Publication

This paper offers two lessons learned from the August 2008 conflict in the Caucasus between Russian and Georgia. First, the author points out that Russia's confidence and renewed economic and military strength is an indication of how disparate factors can come together like a "perfect storm" to quickly turn a country around. The second lesson concerns US public voicing of support for the Georgian cause over the years and the danger of interpretation by the lay person of US low level of engagement during the August conflict.