Russia in the South Caucasus: Conflict Management and Business with Oligarchs
Russia’s policy towards Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan combines poorly veiled threats of destabilisation (if any state dares to ignore Russian interests) with occasional offers of economic and military cooperation. Russia’s ability to influence security in the region is significant due to its instability. The result of Russia’s actions may be, among others, new incidents in regions controlled by separatists or threatened by separatism. The EU and NATO should develop their initiatives in the South Caucasus and in Georgia present a vision for further deepening of the country’s integration with the respective organisations.
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