Foreign policy narratives and electoral strategy: a study of party dynamics in the 2024 Georgian parliamentary election

Abstract

This thesis examines how political parties in Georgia used foreign policy narratives during the 2024 parliamentary election campaign. The study focuses on how these narratives were framed and what goals they served in a highly polarised political environment. Using a constructivist theoretical approach and framing theory as the main analytical tool, the research analyses how five political parties or coalitions—Georgian Dream, Coalition for Change, Unity – National Movement, Strong Georgia, and For Georgia—constructed and communicated their messages between May and October 2024. The study is based on qualitative content analysis of party manifestos, public speeches, statements, and interviews, mainly gathered from official websites and Facebook pages. It identifies five main types of frames: diagnostic, prognostic and competency, motivational, delegitimation, and identity frames. The findings show that foreign policy was often linked with domestic issues, especially questions of national identity, political legitimacy, and peace versus conflict. Opposition parties frequently framed Georgian Dream as being aligned with Russia, while the ruling party presented itself as the only force capable of ensuring peace and protecting traditional values. The study offers a detailed picture of how foreign policy was used in public messaging. The research contributes to understanding political competition in small states and shows how external policy can become central to domestic electoral politics.