Foreign Policy Encounters between Russia and the U.S. in Georgia

Georgia’s declaration on independence in April 1991 and after the collapse of the USSR followed a policy which makes it independent of Russia and close relations with the US and its western allies. After the Rose revolution in 2003 and the election of the new president Mikhail Saakashvili, one of his first tasks was to consolidate its power and to deal with the situation in Georgia’s three autonomous regions- Ajar, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
After five years of efforts for managing peacefully the two other conflict regions, confrontation with Russia came to a new phase. Russia was supporting separatists of Abkhazia and South Ossetia to justify its presence in and outside of the border of Georgia. As a matter of fact, relations between Russia and Georgia have reached a new low. At the center of their quarrel are Georgia’s secessionist regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
The relations of the country with western actors acquired new dynamics, especially considering the solid US support before and during the events. Saakashvili openly stated that membership in the EU and NATO is his main priority.
Increasing of the presence of Americans in Georgia and withdrawing of Russians troops from the territory of Georgia, encouraged the Georgians to start new efforts for the settlements of Ossetia’s conflict. Georgia attacked Tskhinvali, the capital, in august 2008 and captured this city. But it was not to be expected, fast response, intense lightning and Russia to these proceedings. down and recognized the independence of these regions.
This paper explores the challenges facing the Russian and American policymakers in Georgian territory and attempted to causes and roots of developments in the South Caucasus region in terms of foreign policy of Russia and America should be analyzed.