Georgia’s relationship with China appears to be deepening rapidly. Over the last four years, the two countries have signed a strategic partnership, expanded infrastructure cooperation, and portrayed one another as close political partners. Yet the relationship is notably asymmetric.

Throughout history, hundreds of regimes have employed Titushky-like tactics. There is no denying their effectiveness; however, they also come with a huge risk. By openly failing to protect citizens, the state’s monopoly on violence slips and along with it, its legitimacy.