Mikhail Saakashvili, The rise and fall of a charismatic leader

Persistent URL of this record https://hdl.handle.net/1887/64626

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Geschiedenis (BA)

Windt, Michaël D.D. van der (2018)

Mikhail Saakashvili, The rise and fall of a charismatic leader

Bachelor thesis | Geschiedenis (BA)

This thesis presents Mikhail Saakashvili as a case study into charismatic authority, aimed to get a better understanding of the charismatic bond between Saakashvili and his followers. This thesis is a qualitative research and for a large part based on oral sources. In this study new scientific approaches in the field of leadership studies are explored. This thesis argues that the Rose Revolution saw the revelation of Saakashvili as a charismatic leader. Saakashvili was able to create the notion of a strong leader by giving inspiring speeches and skilfully using the media. Furthermore, this thesis argues that Saakashvili’s charisma was for a large part build upon symbolism and mysticism. Finally, this thesis will argue that the government’s response to the massive protests in 2007 and the Russo-Georgian war in 2008 negatively affected Saakashvili’s charismatic appeal.