The report Ministry of Defense – Parliament Nexus was prepared by the Civil Council on Defense and Security. 

The paper aims to assess the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight over the Defense Ministry in Georgia and to identify steps that will help improve the current practices and increase efficiency.

The paper presents an overview of legal and constitutional tools for exercising civilian control and democratic oversight over the Defense Ministry. To this end, the paper will first take a close look at the Georgian political system and the principle of division of powers in the country.

The paper explores practices of democratic oversight over the past four years in Georgia and identifies steps to further improve democratic governance in the defense sector and its oversight by the parliament. The report draws on assessments by the actors who take part in decision making in the defense sector and democratic oversight and their recommendations for improving the current practices.

Findings in this report are a result of a study which was carried out in October-November 2018 and which reflects current trends in the legislation and established practices in Georgia. The authors of the study researched the legislation and conducted individual interviews with government officials, MPs and the staff of parliamentary committees. Focus group meetings were held with participation of NGOs and academics. Opinions expressed by the respondents have found reflection in the analysis and recommendations of the report.

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