Georgia

Georgia poll looks like win for Putin’s Dream

2 Oct 2012

The Georgian Dream opposition won the parliamentary election. That’s a normal pendulum-swing rejection of the government, in spite of its fine economic performance. But the Dream’s leader is a shadowy billionaire with unsettling good relations with the big boss from the North.

Russian WTO benefits could prove elusive

3 Nov 2011

A deal with Georgia means Russia should soon be invited to join the global trade body, ending an 18-year odyssey. This will be an important reform symbol. But without liberalisation measures at home, the much-touted benefits of membership may be elusive.