Georgia and NATO: Turning point or Point of No Return? Cover Image

Gruzie a NATO: Bod obratu nebo bod zlomu?
Georgia and NATO: Turning point or Point of No Return?

Author(s): Martin Botík
Subject(s): Security and defense
Published by: Univerzita obrany - Centrum bezpečnostních a vojenskostrategických studií
Keywords: Abkhazia; Action Plan; Candidate; Caucasus; Membership; Russia.

Summary/Abstract: Is Georgia’s integration into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) security structures leading to assured full membership? Ever since gaining independence in 1990, Georgia has tried to free itself from Russian influence, focusing on becoming a member of NATO. However, the Georgian journey to NATO is complicated by the country’s internal political situation and external relations with Russia. Georgian internal conflicts with breakaway territories supported by Russia led to the Russian invasion into Georgian territory in 2008. Russia suppresses Georgian efforts to join NATO, considers the South Caucasus to be a strategic sphere of interest, and intends to exercise its influence there. Nevertheless, the current Georgian government continues to pursue NATO membership. Key determinants for any invitation to new members are whether their admission to NATO will strengthen the alliance, further the basic objective of NATO enlargement, and increase security and stability across Europe.

  • Issue Year: 28/2019
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 78-93
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: English