The Role of Rustavi-2 TV Channel in the Preparation and Implementation of the "Rose Revolution" in Georgia

Abstract

The object of the proposed study is the "rose revolution" in Georgia – the first coup d'etat in the former USSR, carried out with the help of "soft power" technologies. The object of the study is the activity of the opposition TV channel "Rustavi-2" during the preparation and implementation of this "color revolution". The authors consider in detail such aspects of the topic as the emergence of the Rustavi-2 TV channel, its connection with foreign non-governmental organizations, the specifics of the information policy of this media. Special attention is paid to the tactics and strategy of the Rustavi-2 TV channel during the struggle against the regime of Eduard Shevardnadze at various stages of its operation, from the initial stage and up to the active phase of the "rose revolution". The study of the place and role of Rustavi-2 in the implementation of the first "color revolution" in the post-Soviet space in Russian historiography is carried out for the first time. Based on the analysis of the rich empirical material, the authors of the study conclude that the Rustavi-2 TV channel was a consistent opponent of the ruling regime and was one of the key actors of the "rose revolution". This was especially true of his activities in the framework of mobilizing the protest electorate, bringing to the Georgian audience information about falsifications of the results of parliamentary elections, which became the trigger for the beginning of the active phase of the "color revolution", as well as active information support for the political opposition and the youth movement "Kmara".