The U.S. Senate is taking steps that could impact relations between the United States and Georgia, a country located on Russia’s border. Last month, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced the MEGOBARI Act, which aims to encourage Georgia to limit its economic ties with Russia and align more closely with Western nations amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This legislation, co-sponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jim Risch, is intended to support the Georgian people as they face challenges from their government, which has been criticized for its violent treatment of peaceful protestors. The act is named "MEGOBARI," meaning "friend" in Georgian, and seeks to bolster Georgia’s sovereignty and democratic values while promoting its integration into the European Union and NATO.
However, critics argue that the bill could push Georgia into closer ties with non-Western countries, contradicting recent U.S. efforts to reassess its commitments in Europe and improve relations with Russia. The MEGOBARI Act does not guarantee U.S. military support for Georgia if tensions with Russia escalate, raising concerns about the potential consequences of the legislation.
The act also calls for investigations into Georgian officials who may be obstructing the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration and could lead to sanctions against those found guilty of undermining Georgia’s stability.
Georgia’s relationship with Russia is crucial, as a significant portion of its economy relies on trade with its northern neighbor. In 2024, trade between Georgia and Russia amounted to about $2.5 billion, highlighting the economic interdependence that exists despite political tensions. Additionally, remittances from Georgians working in Russia play a vital role in the country’s economy.
Since 2008, Georgia has faced a precarious security situation due to Russia’s military presence in its breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The Georgian government has pursued a cautious foreign policy, balancing its relationships with Western nations and its neighbor to the north.
As the U.S. considers the implications of the MEGOBARI Act, experts warn that it may alienate Georgia and hinder America’s influence in the region. Instead of pushing for confrontational policies, some suggest that the U.S. should engage with Georgia in a more empathetic manner, recognizing its need for a diversified foreign policy that includes relationships with various global powers.
The future of U.S.-Georgia relations remains uncertain as lawmakers weigh the potential impacts of the MEGOBARI Act and the broader geopolitical landscape.