Publisher's Synopsis
After more than a decade of turmoil and decline, Georgia has emerged as one of the world's most dynamic laboratories of democracy. The major event in this new chapter of its history is the 'Rose Revolution'. A three week period of political intrigue and public demonstrations in November 2003 led to Eduard Shevardnadze's resignation, and the result was that a demoralised and lethargic society suddenly seemed to turn into an energetic experiment in democracy. Events subsequent to the Rose Revolution suggest that this may be just the beginning of a larger transition, but regardless of where the future leads, this bloodless rebellion will remain a fascinating chapter in its own right. It has left a powerful impression not only on Georgians, but on people throughout the world. Admired by some and deplored by others, it has been observed closely everywhere in the former Soviet states and beyond. This new book presents a first historical snapshot of the Rose Revolution and events leading up to it. The editors have included interviews with major players who were at the center of this historical episode as well as chapters by analysts who have tried to make sense of it from various perspectives. The result is a multifaceted picture of an exciting, as well as perilous time... From the Introduction. CONTENTS: From the Editors; The Rose Revolution -- A Chronicle and Images; Interviews; Articles; The Meaning of Georgia's Latest Revolution; The End of the Age of the Nomenklatura in Georgia; Contextualizing the Rose Revolution; The Georgians -- Esthetics above All; Georgia's Revolution of Roses -- A View from Baku; Forces Behind the Rose Revolution; Index.
