In a masterclass of legislative déjà vu, Georgia's parliament recently opted to play follow-the-leader with one of Russia's more controversial legal exports, the 'foreign influence' bill. Despite a presidential veto and staunch opposition, the ruling Georgian Dream party managed to bulldoze the bill into law last week.

So, what's all the fuss about? The bill mandates that any media and nonprofit organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad must register as 'pursuing the interests of a foreign power' according to Fox. Essentially, it’s a 'Scarlet Letter' approach to funding, making foreign aid sound as ominous as foreign espionage.

President Salome Zourabichvili was not a fan and quickly vetoed the bill, accusing the governing party of jeopardizing Georgia's future as noted by CBS. Unfortunately for Zourabichvili, the Georgian Dream party controls the legislature and easily overrode the veto, leaving the president's objections as useful as a screen door on a submarine.

The legislation has sparked weeks of protests, with critics arguing it will muzzle media freedom and torpedo Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union. A name quickly stuck for the bill among its opponents: 'the Russian law', due to its eerie resemblance to measures implemented by, you guessed it, the Kremlin reported by NBC.

The Georgian government contends the law is essential to deter harmful foreign actors plotting to destabilize the nation. You know, because nothing says 'stability' like a good old-fashioned legislative clampdown according to Fox.

Opponents, however, are less convinced. They claim the bill's real goal is to stigmatize journalists and activists ahead of parliamentary elections in October as mentioned by CBS. According to them, the law is simply a not-so-subtle attempt to keep the opposition at bay.

In a move straight out of an Orwellian playbook, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed the criticism swirling around the bill as stemming from 'unnecessary emotions' as noted by Fox. Because if there's one thing a government loves, it's emotions. Preferably, muted and cooperative ones.

Georgia's Civil Society Foundation isn't taking this lying down and plans to challenge the new legislation in the country’s constitutional court according to NBC. Meanwhile, the European Union’s foreign policy arm has already stated that the law could derail Georgia’s EU ambitions faster than a bureaucratic traffic jam as mentioned by CBS.

Adding to the furore, the U.S. weighed in by announcing travel sanctions on officials responsible for 'undermining democracy in Georgia' reported by Fox. Because nothing says, 'I'm keeping an eye on you' like banning someone from Disney World.

The United National Movement, ever the vocal opponent, described the bill as an effort by Georgian Dream to drag Georgia deeper into Russia’s sphere of influence. Protesters took to the streets, resulting in clashes with police using tear gas and water cannons, because diplomacy is overrated when you've got hydrants according to CBS.

It hasn't stopped there. A crowd of masked men recently attacked the central offices of the United National Movement in Tbilisi, prompting yet another investigation into property damage as reported by NBC. Just another day in paradise, as they say.

Relations between Georgia and Russia have been rocky since Georgia's independence after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Let’s remember, in 2008, Russia and Georgia enjoyed a lovely little war, with Russia recognizing South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states—a stance most of the world still rejects according to CBS.

In summation, the 'foreign influence' bill's passage has opened a veritable Pandora's box of dissent and controversy in Georgia. It begs the question: when did deja vu become a legislative strategy? Perhaps Georgia can take solace in the fact that when it comes to copycat politics, they're playing a game nobody else really wanted to win.