Reassessing “Oriental Despotism” in the Reign of King Erekle II of Eastern Georgia

This paper examines the political leadership and strategic vision of King Erekle II of eastern Georgia through two interconnected perspectives: his geopolitical statecraft and his response to internal political crisis. First, it analyzes Erekle’s decision-making as he sought to revive the kingdom’s political and economic structures while ensuring its survival amid a volatile and competitive imperial environment. Facing pressures from neighboring powers, Erekle pursued a pragmatic strategy that balanced diplomacy, reform, and external alliances. Particular attention is given to his efforts to secure support from Western powers, especially Emperor Joseph II of Austria, highlighting how these initiatives reflected broader patterns of small-state diplomacy in the late eighteenth century and intersected with contemporary European political currents. The paper will also examine the anti-royal conspiracy of 1765, examining the identities and motivations of the conspirators, their political objectives, and Erekle’s management of the crisis. By situating the episode within its intellectual and social context—including the influence of Enlightenment ideas—the analysis explores the limits of royal authority and the dynamics of elite political culture. This case study provides a lens through which to reassess prevailing narratives of “oriental despotism,” revealing instead a complex political environment shaped by negotiation, ideological exchange, and competing visions of governance.