Oral Presentation on the Georgia-Russia:USSR Conflict .pdf

Oral Presentation on the Georgia-Russia/USSR Con ict Part 1: Geography The Georgia-Russia con ict primarily revolves around the strategically signi cant Caucasus region, with speci c emphasis on the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. These regions, located in n...

Oral Presentation on the Georgia-Russia/USSR Con ict Part 1: Geography The Georgia-Russia con ict primarily revolves around the strategically signi cant Caucasus region, with speci c emphasis on the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. These regions, located in northwestern Georgia and northern Georgia respectively, have been focal points due to their strategic positions and ethnic compositions. The rugged, mountainous terrain of these areas complicates military engagements and territorial control. The geographical signi cance of these territories lies in their location as gateways between Russia and the rest of the South Caucasus, making them crucial for regional dominance and in uence. This geographical context has fueled the protracted nature of the con ict, as both Georgia and Russia vie for control and in uence over these strategically important regions. Part 2: History The historical roots of the Georgia-Russia con ict date back to the annexation of Georgia by Tsarist Russia in 1800. Georgia was an integral part of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union until it gained a brief period of independence following the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. This independence was short-lived as Georgia was re-integrated into the USSR in 1921. The modern phase of the con ict began in 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, when Georgia declared its independence. Tensions escalated in the early 1990s with con icts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, leading to intermittent violence and periods of uneasy peace. The con ict reached a critical point in 2008 when Georgia's military action in South Ossetia led to a full-scale war with Russia. This brief war resulted in signi cant territorial and political changes, solidifying Russian control over Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which remains a contentious issue. Part 3: Politics Politically, the Georgia-Russia con ict has been shaped by the di ering governance systems and strategic objectives of both nations. Georgia, under leaders such as Zviad Gamsakhurdia, Eduard Shevardnadze, and Mikheil Saakashvili, transitioned from Soviet rule to a Western-style democracy, albeit with periods of internal strife and authoritarian tendencies. Russia, under leaders like Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev, has pursued a policy of regional dominance and support for separatist movements in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Key political events include Georgia's Rose Revolution in 2003, which brought a pro-Western government to power, and Russia's subsequent military interventions to support the separatist regions. The con ict is marked by political maneuvers, such as Russia issuing passports to residents of the contested regions, economic embargoes, and diplomatic e orts to isolate Georgia internationally. Despite numerous attempts at con ict management, including the 2008 cease re brokered by France, the underlying political tensions remain unresolved. Part 4: Facts 1. Duration: The modern phase of the con ict began in 1991 and remains unresolved. 2. Key Figures: Prominent leaders include Georgia’s Zviad Gamsakhurdia, Eduard Shevardnadze, Mikheil Saakashvili, and Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev. 3. Interventions: Notable interventions include Russia’s military support for Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and diplomatic e orts by the European Union and the United Nations. 4. Key Events: - 1991: Georgia declares independence from the Soviet Union. - 1992-1993: Civil war in Abkhazia. - 2008: Full-scale war between Georgia and Russia over South Ossetia. 5. Current Status: The con ict remains unresolved, with Abkhazia and South Ossetia functioning as de facto independent regions under Russian control. fl fi fl fl ff fl fl fl fl fl fl ff fl fi ff fi fi fl fi fl fl fl 6. Impact: The con ict has resulted in signi cant loss of life, displacement of populations, and ongoing political and economic instability in the region. Conclusion: The Georgia-Russia con ict began with territorial disputes and historical grievances dating back to Tsarist and Soviet times, continued through periods of intense military and political strife following the dissolution of the USSR, and remains unresolved due to entrenched political positions and strategic interests. The geographical importance of the contested regions, combined with the complex historical and political dynamics, has made this con ict one of the most enduring and challenging in the post-Soviet space. Despite various attempts at con ict management and diplomatic intervention, a lasting resolution remains elusive, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of the geopolitical rivalry between Georgia and Russia. fl fl fi fl fl