The South Caucasus in the International Spotlight

Author(s): Fyodor Lukyanov
Editor(s): Lili Di Puppo, Iris Kempe, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic
Series: Caucasus Analytical Digest (CAD)
Issue: 10
Pages: 16-19
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Jefferson Institute, Washington D.C.; Heinrich Böll Foundation, Tbilisi; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2009

The European Union issued its report on the events of August 2008 without creating any great controversy. The result is that Russia will not backtrack on its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, while Georgia has little hope of making much progress in restoring the lost territories. Although most international organizations have made little contribution to resolving the conflict, the EU has taken a prominent position and has the best possibility for facilitating peace. With a new president, the US is reassessing its strategy in the South Caucasus, as Turkey is expanding its role. One solution for the region would be to use the EU model in which giving up territorial disputes is a prerequisite for membership, but such an outcome is a long way off. Nevertheless, the war of August 2008 has started a process of change in the region.

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