RUSSIAN FOREIGN POLICY IN SOUTH CAUCASUS UNDER PUTIN

Abstract

This article examines Russian foreign policy in the South Caucasus starting from Vladimir Putin’s first inauguration as President of the Russian Federation in May 2000, until the end of the five-day war between Georgia and Russia that took place in August 2008. Although Moscow, during this period, mostly utilized political and economic tools to exert influence and dominance over the three small South Caucasian states, it did not hesitate to commence a military campaign in the region once the new administration in Kremlin perceived the Georgian attempt to regain control over its separatist entity South Ossetia as a major assault to Russian national interests

Keywords

• Russia, South Caucasus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, asset acquisition, August War