Russian Stance in the Caucasus and the National Security Strategy of Georgia [WorldCat Entities]

"After the independence of Georgia, which was declared in 1991, Moscow's strategic stance in the Caucasus has been heavily influencing the development of the Georgian State, and has created many problems with regard to Georgia's security. Three separatist regimes supported by Moscow, the placement of Russian bases in Georgia, and Georgia's significant economic dependence on Russian energy markets have been the most visible components of this influence. Russia's negative influence on Georgia's security, in combination with many internal problems, resulted in Georgia being a failed state during its 14 years of independence. After the Rose Revolution of 2003, however, this situation changed and Georgia started to develop policies that were relatively independent of Moscow's strategic preferences. The Georgian government began a wide campaign of novel relations with the international community. This drive intensified tensions between Moscow and Tbilisi, but Georgia nevertheless succeeded in resolving some of its problems during this time. Serious problems still remain: Georgia has yet to find solutions to two separatist insurgencies, and has yet to achieve full and real independence from Russia. This thesis tries to define the possible objectives, strategies, and means that the Georgian State can use to achieve full independence from Russia; exercise sovereignty over its own territory; and provide conditions for the prosperous development of the country and its population. This work suggests that Tbilisi must develop closer relations with the United States as the initial step to independence, but also must develop close regional alliances that would enable Georgia to become a relatively independent player over time. The independence of Georgia is necessary for the long-term security of the Georgian people and the Georgian State, as well as for the stability of the Caucasus and Black Sea-Caspian region as a whole."@en