Post-Cold War Influence in Georgia: A Case Study of U.S. and Russian Tensions

Bc. Sopio Basilaia

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

This paper aims to determine the impact of the post-Cold War period on Georgia's relations with Russia, America, and the NATO sphere. What was the real reason for the refusal to grant Georgia a NATO Membership Action Plan at the 2008 North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit, and what role did the Russian Federation play in resolving the issue this way? The hypotheses below present issues related to the so-called "Cold War" superpowers the USA and Russia, as well as a comparative characterization and analysis of Georgia. Significant emphasis is placed on mechanisms such as U.S.-funded democratization programs, economic assistance, and military cooperation. In addition, Georgia's position about the criteria for the perception of threats expected by a neighboring country is examined. The paper also discusses Russia's reaction to a similar assessment, along with the 2008 invasion of Georgia and several of its wars. It also examines the theory that US foreign policy has greatly influenced Georgia's political development, especially in the post-Soviet wars and Georgia's relations with the West, when Russia was the primary aggressor and enemy. Moreover, the paper explains the role played by the spread of Cold War ideologies, namely democracy and capitalism, in Georgia's development path and regional stability. This study examines the influence of the US and Russia on Georgia's domestic politics and international relations, emphasizing how the country's strategic position was shaped in the post-Cold War period. In addition to Georgia-U.S./NATO and Georgia-Russia relations, the central part of the paper presents the example of a newly joined country in international organizations. It describes Russia's perception and narrative regarding its neighboring former Soviet Union member states. Alongside books, the work also uses primary sources, such as documents, and online sources are included in the research.

Keywords

post-Cold War, Georgia, NATO, Russia, USA, EU

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 3. 6. 2025

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 5. 6. 2025
• Supervisor: PhDr. Pavel Pšeja, Ph.D.
• Reader: Ph.D. Martina Heranová

CEVRO University

Bachelor programme / field:
Economics, Business, Politics / Economics, Business, Politics