Towards the "Normal" State: Georgian Foreign Policy between Russia and the West

This book explores Georgia's foreign policy since independence in 1991, seeking to reconcile European identity with post-colonial nationhood and border conflicts with Russia. It interests historians, scholars of imperialism, and the former Soviet Union.

Format: Hardback
Length: 209 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

Since gaining independence in 1991, Georgia has faced a series of complex and challenging dilemmas in its foreign policy. As a Caucasian republic with a strong national identity, Georgia has sought to carve out its own unique path to European modernity, a promised land of prosperity and peace. However, the country's foreign policy has been shaped by its complex history, including nearly two centuries of Russian governance and ongoing border conflicts with Russia.

In the context of a resurgent Russian nationalism and concerns about sovereignty, this book offers valuable insights into the dynamics of Georgian foreign policy. Historians, scholars of imperialism, and scholars of the former Soviet Union and its messy politics will all find this book to be of interest.

Georgia's quest for European identity has been a central theme of its foreign policy since independence. The country has sought to align itself with the European Union (EU) and other Western institutions in order to gain access to the global economy, promote democracy and human rights, and strengthen its security. However, Georgia's small size and post-colonial status have posed significant challenges to its European integration efforts.

One of the key dilemmas facing Georgia is its relationship with Russia. Georgia was part of the Soviet Union until 1991, and the two countries have had a complex and often tense relationship since then. Georgia has sought to establish diplomatic relations with Russia, but Russia has been reluctant to recognize Georgia's independence and has continued to exert influence over the country through its military presence and economic ties.

This has led to ongoing border conflicts between Georgia and Russia, particularly in the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. These conflicts have been a source of tension and instability in the region, and have contributed to Georgia's vulnerability to external intervention.

In addition to its relationship with Russia, Georgia has also faced challenges in its relations with the United States and other Western countries. Georgia has sought to align itself with the West in order to gain access to international aid and support for its democratic reforms. However, some Western countries have been reluctant to engage with Georgia due to its controversial human rights record and its close ties to Russia.

Another dilemma facing Georgia is its role in regional security. Georgia is located in a region that is important for energy transit and has been a target for terrorist groups and other regional actors. Georgia has worked to strengthen its security cooperation with the United States and other Western countries in order to prevent terrorist attacks and other security threats.

However, Georgia's security cooperation with the West has also been criticized by some in the country, who argue that it is undermining Georgia's sovereignty and independence. Some in the country have also expressed concerns about the potential for Western countries to use Georgia as a proxy in their conflicts with Russia.

In conclusion, Georgia's foreign policy has been shaped by a series of complex and challenging dilemmas. The country has sought to establish diplomatic relations with Russia, align itself with the West, and strengthen its security. However, these goals have been complicated by Georgia's small size, post-colonial status, and ongoing border conflicts with Russia.

The book explores these dilemmas in depth and offers valuable insights into the dynamics of Georgian foreign policy. It will be of interest to historians, scholars of imperialism, and scholars of the former Soviet Union and its messy politics.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811963322
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022