The question, “Does Russia control Georgia?” Has been on the minds of many people for years. It’s an important issue in an era of escalating geopolitical conflict. The conflict is a reminder that geopolitics are not as simple as it used to be, but it is also a timely one. The Russian military invasion of Georgia was a bloody, brutal military operation, and it has prompted the West to act.
Russia’s intervention in the war in Georgia is a case study in great power competition. During the 2008-2009 conflict, Georgia chose the side of freedom and democracy. The result is frequent abductions and human rights violations that create constant pressure on the stability of the country. Meanwhile, Russia is determined to humiliate Georgia. While it is a serious issue, there’s no need to panic. It’s still a very important question to ask: Does Moscow control the situation in Georgia?
A recent move by the Russian-backed security forces in Georgia took yet more territory under its control. On July 16, Russian-backed security forces crossed the administrative boundary line and placed even more territory under their control. Despite the recent U.S. embassy’s call for Russia to remove its border fences, Georgian officials aren’t taking any chances. If you’re wondering, “Does Russia control the conflict in Georgia?” You’ve come to the right place.
The conflict in Georgia has been characterized by a series of varied tactics from the Russian Federation. For example, in South Ossetia, the military has been pursuing the rebel region. The conflict has also been associated with a number of human rights violations, which have been documented by Amnesty International. Nevertheless, despite the various actions, the United Nations Security Council has warned that Russia must maintain its control of Georgia’s borders.
In August, Georgian officials claimed that Russia was violating the International Law of Armed Conflict. However, the conflict in Georgia is a result of an armed conflict between Georgian and Russian soldiers. Both countries have the right to defend their borders. And while the conflict is ongoing, they will continue to impose their rules. The two sides’ leaders will not back down. They will have to face a legal battle. But the Western response will be critical.
Currently, 20% of Georgia remains occupied. The annexation of the breakaway provinces has also prevented the Russian Navy from regaining its pre-conflict positions. Further, Russian troops have intensified their influence in the occupied areas, particularly in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The populations of these regions have been more susceptible to Russian propaganda, and their governments are increasingly resentful of the invasion of these regions.
During the conflict in Georgia, Russian border forces have detained local citizens. This is particularly disturbing because, in August 2008, Russian troops detained a 16-year-old boy in Chvrinisi village. In August 2018, the military also arrested an elderly man who was searching for firewood. Regardless of the cause of the conflict, the Georgian people are fighting for their survival. But what exactly is Russia doing in this region?
In the recent past, the Russian army has continued to build its military presence in the country. In addition to its military presence, both territories have become huge bases for Moscow’s power projection in the region. Today, up to 10,000 Russian troops are deployed in Georgia. As part of the occupation, Russian authorities have imposed many restrictive policies on the nation’s ethnic Georgian population, including the ban on language instruction in schools. Throughout this conflict, ethnic Georgians have been detained indiscriminately, which is a direct violation of their constitutional rights.
Since the Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008, Russia has made strides to expand its influence. In the early 1990s, it aided the separatists by providing military equipment and support. The Russian government has also launched a long-term propaganda campaign to confuse Georgia. It claims that the country is fighting against smaller nations, and that it is perpetrating a genocide of the Abkhazian and Ossetian people. The war was a bitter blow to the country and has led to the exclusion of the region’s citizens.