Jeffrey Sachs: countries like Georgia must protect themselves from external interference

Renowned economist and global affairs expert Professor Jeffrey Sachs on Sunday said that many Georgians were beginning to view Western-funded non-governmental organisations as extensions of what he called the American deep state, adding that organisations such as NED, IRI, NDI, and the Open Society Foundations were funded by agencies affiliated with the US government.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Sachs noted that these organisations had been refining the “art of regime change” for decades.

“Georgians understand that the so-called Western NGOs are part of the American deep state and are funded by agencies linked to the US government, whose interests fully align - whether it is NED, IRI, NDI, the Open Society Foundation or others”, he said.

“When the Georgian Government protests this and declares that it does not want to dance to the tune of Washington and London or act under the guidance of American, British and allied intelligence services, the discussion immediately shifts to alleged democratic backsliding in Georgia or restrictions on freedom of speech”, Sachs continued.

He further added that under the UN Charter, states had no right to interfere in the internal affairs of others.

“Members of the European Parliament should not stand on Rustaveli Avenue at anti-government protests, and American senators should not be chasing protesters on the Maidan. No one would welcome Chinese politicians appearing in Washington and encouraging an attack on the Capitol”, the Professor noted.

“It is simple: the United States should stop funding media outlets and politicians in Georgia. An NGO is not an NGO when it acts under the orders of the American, British or Brussels deep state. States like Georgia must protect themselves from foreign interference - this is not easy”, he pointed out.

Sachs further highlighted that pressure from Brussels and Washington was significant, and it directly stemmed from the geography of the South Caucasus.

“In my view, the solution is unity among the South Caucasus states, with a high level of cooperation and joint efforts to reduce the influence of foreign powers in the region”, he said.

“This would be very wise, though difficult to implement in reality. This region includes very important states - Russia, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia. I would like to see a South Caucasus that operates according to a unified, long-term economic strategy. The region should not become someone’s prey, nor should it be forced to choose between camps - neither NATO nor the EU”, Sachs added.

He concluded by emphasising that the South Caucasus “should act based on the interests of the peoples” who had lived here for thousands of years, maintaining peaceful and strong economic relations with neighbours, attracting investment, and operating beyond geopolitical games.

“It may sound idealistic, but this is the strategy I recommend”, Sachs said.