Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University
Professor
International Relations, Geopolitics
Doctor of Political Science
Tbilisi, Georgia
Malkhaz.matsaberidze@tsu.ge
Abstract
The paper explores Ivane Javakhishvili’s vision regarding the fundamental principles of Georgian policy toward the peoples of the North Caucasus. The study is based on a report delivered by Javakhishvili at the Faculty of Humanities (Philosophy) of the Georgian University shortly before the declaration of Georgia's independence. The full text of this report was not published until 2010. The paper presents Javakhishvili not merely as a scholar, but as a state-minded strategist who viewed the newly founded Georgian University as a vital instrument for the country's national security. Ivane Javakhishvili analyzes the geopolitical challenges of the time, specifically the threat of the "Ottoman Arc." Javakhishvili notes that the Ottoman Empire sought to establish its presence in the North Caucasus not only through military force but also through religious tools—Islam and the ideology of Pan-Turkism. In his view, the lack of national consciousness and cultural backwardness among the North Caucasian peoples made them vulnerable to Ottoman influence, which would ultimately isolate Georgia and place it in a dire situation. Javakhishvili viewed the cultural backwardness of the North Caucasus as a historical injustice caused by empires, the rectification of which he considered Georgia's moral duty. Javakhishvili reviews the imperial interests of Russia and the Ottoman Empire in the Caucasus. Both sides aimed for the national assimilation and degeneration of the local peoples, viewing them merely as political instruments. The cornerstone of Javakhishvili's strategy is the protection of the national identity of the North Caucasian peoples. He believed that Georgia should become the cultural and educational center for these nations. Javakhishvili’s concept is built upon the firm conviction that Georgia's national security and independence are directly linked to the national identity of North Caucasians and a close cultural-political bond with them. The Georgian University was tasked with studying the languages and customs of the highlanders. Beyond scholarly pursuits, this had a significant political objective: by awakening national consciousness, the harmful influence of Pan-Islamism in the North Caucasus would be neutralized. Ivane Javakhishvili draws upon historical experience, recalling periods when Georgia served as the regional cultural hegemon and the guardian of the Darial Pass, creating a foundation for peaceful coexistence with neighboring peoples. The paper highlights Javakhishvili’s humane and far-sighted political platform: Georgia must renounce any hegemonistic ambitions and instead become a partner in the national revival of its northern neighbors. In his view, a policy based solely on scientific study, education, and mutual respect would create a solid foundation for brotherhood and a spiritual connection between Georgians and highlanders, serving as a crucial guarantee for Georgia's state security. This vision represents an early and impressive example of "Soft Power" in Georgian diplomatic thought. Although Javakhishvili’s vision relied to some extent on academic idealism and may have underestimated the resilience of religious identity, his concept remains an alternative, anti-colonial model to imperial politics.