Georgia and Russia: A Return to Normal?

Source: Kommersant

Date: March 5, 2008

Author: Fedor Lukyanov

Site: http://www.kommersant.com/p863464/r_520/foreign_relations/

Summary:

Russia and Georgia are two countries that have been having disputes for years. Georgia declared independence from Russia in 1991, and haven't have great relations with the Russians since then. Recently, they have tried to repair relations with each other, but have had some arguements along the way. A major arguement is the arguement about Abkhazia and South Ossetia, to regions that have recently declared independence. These regions have not been reconized as independent by any nation though, and the Georgian country has tried to make sure they do not become independent. Georgia has tried to join NATO in order to get support for fixing problem between them and these two regions. Russia believes Georgia should not be allowed in due to their territorial disputes. These arguements may bring relations between Russia and Georgia back to the poor way they originally were.

AP World History Themes:

This article relates to the theme of impact of interaction among and within major societies. It relates to this theme because it shows the interaction between Russia and NATO with Georgia. It also show the internal problems within Georgia in the Abkhazia and South Ossetia region.

Historical Backround:

Georgia started as an independent nations, but was completely taken over by Russia in 1810 AD. Georgia was able to break away from Russia in 1918 during the Russian civil war, but was reconquered by Russia six years later. After that, Georgia helped Russian society, even providing them with the leader Joseph Stalin. Even though this occured, Georgia still broke away in 1991. These conflicts have caused tension between these nations.

Identify Point of View:

This article is from the point of view of an educated Russian who understands the topic.

Bias:

This article shows bias in that it talk about how Georgia refuses to do things to help the relation between them and Russia. It also seems to show that that all Georgia cares about is trying to fix the situation between their government and the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions. This is probably due to the fact that the Russians are unhappy with Georgia.

Missing Voice:

The point of view of an educated Georgian would be needed to get a full understanding of the topic because you would need to see if the real reason for them trying to join NATO is that they want to get those regions to stop arguing, or if they have an alternate motive.

Reaction:

I feel that Georgia should be allowed into NATO because it would solve many problems that currently exist. It would help to make peace between Georgia and Russia. Also, it would help Georgia solve the problems it is having with the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions. By allowing Georgia into NATO, tensions between Georgia and other countries can be healed. I think they should not worry that Georgia is trying to settle problems with these regions because Georgia is just trying to keep it's country united, like the British did in the American Revolution and like the Russians did with Georgia itself.