Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-ru.png "Flag of Russian Federation") | Russian Federation |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
Russia seeks Friendship Pact with Breakaway Georgian Regions
| |
| Summary |
Russia’s President, Dmitry Medvedev, has signed treaties with the Georgian breakaway regions, South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The treaties signify Russia’s commitment to protect and defend these regions from outside attack. Moreover, the friendship pacts suggest Russia’s plan for military, economic, and diplomatic cooperation between Moscow and the two regions. Russia has recognized the two regions as independent after its brief fight with Georgia in early August.
Georgia’s President, Mikhail Saakashvili, is deeply concerned by Russia’s actions, arguing that Russia’s move appeared more like an invasion and annexation. President Medvedev, on the other hand, believes the treaties demonstrate the necessary measures both Russia and the separatist regions have taken to eliminate the threat of peace and to resist any acts of aggression. | |
| Analysis |
Russia’s actions towards the breakaway regions in Georgia suggest that Russia is interested in cooperation with the two regions. Yet, Georgia’s President, Mikhail Saakashvili, believes Russia’s motive is one of pure self-interest, and that Russia used Georgia’s efforts to retake control of the two regions as an excuse to invade last month. Despite President Saakashvili’s beliefs, however, Russia has vowed through the friendly pacts with South Ossetia and Abkhazia to be fully supportive of the two independent states. Russia has pledged to protect the South Ossetians, most of whom have Russian citizenship. Furthermore, the agreement between the two regions and Russia states that Russia will not only support South Ossetia and Abkhazia through military means, but will also support the functioning of the regions’ financial and banking systems.
Through the diplomatic relations Russia has tied with the two regions, Russia can be viewed through the Liberal perspective. Through the emphasis of diplomacy as well as strong efforts being made by both parties to secure peace, Russia has shown the ideals of interdependence by linking South Ossetia and Abkhazia together through their financial and military support. In addition, Russia can be viewed as seeing peace and security as collective goods for the two regions as well as Russia.
Russia, as well as South Ossetia and Abkhazia, have emphasized the mutual or absolute gains they will have from the peace treaties. Not only will South Ossetia and Abkhazia have protection and financial support, but all three parties will be able to benefit from the diplomatic relations they have established. Through their treaties, Russia and South Ossetia and Abkhazia have illustrated the liberal perspective. | |
| Perspective |  | Liberal |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | September 18, 2008 at 9:41 pm | |
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