Mission & Principles

The Akaki Bakradze Society is dedicated to bringing the writer’s ideas into Georgian public discourse and cultivating a new generation of leaders shaped by his principles: an awareness and appreciation of Georgia’s cultural heritage and the responsibility to preserve it; a strong sense of national and civic consciousness; a deep understanding of the country’s historical experience; and a commitment to advancing democratic development through pragmatism, gradualism, and self-reliance.

Today, Georgia’s political and public life suffers from a shortage of such leaders. Akaki Bakradze’s wisdom and moral clarity offer an intellectual foundation for addressing this crisis of leadership and civic life. Since Ilia Chavchavadze, no Georgian thinker and public figure has embodied the dignity and spirit of what we, as Georgians, ought to aspire toward, captured with such clarity what defines our identity and values, what our cultural gift is to the world, where the roots of our challenges lie—both internally, within our society, and externally, in the threats around us—and what is needed to build a better future.

Yet, at a moment when his ideas are most needed, his writings have faded from public discourse. This neglect is not only an injustice to the man and his legacy but also an immeasurable loss for the country’s future. Guided by this conviction, our work has two core components: First, to restore Akaki Bakradze’s place in Georgia’s public discourse by reintroducing his writings to inspire a conversation on national identity, heritage, and historical experience, and thereby to contribute to the renewal of our cultural and civic consciousness; and Second, to identify, educate, and support students—especially from regional universities—to enter public service who demonstrate integrity, intellectual rigor, and civic drive.

We believe that his ideas and principles can serve as a source of guidance and inspiration for a new generation of Georgians, both citizens and leaders alike.

Our principles are grounded in the ideas of Akaki Bakradze. Above all, we believe that valuing and protecting Georgian identity and cultural heritage is not only a civic duty but a necessary condition for the country’s independence, freedom, and strength. In today’s discourse, democratic development and the protection of cultural identity are often presented as opposing goals or values. We reject the notion that these values are in conflict. On the contrary, we believe that democracy is the foundation for honoring human dignity, and that it is precisely democratic institutions and norms that create the conditions under which our culture and identity can be valued and protected.

Georgia’s independence, freedom, and strength depend on preserving our national identity and cultural heritage;

Democratic institutions and norms are the strongest foundation for protecting the dignity of the individual and preserving Georgia’s identity and unique heritage;

Georgia’s development depends on leaders with integrity and civic responsibility, grounded in our national values;

Honest and deep engagement with our historical and cultural experience, including both external threats and internal challenges that come from our own shortcomings, is essential for a successful path forward;

The future of Georgia must be built on the talent, energy, and self-reliance of our own people;

Real progress requires long-term, pragmatic planning that is reflective of the society’s capacity and needs;

While we must remember and honor the past, our pride in it should not keep us standing still; our eyes, thoughts, and actions should always be directed toward the future and renewal.