The Georgian government's push for a pro-Russian stance, along with its increasingly illiberal domestic policies, has raised concerns in Washington and other Western capitals, according to a new Helsinki Commission report, "Preparing for the Long-Term Russian Threat."

"Political change in Georgia poses a serious challenge to US policy. The Georgian government's push for a pro-Russian stance, combined with its increasingly illiberal domestic policies, has raised concerns in Washington and other Western capitals. However, strong pro-Western sentiments among the Georgian population indicate that there is still potential to renew the US-Georgia partnership," the report said.

The Helsinki Commission writes that "the United States should develop a two-pronged strategy that involves both holding the Georgian government accountable for its democratic backsliding and providing mechanisms for deeper integration with Western institutions, provided that democratic governance is returned."

"The US should implement a strategy in Georgia that includes conditional pressure on the government while supporting democratic forces and civil society. This approach should make it clear that US support depends on democratic reforms and a clear pro-Western stance that is consistent with the demands of the population and the protection of the country's deteriorating democracy. At the same time, the US should work to strengthen relations with the Georgian people, showing commitment to their aspirations for a democratic and European future. Such a strategy can help overcome the existing differences between the government of Georgia and its population, which will help establish more stable and constructive relations," the report states.

The Commission states that "Legislative actions, such as the MEGOBARI Act initiated by the chairman of the Helsinki Commission, Joe Wilson, which binds US support to democratic reforms, may become a model for future US policy towards Georgia."