Neutrality Forum Opens in Tbilisi, Shakarishvili Says Euro-Atlanticism Is Major Threat to Georgia

A two-day neutrality forum opened in Tbilisi on November 5. It is organized by Vato Shakarishvili's "United Neutral Georgia" and the international platform "Neutrality Studies". The platform is dedicated to the analysis of state neutrality, non-alignment, diplomacy and multipolar international relations.

According to the forum's description, it is "a practically oriented research conference on the prospects, risks and opportunities of neutrality in the South Caucasus with the participation of international neutrality researchers and geopolitical analysts".

The forum has 14 speakers, including Neutrality Studies head Pascal Lottaz. He supports the neutrality of Georgia and Ukraine, and his positions often coincide with Moscow's strategic goals. In his article "Georgian Neutrality: A Chance for Russia and Ukraine" of October 13, 2026, Lottaz argues that a neutral Georgia, outside NATO and EU security structures, would contribute to regional stability and meet Russia's declared security goals.

Speaking at the forum, Lottaz said: "What we observe in Europe is this: members of the bloc say that Russia must be defeated. Those who did not take part in this process are not on our side. Consequently, they force countries not to be neutral. Therefore, in this situation, interested countries that call neutral states and parties pro-Russian, this is natural".

Another participant of the forum is Mohammad Marandi, professor at the University of Tehran, who often portrays US policy as imperial or coercive and argues that Western versions of Iran's actions are wrong. Georgian participants include Petre Mamradze, Levan Nikoleishvili, Konstantine Zhgenti and Lasha Kasradze.

Lasha Kasradze, a frequent guest of the TV company Imedi who also once worked as its presenter, stressed that neutrality must become institutionalized: "Neutrality – of course it implies creating public sentiment so that Georgia's foreign policy becomes much more pragmatic. Neutrality must become more and more institutionalized".

Vato Shakarishvili also addressed the participants in a speech. In his words, in today's reality of the balance of power, neutrality is taking shape as the most realistic and optimal path for Georgia. Shakarishvili said: "It is a relic of the past and an absolute illusion that NATO and the EU create opportunities for Georgia's security and development. Euro-Atlanticism today is not a guarantee of security but a major threat to our country".