Robin Dunnigan, the outgoing US ambassador to Tbilisi, has revealed troubling details about the strained relationship between Georgia and the United States, particularly after President Donald Trump took office.
In an interview with RFE/RL’s Georgian Service on July 3, Dunnigan described how relations have soured, pointing to the ruling Georgian Dream party’s recent actions that have angered Washington.
She highlighted a private letter from Georgian leadership to the Trump administration that was deemed ‘threatening, insulting, and unserious,’ significantly impacting diplomatic rapport.
Dunnigan traveled to Washington early in Trump’s presidency to communicate US conditions for a reset in relations, which included steps to cease ‘anti-American rhetoric.’ She conveyed these points to Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili, expecting positive engagement.
However, just three days later, the contentious letter emerged, showcasing a disconnect and leading to a delayed response from the Trump administration that took officials by surprise.
In May, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed dissatisfaction in an open letter to Trump over the lack of communication and raised concerns about ongoing sanctions from the Biden era, which continue to affect Georgia’s relationship with the US.
This open letter also mentioned the MEGOBARI Act, a congressional bill aimed at increasing scrutiny over the Georgian government’s ties to Russia and other authoritarian regimes, indicating a growing frustration with US policy towards Tbilisi.
Dunnigan described additional complications in the diplomatic dialogue, revealing that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had prepared a response to the Georgian Dream’s private communication.
However, when asked to deliver the message, she was directed to approach Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the Georgian Dream party and considered the de facto leader of Georgia’s political landscape.
Ivanishvili, who is under US sanctions, declined to meet with Dunnigan, citing his refusal to engage due to what he labeled ‘personal blackmail.’
Dunnigan remarked on Ivanishvili’s choice not to prioritize the country’s relationship with the US over his own personal interests, framing it as a detrimental decision for Georgia.
While Dunnigan was offered a meeting with Kobakhidze, she opted not to deliver the US response to the Prime Minister, emphasizing her role in representing the US at a higher diplomatic level.
Having served since October 2023, Dunnigan is stepping down from her position this month, asserting that her departure is a personal decision and countering claims from Georgian Dream that she is being recalled by the US government.
Reflecting on her time in Georgia, Dunnigan highlighted a missed opportunity for dialogue with Ivanishvili that could have strengthened ties.
She pointed to the impacts of last year’s parliamentary elections, which saw Georgian Dream secure victory amid reports from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) of serious electoral violations, including vote-buying and intimidation.
This electoral turmoil contributed to mass protests and a harsh government crackdown, which subsequently prompted US sanctions in December 2024.
Dunnigan characterized the current situation as ‘very difficult,’ noting issues such as the imprisonment of political opposition members and attacks on civil society, alongside growing concerns regarding media freedom and the rule of law.
She expressed worries that the overall relationship between the US and Georgia has reached a precarious state, leading to a negative impact on Georgia’s international reputation.
Looking ahead, Dunnigan suggested that the US may adopt a firmer stance toward Tbilisi, especially with the MEGOBARI Act gaining traction in the Senate after being approved by the House of Representatives in May.
Several Senate members have indicated that the bill is likely to pass, underscoring a consensus regarding the serious challenges facing Georgia’s standing on the global stage.
image source from：rferl
