Russian Foreign Policy Debates and the Conflicts in Georgia (1991–2008): Between Multilateralism and Unilateralism

Russian Foreign Policy Debates and the Conflicts in Georgia (1991–2008) explores conflicts and crises in the former Soviet space, examining the approaches of public actors in Russia to deal with them. The case of Georgia illustrates Russian approaches to conflict management, from chaotic interventions in the 1990s to a coherent strategy of coercion and persuasion in the 2000s.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2024
Publisher: Lexington Books

Russian Foreign Policy Debates and the Conflicts in Georgia (1991–2008): Between Multilateralism and Unilateralism is a comprehensive study that examines the conflicts and crises in the former Soviet space from a historical perspective. It explores the often-contradictory approaches of public actors in Russia on how to deal with these conflicts, questioning whether they follow a "multilateral" approach based on pluralist decisions and international law or a "unilateral" approach focused solely on Russia's national interests. The case of Georgia, from the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 to the "Five-Day War" in August 2008, serves as a significant example illustrating Russian approaches to conflict management. The book is richly illustrated with empirical data and explores how foreign and security policy debates in Moscow and their outcomes on the ground evolved from a chaotic policy of ad hoc interventions in the 1990s to a coherent, geopolitically informed strategy of coercion and persuasion in the 2000s.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of the United States in shaping Russian foreign policy. The authors argue that the United States has played a significant role in shaping Russian foreign policy, particularly during the post-Cold War period. They highlight the various strategies that the United States has employed to influence Russian behavior, including economic sanctions, military interventions, and diplomatic pressure. The authors also discuss the impact of these strategies on Russia's foreign policy and the potential for future conflicts.

Another important theme of the book is the role of international law in shaping Russian foreign policy. The authors argue that international law has played a significant role in shaping Russian foreign policy, particularly in the post-Cold War period. They highlight the various international treaties and agreements that Russia has signed and the role that these treaties have played in shaping Russian behavior. The authors also discuss the challenges that Russia faces in implementing international law and the potential for future conflicts.

The book also examines the role of domestic politics in shaping Russian foreign policy. The authors argue that domestic politics have played a significant role in shaping Russian foreign policy, particularly in the post-Cold War period. They highlight the various political parties and interest groups that have influenced Russian foreign policy and the role that these groups have played in shaping Russian behavior. The authors also discuss the challenges that Russia faces in managing domestic politics and the potential for future conflicts.

One of the key findings of the book is that Russia has pursued a "unilateral" approach to conflict management in the former Soviet space. The authors argue that Russia has been willing to go quite far in defending its interests in the former Soviet space, even at the expense of commonly agreed-on international rules. They highlight the various military interventions that Russia has undertaken in the former Soviet space, including the invasion of Georgia in 2008, and the role that these interventions have played in shaping Russian foreign policy.

The book also examines the impact of Russia's "unilateral" approach to conflict management on the international community. The authors argue that Russia's "unilateral" approach has undermined the credibility of the international system and has contributed to the proliferation of conflict. They highlight the various international sanctions that Russia has faced and the role that these sanctions have played in shaping Russian behavior. The authors also discuss the potential for future conflicts to escalate as a result of Russia's "unilateral" approach to conflict management.

In conclusion, Russian Foreign Policy Debates and the Conflicts in Georgia (1991–2008): Between Multilateralism and Unilateralism is a comprehensive study that examines the conflicts and crises in the former Soviet space from a historical perspective. It explores the often-contradictory approaches of public actors in Russia on how to deal with these conflicts, questioning whether they follow a "multilateral" approach based on pluralist decisions and international law or a "unilateral" approach focused solely on Russia's national interests. The book is richly illustrated with empirical data and explores how foreign and security policy debates in Moscow and their outcomes on the ground evolved from a chaotic policy of ad hoc interventions in the 1990s to a coherent, geopolitically informed strategy of coercion and persuasion in the 2000s. The book also examines the role of the United States in shaping Russian foreign policy, the role of international law in shaping Russian foreign policy, the role of domestic politics in shaping Russian foreign policy, and the impact of Russia's "unilateral" approach to conflict management on the international community.

Weight: 517g
Dimension: 236 x 161 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666933352