CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN GEORGIA: AN ANALYSIS APPLYING THE INTRACTABLE CONFLICT THEORY AND THE GOVERNMENTAL POLITICS MODEL

Abstract

Conflict between Georgia and Russia has resisted resolution for nearly a century. This paper examines this conflict using two theoretical models in order to understand its many dimensions and complexity. The roots of the conflict run deep into the economic, social and political structure of Georgia and Russia. When discussing the conflict in Georgia, we must go beyond the birth and evolution of the conflict and explore the economic, political and social environment in the Caucasus that permitted its existence and persistence. Moreover, we must analyze the response from the Georgian and Russian governments as well. This study will use the Intractable Conflict Theory in order to best understand the historical antecedents of the conflict. Next, it will offer an analysis of the Georgian and Russian governments’ policy-making process by using the Governmental Politics Model. This model positions Turkey as a key nation and illustrates the ways in which the Governmental Politics Model provides a theoretical apparatus to analyze the strategic and diplomatic links that bind Turkey with Georgia and Russia. Finally, after applying these two theories into the Georgian conflict and reaching the findings, the paper will offer micropolicy recommendations to mitigate and manage the conflict

Keywords

• Caucasus, conflict, Georgia, Intractable Conflict Theory, Russia, Soviet hierarchical system, South Ossetia, Governmental Politics Model, Turkey