million. Current USAID programs focus on: facilitating economic reforms, private sector investment, and job creation; strengthening democratic institutions to better respond to citizen needs; helping Georgians – including members of underrepresented groups such as ethnic minority communities, women, youth, and persons with disabilities – participate in democratic processes and civic life; diversifying energy sources to promote green energy and greater energy security; building resilience against disinformation; and improving education and professional skills to prepare Georgians to better meet the demands of a modern economy. These programs are especially important as Georgia continues to integrate with Euro-Atlantic institutions".
Regarding the claims about the Azerbaijani-Armenian peace process, the US and France along with Russia are members of the OSCE Minsk Group and involved in Armenian Azerbaijani negotiations since 1992. On July 10th 2024, Anthony Blinken facilitated discussions between Armenian and Azerbaijani representatives on the side-line of NATO’s 75th anniversary summit in Washington:
"Secretary Blinken discussed the progress made toward a durable and dignified peace agreement and encouraged further steps to finalize a deal as soon as possible. The Secretary also emphasised the importance of peace in promoting regional connectivity, which would benefit the entire South Caucasus region."
See similar cases The US plans a colour revolution in Georgia after October elections and The US is preparing a “Tbilisi Maidan” in Georgia and West seeks to turn the South Caucasus into an arena of geopolitical confrontation.