Editorial: The New York Times

• The recently passed 'Russian Law' in the Georgian Parliament aims to suppress governmental accountability, drawing the country closer to Russia's orbit.
• The law has drawn stern rebukes from the United States and Europe.
• The law is threatening Georgia's attempt to join the European Union.
• The ruling party, Georgian Dream, has taken an increasingly anti-Western stance.
• Pro-Western president of Georgia immediately vetoed the measure.
• The law might unify the fragmented opposition in support of a pro-Western future.
• 'Foreign agent' laws, while similar on paper to existing laws in the U.S and EU, carry a very different message in the Soviet context.
• 'Foreign agent' legislation in the United States and European Union needs to be scrutinized to ensure it does not get used for political reasons.

Conclusion: While useful in identifying foreign influence, acts like the 'Russian Law' hold corrosive potential for democratic integrity and transparency when implemented for political reasons.

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