Georgia, alongside other small states in the Middle East, operate within a consistent pattern of attempting to maintain stability whilst residing in regions of conflict. Although belonging to different regions of the world, Georgia shares a connection with Jordan and Lebanon in the Middle East through a shared mission of ensuring the security of their country and their people. These countries are part of a world where small states navigate amidst global and regional powers, perpetual wars, and chronic conflicts. With ever-shifting political climates that reverberate throughout the world, these states adopt different strategies based on their circumstances and, more importantly, geographical locations.
Georgia is nestled tightly in Eurasia, between Turkey and Russia, and borders the Black Sea, leaving it subject to the inevitable push and pull of power dynamics. In 1918, following the Russian Civil War, Georgia sought its independence and established its place in the Transcaucasian Republic alongside Armenia and Azerbaijan (ABGU Magazine). It was not long before Georgia became absorbed by the powers of the Soviet Union in 1921, only to regain independence from the USSR again in 1936 (ABGU Magazine). This back-and-forth of Georgian politics displayed a long pattern of having sovereignty, and then suddenly losing it.
Typically, Georgia has remained diligent in its maintenance of sovereignty by pursuing strong ties with Western countries and allyship through international institutions like NATO and the European Union (NATO). Georgia’s membership is not yet cemented, as it is still an aspirant nation, but this effort demonstrates a desire not to become fully absorbed by neighboring authoritarian countries. This approach to seeking a Western alignment has been a staple in Georgian politics since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Georgia grapples with a delicate balance of wanting to establish strong relations with the West while simultaneously preserving cordial ties with its neighbor, Russia.
Recent developments have led some sources to argue that Georgia’s current political state has undergone policy shifts. Georgia’s long mission to preserve democracy slowly falters as the current political party, Georgian Dream, puts a pause on its efforts to integrate into the EU (European Hub Democracy). This change in direction within Georgia can be traced back to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 (CNN). Georgia, after witnessing the effects the occupation had on Ukraine, became worried about the potential involvement it could play in the war. They have faced invasion from Russia before, dating as recently as 2008 (CNN). Despite previous conflict with Russia, the Georgian government could be assessing all options on its path to stability, including being open to a more acquainted relationship with Russia. It remains unclear whether Georgia will pursue a different stance that it sees as the best fit for its nation.
Through a comparative analysis, a look toward the Middle East can provide similar instances of survival with differing outcomes and political tactics. Lebanon, for example, borders Israel, Syria, and the Mediterranean Coast. The Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 to 1990, put the country through turmoil. Lebanon exhibits significant divisions in power in the government. However, an integral factor that has kept Lebanon afloat was the Taif Agreement of 1989 (MEI). This agreement essentially created a way to divide authority in the political landscape: a Maronite Christian president, a Sunni Muslim prime minister, and a Shia Muslim speaker of parliament (CFR). Although it did not resolve all issues prevalently, the agreement managed to stabilize some of the conflict.
Lebanon presents a unique perspective on security due to its fragmentation. As political powers are divided, external influence has historically tended to favor a specific department and provide aid in this manner. For example, Christian parties are primarily backed by the U.S and France, whereas Sunni Muslims seek aid from Saudi Arabia, and Shia Muslims gain help from Syria and Iran (CFR). According to alignment politics scholars, governments that seek partial or unclear alignment with one or more great powers are said to be hedging (Oxford Academic). Lebanon can be branded as one of those governments that seem to appeal to different branches of another country to keep their affiliates content through advocating for what they may want in return for aid or security (Sage Journal). Moreover, some of these ties aren’t explicitly stated, which contributes to the ambiguity of these alignments and allows Lebanon to maintain these diverse relations while ensuring national security.
Lebanon has experienced a prolonged and ongoing conflict with its neighbor, Israel. Israel has conducted three ground invasions of Lebanon in 1978, 1982, and 2006 (International Crisis Group). In the past two years, hostilities have intensified between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shiite militia and political party in Lebanon (CFR). Currently, Israel occupies seven locations along Lebanon’s southern border (INTERSOS). This situation has created a hub of violence that has contributed to the deaths of many lives via military strikes. Correspondingly, it has exacerbated the refugee crisis, where Lebanese citizens in the region are being denied re-entry (INTERSOS).
Furthermore, France naturally plays a vital role in stability within Lebanon. Besides the League of Nations naming Lebanon a French protectorate in 1919, the ties between the two countries date back to the 17th century, with France declaring itself the protector of the Maronites in the region (Euro News). In more recent news, France often takes on the role of mediator. France continues relations with Hezbollah with intentions to negotiate peace between Lebanon and Israel (Washington Institute). France is also a big advocate for the lobbying and funding of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) (Washington Institute). This is a sign of their willingness to contribute to peace efforts on behalf of Lebanon, and due to the influx of financial aid, it contributes to Lebanon’s stability. Lebanon participates in hedging, whether that be from internal divisions within political parties or external influences, such as France, the U.S., Iran, and other states.
Jordan presents a unique perspective on a state that operates and advances in a region of conflict. Jordan borders numerous countries, such as Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. They are in a hotspot of current warring territories, and yet, despite this geographical fact, they have remained consistent in upholding their security and independence as a state. Jordan’s approach to maintenance is established through a balance of allyship with the West while retaining its Arab identity. As of 2015, almost $2 billion in Foreign Military Financing has been allocated to Jordan by the US Department of State (US DOS). This is a significant indicator of the type of relationship Jordan maintains with the West.
Additionally, amidst the current Israel-Palestinian conflict, Jordan has entered a ‘balancing act’ where its intentions are to contain Hamas’s actions while sharing similar sentiments toward Palestinians (USIP). Comparably, they have tiptoed around Israel, again, maintaining some form of diplomatic ties with them as well. These ties are cemented with their current peace treaty, which encompasses security cooperation, including intelligence sharing, border security, and counterterrorism (USIP). Additionally, it is important to note the large Palestinian refugee population Jordan has – 2 million – making it the largest in the Middle East (USIP). The state of Jordan can be reputed as an indirect bandwagon, a concept that describes “how small states align with a hegemon’s interests by discreetly constraining the influence of a rising power without openly confronting it” (USIP). In large efforts to maintain sovereignty, Jordan has increasingly balanced the wishes of its neighbors while avoiding direct conflict itself.
The comparative analysis of these three countries yields an interesting and diverse answer to the question of how small states navigate and survive in conflict-ridden regions. The results have varied, illustrating the different methods one country may implement, and the various factors that contribute to the measurable success or failure of maintaining security. Georgia displayed a more Euro-Atlantic approach when determining their best interests of safety, with an affinity for the West. They gravitated toward membership in organizations such as NATO and the European Union. However, due to recent shifts in Georgia, one may consider revisiting these aspirations. Lebanon, no stranger to larger warring powers, often looks toward peace agreements and outside nations for stabilization efforts. Outside influence has been deeply ingrained in Lebanese history, particularly through France’s involvement. Lastly, Jordan approaches these situations with a balanced act. They preserve ties with many nations that are drastically different, which range from the U.S to Israel, all the while opening doors to a large Palestinian refugee population. Overall, these countries continue to find ways to persevere in their endeavors of security and stabilization.
SOURCES
ABGU Magazine: https://agbu.org/georgia-today/georgia-brief-history
CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/16/europe/georgia-protests-russia-china-iran-influence-intl-cmd
Crisis Group: https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/east-mediterranean-mena/israelpalestine-lebanon/israel-invades-lebanon
European Hub Democracy: https://europeandemocracyhub.epd.eu/georgias-fight-for-freedom-a-defining-moment-for-the-west/
Euro News: https://www.euronews.com/2020/09/01/france-and-lebanon-the-history-of-a-turbulent-relationship
MEI: https://mei.edu/publications/seven-reasons-why-lebanon-survives-and-three-reasons-why-it-might-not
NATO: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_38988.htm
Oxford Academic: https://academic.oup.com/irap/article/19/3/367/5563899?login=true
Sage Journal: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/09670106251318176
US DOS: https://www.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-jordan
Washington Institute: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/us-french-cooperation-preventing-israel-hezbollah-war