On 2 July, Lex Populi hosted a panel discussion in The Hague on the rapid closing of civic space in Georgia and what it means for democratic security across Europe. Facilitated by Lex Populi Managing Director Rajan Shah, “Stopping the Clock: Georgia’s Five Minutes to Dictatorship” included Transparency International Georgia Executive Director Eka Gigauri as well as two Lex Populi experts — Rule of Law Advisor Georgi Chkheidze and Civil Society Advisor Boris Strecansky. Their insights provided an overview of the current state of affairs in Georgia, as well as lessons learned and suggestions for the way forward for funders and international organizations both in Georgia and in other countries experiencing similar democratic backsliding.