RUSSIA’S GEOPOLITICAL INTERESTS IN GEORGIA (South Caucasus and the Threats Coming From Moscow)

Abstract

This article analyzes geopolitical interests of Kremlin in Georgia and South Caucasus. It also describes Moscow’s actions to dominate and control this strategically important region. The threats coming from Russia are analyzed in detail. South Caucasus is the region where the economic and strategic interests of the West and Russia collide with each other. Despite its small size, Caucasus is a very important region. It is an alternative energy corridor, which allows European Union and the West to reduce its energy dependence on Russia and gain access to energy rich regions of Caspian Basin and Central Asia. Kremlin’s aim is to establish firm control over the South Caucasus energy corridor and become the only supplier of oil and gas for the West. Another geopolitical objective of Kremlin is to strengthen Moscow-Yerevan-Tehran axis and weaken Ankara-Tbilisi-Baku axis.