WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 22, 2025) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) today hosted Georgian president and 2025 McCain Institute Kissinger Fellow Salome Zourabichvili at its Washington, D.C. office. President Zourabichvili advocated for stricter enforcement of sanctions on members of the Georgian Dream party and urged the United States not to recognize the Georgian Dream government to and call for new elections.
“It is a distinction to be offered the Kissinger Fellowship,” said President Salome Zourabichvili. “In a time of struggle between autocracies and democracies, it is critical that we stand for democratic actors fighting on the frontlines, and Georgia embodies this struggle, which Senator John McCain worked a lifetime to defend.”
The Georgian Dream party has consolidated its rule over all state institutions, forged closer ties with Russia, China, and Iran, and continues to violently suppress its people. The country erupted into protests following the fraudulent October 2024 elections and Georgian Dream’s announcement to suspend the country’s accession into the European Union. President Zourabichvili has stood side by side with protestors and pledged to continue to lead as Georgia’s legitimate president. The United States must stand behind President Zourabichvili and Georgians fighting for their democracy and place in Europe.
“We are delighted to host President Zourabichvili, whose courage and leadership embody the qualities needed to fend back rising autocracy and preserve freedom,” said McCain Institute Senior Director of Global Democracy Programs Laura Thornton.
Earlier this month, the McCain Institute awarded the 2025 Kissinger Fellowship to President Salome Zourabichvili in recognition of her critical contributions to democracy. In this role, President Zourabichvili will use her vast diplomatic, leadership, and policymaking experience to push for new elections and a democratic path forward in Georgia.
The McCain Institute recently led a post-election visit to Georgia, learn more here.
