On June 4, 2021, the scientific article of the invited lecturer of the University of Georgia and the Doctor of Science of the University of Central Europe (Budapest) Nino Gozalashvili under the title "Europe Awakens - the spread of national populism in the country of eastern partnership - the case of Georgian march in Georgia" was placed on the online page of the publishing house of the University of Cambridge. The author answered the questions related to the preparation and publication of the research. Here is a recording of our interview with her.

How does this research reflect Georgian reality?

In the Georgian context, the issue of nationalism still maintains its historical relevance, with the elements of populism attached to it in the modern period. Thus, observing these trends helps us to imagine not only the characteristics of the discourse of Georgian nationalism and populism but also more broadly, the dynamics and directions of the cultural and political development of the entire country. The research will also help the reader to present a relatively less studied movement in the framework of nationalism and populism, which talks about the spread of similar narratives directly and more indirectly ( Internet, social. networks ) through roads. Also, the reader will be able to draw his own conclusions, since the research is not normative and its purpose is to explain events and phenomena.

One of the specific findings related to this research is the ability of nationalists to use the country's pro-Western course to their advantage, and precisely by rethinking the meaning of "West", to turn themselves into the ideological family created by European and North American nationalists.

The issue is important, to the extent that the understanding of the meaning of "Azerbaijani" is heterogeneous in post-Soviet Georgia and is often an a priori weapon of disinformation, which further affects the process of democratization of the country and, not in the long term, concerns each citizen.

How exactly is the subject of research related to these issues?

Research studies the modern Georgian national-national narratives and tries to explain why and for what purpose such actors use comparisons with the West, how they imagine and interpret the West, which in the Georgian context had a historically positive, but often informed meaning with skepticism.

Research also emphasizes some ways of using the Internet and social networks, and their increased mobilization skills for such actors. The article tries to show the dynamics of global spread and adaptation of such "local" phenomena as nationalism and populism.

How can students be involved in this direction of research and why would you recommend it?

Research uses the approach of stylistic analysis, which is quite an important and systematic approach, which takes into account not only the direct significance of the material to be analyzed (texts, images, notes) but also the socio-cultural and political context in which it arises. This methodology allows attention to various aspects of nationalism and populism and deep study. In addition, in the reality of independent Georgia, the issue of national populism is of particular importance according to its degree of influence on democracy and democratization processes. Therefore, for students interested in the issues of democracy and the study of illiberal tendencies, analyzing the strategic use of the "pro-Western" narrative in, said the research would be an interesting starting point. Anti-Western and anti-Soviet narratives have traditionally been part of the discourse of nationalist and populist actors, but today we are faced with a reality where the Eurasian discourse involves rethinking the idea of Europe and thus talking about a new type of integration. These are interesting, important, and multifaceted directions of study and will help students to discuss various issues and raise competence. I believe that today, these processes are one of the main challenges for the course of liberal democracy of post-socialist countries, and the explanation of this trend is only closer to it.

What were the main challenges and skills associated with this research?

The research, of course, was accompanied by challenges. One is related to finding respondents and gaining the trust needed to record interviews with them since the issue is sensitive and needs a similar approach. In this regard, it was important to balance the attention to the observance of the norms of academic ethics and the acquisition of the widest range of material to be analyzed. Other challenges are related to the ever-changing and unpredictable material that is created on social media pages and is often either blocked or broken, which causes the researcher to use the information and verify it. Therefore, basic skills, I think, are related to flexibility in the face of challenges and constant changes, methodological consistency, and academic writing skills. All these skills are excellent.

Why are you interested in researching this issue?  

It is probably difficult for a person who grew up in Georgia to avoid the issue of nationalism. However, this also means that nationalism appears to us in different forms, meanings, and emotional loads. Growing up in the small town of Gori, during my childhood, I had the opportunity to observe the rather paradoxical aspects of nationalism. Later, my ideas about nationalism, as well as my interests, became more diverse and profound as I lived and observed in different European cities. Although for me, as a Georgian person, the phenomena of nationalism and populism were not new, their rise with the domino effect in the more democratic countries of Europe and North America and their echo in Georgia became my source of inspiration. I wondered where such movements came from, how they represented the history, culture, and traditions of their country and West, and why, in the already existing democratic governments, the populist appeal to the concept of "people" became so successful.

What was the response to this particular work? 

The paper was presented at several international conferences before publication. During the reports, it was found that in some cases of Central and Eastern Europe, we are dealing with parallel Molen, although the work concentrates on specific trends for Georgia. After publication, speaking with colleagues and students, we found that the role of the Internet and social media networks, as well as the influence of general trends in globalization, turns nationalist and populist discourses into global phenomena and formations of globalization.

What additional funding and support did this research have?

Part of the research was done within the framework of doctoral funding of Central European University (CEU).

Can you tell us two words about your co-authors?

However, with the great emotional and intellectual support of my colleagues, leader, and relatives, I did the research independently.

     It should be noted that Cambridge University Press was created in 1534 by order of Henry VIII and is considered the world's oldest university publication. An interested reader can read the original of the article at the specified link.