Political Elite Discourse on Dams, Energy, and Identity in Georgia (2004-2024)

• In Event: Memories of Water, Land, and Belonging in Georgia

Abstract

This paper moves beyond the material into the symbolic value of dams as a feature of Georgia’s national identity. Analyzing elite political speeches from 2004-2024, three themes surrounding dams appear: external threat, geopolitical realignment, and territoriality. This paper argues that these themes are dependent on a political elite interpretation of collective memory, especially in post-conflict Georgia and sit counter to populist resistance movements against dam and water infrastructure development.

Author

• Alex Bezahler, U of Iowa