Georgia: Pawn in the New Great Game

Description

The 2008 Ossetia War underlined the fact that Georgia is caught in a political struggle between East and West. Per Gahrton analyses American and Russian policy towards the country and provides a firsthand account of the Rose Revolution of 2003, its origin and aftermath. The book traces the increasing US involvement in Georgia and the Russian reaction of anger, sanctions and, eventually, invasion. Gahrton's analysis is based on interviews with key politicians and his experience as the rapporteur of the European Parliament on South Caucasus. At centre stage is the growing opposition against authoritarian aspects of President Mikheil Saakashvili’s regime and the mysterious death of Prime Minister Zhvania in 2005. The book also asks if the Rose Revolution was a conspiracy or a genuine popular uprising. This truly authoritative account of Georgia is a must for students studying international relations in the aftermath of The Cold War. Cover Contents List of photos Acronyms Preface Map of Georgia 1. The geopolitical setting - a renewed Great Game A troubled area The new Silk Road The Western Offensive A regional alternative? Russia's Comeback Chechnya - all about oil? New Russian strategy Will Obama make a difference? Notes 2. Puppet or buffer? Paradoxes National or private religion? Georgianization Javakheti – far from Tbilisi A transit country Puppet or buffer? Notes 3. A history of failed independence Long before Christ Georgievsk 1783 - occupation or protection? The first modern independence Soviet Georgia = occupied territory? Notes 4. The dissolution of the Soviet Union - blessing or disaster? Perestroika Social collapse, political pluralism On the brink of civil war Western indifference to Russian suffering Notes 5. The breakaway regions - Russian stooges or freedom South Ossetia Abolishing the autonomy Years of relative calm Attempts at reconquest Abkhazia Countdown towards war The fall of Sukhumi, and Georgian mass flight Russia – culprit or scapegoat? Renewed tension Peace efforts Waiting for a Georgian de Gaulle Notes 6. Gamsakhurdia, the tactical fanatic April 9, 1989 Good liberator, poor administrator Dark legacy Notes 7. Shevardnadze. the failed saviour Contradicting moods Shevardnadze's comeback Shevardnadze's first 'realistic' phase 2000: cracks in the wall Shevardnadze turns to the West Escalation Preparing for Shevardnadze's exit Back to Russia? Notes 8. Kmara - enough! The Rose Revolution Did the opposition win? Fear of Abashidze Peaceful takeover Was it a CIA-led coup? Notes 9. The revolutionary honeymoon Successes and failures The presidential election of 2004 The brain of the revolution Towards one-party democracy? Reconciliation with Russia? Deteriorating relations with Russia The end of the honeymoon Notes 10. The death of Zhvania - the revolution loses its brain A Green realist Zurab as political psychotherapist Was Zhvania assassinated? Repercussions of the death of Zhvania A great loss Notes 11. Saakashvili, the failed liberator Minister, mayor, president The November crisis, 2007 The presidential election of 2008 The parliamentary election of 2008 Good for business, not for the poor Notes 12. The Ossetia War 2008 - a conspiracy, but by whom? The final escalation 'Operation Clear Field' Ceasefire The Aftermath Contradictory conspiracy theories A struggle about democracy? Countermoves against Russian re-emergence? Dissident voices The European Union blames Georgia most, which embarrasses the EU presidency Notes 13. After the war: renewed political clashes Attempted coup - or fake? Repressive tolerance Notes 14. Georgia and Russia, the prodigal son and the Big Brother Russia's whiplashes Escalation No anti-Russian feelings Russians against anti-Georgian policy Is a Russian carrot impossible? Notes 15. Georgia's future: Caucasian, European and nonaligned NATO: no solution Why not a Finnish option? Cyprus repeated in the Caucasus? What carrot for Russia? Russian neocolonialism - or just globalization?? Options for Georgia The need for alternative policy Notes Bibliography Index