The Split of Political Parties and the Process of Party Identity Formation in Contemporary Georgia

Abstract

The article explores the process of political identity formation in parties that have emerged due to splits in contemporary Georgia. The study examines how political identities are constructed during party fragmentation, using the case of contemporary Georgia. The research employs two qualitative methods: in-depth interviews and content analysis. Additionally, the study analyses relevant literature and public statements made by political parties and their leaders. Drawing on Abner Cohen’s theory of political symbolism and Herbert Mead’s theory of symbolic interactionism, the research seeks to understand the strategies through which political identities are formed within Georgian political parties that have emerged from splits. The findings point to two main assumptions. First, the political identities of new parties formed through splits are characterized by a skeptical attitude toward collaboration with other parties. Second, these newly formed political parties tend to construct their identity through differentiation strategies from the "old" parties from which they originated. The study contributes new insights to the field, as no Georgian academic sources exist on this topic. It attempts to enrich academic discourse with original research and additional knowledge.