New Study Explores the State of Social Cohesion in Modern Georgia
A newly published academic volume, Resilient Bonds: On Social Cohesion in Georgia, offers the first comprehensive analysis of how unity and social ties are evolving in the country amid ongoing political and cultural change.
Authored by sociologist Dr Ana Kirvalidze, a Georgian Fellow at OSGA in 2019-20 and historian Oliver Reisner, the book was released by Ilia State University Press. It brings together insights from sociology, political science, and history to address a longstanding gap in research on post-Soviet societies.
The authors employ a mixed-methods approach, combining nationwide survey data with in-depth qualitative research, to explore how social cohesion is experienced across different segments of society. Their findings suggest that cohesion in Georgia is not uniform, but varies significantly between urban centres, rural regions and diverse demographic groups.
A key contribution of the book is its regional comparative analysis, which highlights how local contexts shape distinct forms of social connection. In addition, a historical case study traces the roots of social cohesion back to the 16th century, offering a long-term perspective on how cultural and social bonds have developed over time.
The publication arrives as Georgia continues to navigate complex political transformations and societal shifts, making questions of unity and division increasingly relevant. By linking statistical patterns with lived experiences, the authors aim to provide both policymakers and scholars with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping social cohesion today.
Resilient Bonds is expected to serve as a valuable resource for academics, policymakers, and practitioners interested in social dynamics in the Caucasus and broader post-Soviet region.
Download and read a sample of the book here.
About the Authors:
Ana Kirvalidze is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Ilia State University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Oliver Reisner is Professor of European and Caucasian Studies at Ilia State University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Tbilisi, Georgia.
