CSIS Resources on the Conflict in Georgia

CSIS has organized resources on the conflict between Georgia and Russia to place this conflict in perspective

AUDIO | PROGRAMS | PUBLICATIONS | 2008 TIMELINE (pdf)

Commentaries and Critical Questions

Commentary: Turkey and the Crisis in the Caucasus by Bulent Aliriza
The outbreak of war between Georgia and Russia, posed an immediate challenge to Turkish interests.
Commentary: Where Should U.S. Policy toward Russia Go from Here? by Andrew Kuchins
The United States must very carefully consider and calibrate its response to prevent a complete breakdown in the U.S.-Russian relationship.
Commentary: A Resolute Strategy on Georgia by Robert Hamilton
This is not the time to scale-back military assistance to Georgia. Such a move would only encourage continued Russian occupation.
Commentary: The Georgia War and the Century of "Real Power" by Anthony H. Cordesman
The fighting in Georgia is a reminder that classic power politics are as real as ever.
Commentary: Georgia: Epicenter of Strategic Confrontation by Janusz Bugaski
The conflict in Georgia encapsulates the struggle between an expansionist Russia and Western institutions.
Commentary: An Oil Crossroad in the Cross Hairs by Edward C. Chow
Expecting a return to the energy status quo ante in Georgia and the region is not prudent for business or government.
Critical Questions: An August War in the Caucasus by Sarah E. Mendelson
Was the Georgia conflict a surprise? Is “genocide” involved? What are the regional and international consequences?
Critical Questions: Russia’s Strategy in the War Against Georgia by Robert E. Hamilton
Why did the Georgia conflict erupt? What are Russia’s objectives, and why did it suspend its operations?
Commentary: Ensuring U.S. Access to the International Space Station by Vincent G. Sabathier and Alexandros Petersen
Russia may soon control NASA’s access to space. The U.S. should look for other space-faring partners.
Commentary: The End of the Post-Soviet Era by Sarah E. Mendelson
The United States needs a new approach to Russia -- not just to its Georgia invasion.

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Audio Interviews

Andy Kuchins (05:44) iTunes | Download mp3
1. Does the conflict in Georgia, and Moscow’s recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia require a wholesale reformatting of U.S.-Russia relations?
2. What genuine common ground still exists between Moscow and Washington?
Sarah Mendelson (10:04) iTunes | Download mp3
1. Given separatist aspirations in Russia’s North Caucasus and the country’s myriad minorities, wasn’t Moscow’s recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia a risky move?
2. What do you make of Russian claims of “genocide” in South Ossetia and Georgian claims of “ethnic cleansing” in Russian-controlled areas of Georgia?
Steve Flanagan (09:38) iTunes | Download mp3
1. How have U.S. geopolitical objectives in Eurasia changed in the wake of the conflict in Georgia?
2. How has NATO stood up to this challenge?
Robert Hamilton (04:36) iTunes | Download mp3
1. Prior to the war this summer, what had been the goal of U.S. security assistance to Georgia?
2. Is now an appropriate time to discuss the future of U.S. security assistance to Georgia? If so, how should assistance proceed?
Bulent Aliriza (03:45) iTunes | Download mp3
1. What are the U.S. and NATO to make of Turkey's actions since early August 2008?
2. "In the wake of Russia's actions in Georgia, what future do you see for East-West energy projects in the Black Sea and Caspian regions?"