Military Defense and International Cooperation as Core Elements of the Total Defense Concept in Georgia

Abstract

This doctoral dissertation examines the role of the Total Defense concept in ensuring Georgia’s national security. The contemporary international security environment is characterized by diverse and complex threats, including conventional military aggression, hybrid warfare, cyber threats, disinformation, economic pressure, and other non-conventional challenges. These circumstances require states to develop new, integrated, and multidimensional approaches to security. The aim of this study is to analyze the theoretical foundations, historical development, key components, and practical implementation prospects of the Total Defense concept within the Georgian context. The dissertation discusses the significance of Classical Realism, Neorealism, Securitization Theory, Liberalism, Economic Security Theory, and Hybrid Warfare Theory in the formation and development of the Total Defense concept. Particular attention is paid to the interrelationship between military defense, civil engagement, international cooperation, and the economic, social, psychological, and cyber dimensions of defense. The research is based on historical-desc­riptive, comparative, content analysis, case study, SWOT analysis, and in-depth interview methods. The study demonstrates that the effective provision of Georgia’s security cannot rely solely on military capabilities but requires coordinated cooperation among the state, society, the private sector, and international partners. The findings confirm that the Total Defense concept represents an important mechanism for strengthening Georgia’s national security by enhancing national resilience, increasing adaptability to crises, and improving resistance to hybrid threats. The dissertation presents relevant recommendations aimed at improving the national security system and further strengthening Georgia’s defense capabilities.