Abstract:
The purpose of this research paper is to discuss new Defence Authorization Act for 2019
signed by President Donald Trump on August 13, 2018 and its impact on Georgia. A major
component of the article is to analyse the Defence Policy of both countries and determine
common threats and risks including internal and external challenges. As the Act is an annual
budgetary legislation that sets defence policies and establishes their funding levels, I will try to
focus on the provisions of the Defence Authorization Act with its $716 billion national budget,
which provides “robust security sector assistance” for Georgia, including defensive lethal
assistance, as well as to strengthen the defence capabilities and readiness of the country, and
improve its interoperability with NATO forces.
The hypothesis predicts that the development of the US-Georgia defense and security
cooperation is increasing that is based on several internationally significant official documents
like: U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership, Memorandum of Understandings about strengthening
the defense capabilities of Georgia, and my present research topic - Defense Authorization Act
for 2019. These signed opportunities greatly strengthen the level of sustainable partnership
between the countries. Correspondingly, the research question is: what are the advantages of the
Authorization Act for 2019 and how effectively can it be reflected on Georgia’s territorial
integrity and sovereignty.
The final results of this analysis can be used to find the real benefits out of this Defence
Budget and based on it, intensify dialogue, military ties and defence and security cooperation
between the United States and Georgia.
