2008. Georgia. Russo-Georgian Relations (Part 7).
“Georgia-EU flag roundel” by Giorgi Balakhadze under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The relationship between Russia and Georgia has been characterized by tension, conflict, and occasional cooperation over the years. The 2008 Russo-Georgian War, in which Russia invaded and occupied parts of Georgia, remains a significant point of contention between the two nations. The conflict started when Georgia launched an attack on the breakaway region of South Ossetia, and Russia intervened, citing the need to protect its citizens and peacekeepers. However, the European Court of Human Rights condemned Russia in January 2021 for human rights violations during the war.
The aftermath of the conflict has been complex for Georgia. While some victims of the war have found justice, the road has been bumpy for many others. According to a Brookings report, Georgian officials have pursued cases related to the war, but progress has been slow, and many victims have been left without compensation. Furthermore, the country's modern history has been shaped by its struggle for independence and sovereignty. This narrative is particularly significant in Georgia's relations with Russia, as many Georgians still view Russia as a historical oppressor.
The 2008 Russo-Georgian War also revealed Russia's hybrid warfare tactics, which involve the use of local and external tools to achieve political goals. The CSIS report argues that Russia's aggression towards Georgia served as a blueprint for its subsequent actions in Ukraine. Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 followed a similar pattern to the 2008 war, with Russia using military force to protect ethnic Russians and sending in "little green men" – unmarked soldiers – to destabilize the region.
The conflict has also affected Georgia's relationship with the West. While Georgia has historically sought closer ties with Europe and the United States, recent years have seen a shift towards Russia. Foreign Policy reported in August 2021 that Georgia's ruling party has been moving closer to Moscow, with some officials suggesting that the country could join the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union. This shift has alarmed many Georgians, who fear that their country is moving away from its Western-oriented foreign policy.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2022 has brought the Russo-Georgian War back into the spotlight, with many Georgians recalling the trauma of the 2008 conflict. Georgia has expressed solidarity with Ukraine, but it also faces a dilemma, as it remains heavily dependent on Russia for trade and energy. The New York Times reported in March 2022 that the conflict has reignited discussions in Georgia about NATO membership, with some officials suggesting that the country should seek closer ties with the West as a means of protecting its security.
In summary, Russo-Georgian relations remain complex, with the 2008 conflict serving as a significant point of tension between the two nations. The conflict revealed Russia's hybrid warfare tactics and has shaped Georgia's modern history and foreign policy. Recent years have seen a shift towards Russia, which has raised concerns among Georgians about the country's independence and sovereignty. The conflict in Ukraine has brought the issue back into focus and has prompted discussions about Georgia's security and its relationship with the West.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on March 31, 2023
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Russia Is A Terrorist State:
Part 1 (1990s)
Part 2 (2000s)
Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Part 4 (2016 - 2019)
Part 5 (2020 - 2021)
Part 6: (2022+)
Sources for 2008. Georgia. Russo-Georgian Relations (Part 7):
Europe’s court condemns Russia over 2008 war with Georgia - AP News January 26, 2021
In Georgia, an up-and-down road to justice for victims of the August War - BROOKINGS March 3, 2021
Struggle and Sacrifice: Narratives of Georgia’s Modern History - Carnegie Europe April 27, 2021
The 2008 Russo-Georgian War: Putin’s green light - Atlantic Council August 7, 2021
Georgia Turns Its Back on the West - Foreign Policy August 20, 2021
Russia Is Reenacting Its Georgia Playbook in Ukraine - Foreign Policy February 22, 2022
Georgians rally against government's inaction on Russia - AXIOS February 25, 2022
Russia's war in Ukraine reminds Georgians of what they survived in 2008 - NPR March 31, 2022
Russia-Ukraine War Makes Georgia's Security Imperative | Opinion - Newsweek April 8, 2022
Putin Is Failing in Ukraine, But Winning in Georgia - The Bulwark May 24, 2022
Russia's war in Ukraine reminds Georgians of what they survived in 2008 - NPR March 31, 2022