Eyes Wide Open

Author(s): Ivlian Haindrava
Editor(s): Jeronim Perovic, Robert Orttung, Matthias Neumann, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 45
Pages: 6-8
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2008

The latest events in Georgia highlighted new realities emerging in the South Caucasus as well as in Europe as a whole. Direct, large-scale Russian aggression against its neighboring state followed by the unilateral recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia prove that, besides abusing its energy power, Russia will not hesitate to resort to military force while defending and advancing its interests. At the same time, the inadequacy of Georgia's leadership is a clear indication of serious problems inside the country requiring immediate and fundamental political reforms. Those reforms should prevent irresponsible decision-making by establishing a system of checks and balances and rule of law, while providing institutional guarantees for pluralism, democracy, and the development of a free society.

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