Some fragments and development dynamics of the Georgian school of metapolitology of the III-XVIII centuries

This article explores the historical development of the Georgian school of political thought, referred to as metapolitology, and presents it as a complex and dynamic intellectual system that has existed since at least the 3rd century. The study challenges the common assumption that Georgian political science began in the late eighteenth century with Alexander Amilakhvari and instead traces its origins much earlier, connecting it to the intellectual traditions of the Academy of Phasis and the rhetorical and political culture of ancient Colchis.

The research is grounded in the concept of metapolitology, a methodological framework that integrates scientific and non-scientific knowledge into a unified system for analyzing political processes. Within this framework, politics is examined through a broad interdisciplinary perspective that incorporates fields such as philosophy, history, law, theology, geography, linguistics, psychology, sociology, and cultural studies. The authors emphasize the importance of an inclusive design approach, which allows political research to utilize diverse forms of knowledge, including tradition, myth, art, intuition, and religious thought. This approach reflects the principles of metacognitive management, where different forms of cognition are combined to address complex political and social problems.

The article highlights numerous historical figures whose work illustrates the multidimensional nature of Georgian metapolitical thought. These figures include Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani, whose literary and linguistic work supported political communication and diplomacy; Vakhushti Batonishvili, whose geographic and cartographic research placed Georgian scholarship within the broader context of world science; Timothe Gabashvili, who contributed to studies of political identity and toponymy; and King Archil II, whose intellectual and literary works reflect the intersection of governance, ethics, and cultural philosophy. The study also emphasizes the importance of Shota Rustaveli's epic poem The Knight in the Panther’s Skin, which contains significant political-philosophical concepts related to royal authority, humanism, and Christian political theology.

In addition, the research examines early Georgian sources such as the works of Giorgi Merchule and the hagiographic tradition, which reveal the strong influence of religious thought and canonical law on political culture and decision-making. Political rhetoric, religious discourse, cultural diplomacy, and artistic expression are presented as essential instruments of political influence in Georgian intellectual history.

Through the analysis of these historical examples, the article demonstrates that the Georgian tradition of political research was not limited to theoretical discourse but also included practical applications in governance, diplomacy, education, and cultural development. The authors conclude that the Georgian school of metapolitology represents a long-standing and unique intellectual tradition that combines political analysis with diverse cultural and cognitive resources.

The study argues that the centuries-old Georgian metapolitological tradition deserves renewed scholarly attention and systematic presentation within the international landscape of political thought and political science. The research was conducted within the framework of a fundamental research project supported by Caucasus International University and dedicated to the 1750th anniversary of the establishment of the Phasis Academy.