Divide and Conquer: Separatism in Transcaucasia and Russian Intervention

Monroe, James

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/113634 Copy

Description

Title

Divide and Conquer: Separatism in Transcaucasia and Russian Intervention

Author(s)

Monroe, James

Issue Date

2021

Keyword(s)

• Russia
• South Caucasus
• Transcaucasia
• Soviet Union

Abstract

“The strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must.” This quote from the famous ancient historian Thucydides may come off as rather harsh, but it describes well the attitude that many historical Great Powers have had towards weaker states. In the modern day, one can find a similar (albeit more nuanced) attitude with the Russian Federation’s own affairs with its neighbors. None of these neighbors can hold a candle to the geopolitical might thatRussia is able to project, including those based in the South Caucasus. The South Caucasus(Transcaucasia) was part of the Russian Empire since the early 19th century. Control continued with the establishment of the Soviet Union, but ended with its collapse in 1991. In the wake ofRussia’s retreat from the region came the birth of three new Transcaucasian republics: Georgia,Armenia, and Azerbaijan. However, independence was never straightforward for these new countries and political instability has remained in them ever since. Independence was neverstraightforward for these countries, and political instability has haunted them ever since -instability which Russia has noticed. This paper discusses and analyzes Russian intervention inthe South Caucasus. While Russian policy towards each Transcaucasian country differs somewhat, Russia commonly exploits the separatist movements and violence in these states -namely those of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in Georgia, and Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan- within the hope of leveraging influence.

Publisher

Program in Arms Control & Domestic and International Security

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/113634

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2021 James Monroe

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