Russia's national interests towards the Caucasus: implications for Georgian sovereignty
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Authors
Papava, David Z.
Subjects
Georgia
Russia
United States
Sovereignty
National interest
Foreign policy
Economic security
Energy sector
Electricity sector
Russian leadership
Economic elite
RAO Unified Energy System of Russia
Gazprom
Russia
United States
Sovereignty
National interest
Foreign policy
Economic security
Energy sector
Electricity sector
Russian leadership
Economic elite
RAO Unified Energy System of Russia
Gazprom
Advisors
Clunan, Anne L.
Date of Issue
2004-06
Date
June 2004
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis explores the causes of Russian foreign policy towards Georgia. It argues that the Russian Federation continues to pursue a policy which weakens the sovereignty of the Caucasus. The main priority of this thesis is to identify why the Russian Federation seems to be pursuing a set of policies that economically and politically weaken the sovereignty of Georgia. Therefore, this thesis examines the forces and factors of Russian domestic politics that drive Russian national interests towards the Caucasus. The analysis focuses on one particular issue-area: the role of the economic elite in shaping Russia's domestic and foreign policies vis-a-vis the state in the electricity sector. In focusing on the energy policies of the Russian Federation, this thesis reveals the negative consequences for Georgia's sovereignty that result from a strong Russian influence in the region. This thesis analyzes how Russian national interests towards Georgia challenge the latter to establish autonomous decisionmaking with regard to its foreign policy and to exercise its own authority through an exclusive competence in internal affairs of the state. In conclusion, this thesis offers policy prescriptions on how Georgia might best preserve its sovereignty with respect to the Russian Federation in terms of energy dependency.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
xiv, 85 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.