Seven subjects on Russian-Georgian agenda

In: International affairs: a Russian journal of world politics, diplomacy and international relations, Band 50, Heft 3, S. 121-137

Abstract

Examines various issues of conflict and tension between post-Soviet Georgia and Russia after introducing Georgia's seeming lack of good luck with its leadership exemplified by Zviad Gamsakhurdia and Eduard Shavardnadze. It is hoped that the third and current president, Mikhail Saakasvilli, who replaced Shavardnadze, will more successfully address Georgia's realities and potentials and not fail after an initial rule of extreme popularity as did the first two presidents. Rocky Russian-Georgian relations, the "rose' revolution, Georgia's approach to terrorism, border-crossing visas between the countries, a framework agreement, Russian military bases in Georgia, the rights of Meskhetian Turks, territorial issues regarding Abkhazia and South Ossetia, United States' policy interests toward Georgia, and Russia's future relations with Georgia are scrutinized. It is concluded that the desire for improved Russian-Georgian relations exists, but it is clear Georgia's foreign policy strategy must yet clarify its real policy interests against its idealistic objectives in order to quicken the process of moving from mistrust to reliable dialogue and effective cooperation.