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Why did Georgia form an alliance with Russia in 1783?

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Snow-covered peaks and ridges of the Caucasus Mountains in Russia stretch across the landscape under a pale sky. — Caucasus Caucasus Mountains in Russia.

King Erekle II of Kartalinia-Kakhetia (eastern Georgia) sought an alliance with Russia in 1783 primarily to secure his kingdom against external threats and internal instability. At the time, Georgia faced significant pressure from raids by Lezgian mountaineers from Dagestan, as well as severe economic difficulties.1

By signing the Treaty of Georgievsk with Catherine the Great, Erekle II aimed to protect Georgia’s territorial integrity and independence. In exchange for Russian protection and a guarantee of the continuation of the Bagratid dynasty, Erekle II agreed to renounce dependence on Iran or any other foreign power and granted Russia prerogatives in the conduct of Georgian foreign affairs.21

Ultimately, this alliance did not provide the intended security; the treaty was later superseded by the Russian Empire's unilateral annexation of the region in the early 19th century.21