Russian stance in the Caucasus and the national security strategy of Georgia

摘要

After the independence of Georgia, declared in 1991, Moscow's strategic stance in the Caucasus has been heavily influencing the formation of the Georgian State, and has created many problems to its security. Three separatist regimes supported by Moscow, Russian bases in Georgia, and a significant economic dependence of Georgia on Russian energy markets were the most visible components of this influence. Russian negative influence on Georgia's security, in combination with many apparent internal problems, determined that during 14 years of independence Georgia became to exist as a failed state. After the "Rose Revolution" of 2003 this situation has changed and Georgia started to develop policies relatively independent from Moscow's strategic preferences. This thesis tries to define the possible objectives, strategies and means of the Georgian State to achieve its final independence from Russia, exercise its sovereignty on its entire territory, and provide conditions for the prosperous development of the country and its population. The thesis examines global trends and local developments that influence Georgia's security, and suggests recommendations for the Georgian government.