Azerbaijan in the Changing Status Quo: Adaptation Strategies

Abstract

This chapter explores the consequences of the Five-Day War for Georgia and its impact on Georgia’s regional security environment and policy. The war in August 2008 has dramatically changed the political situation in Georgia. Georgia’s image as an “efficient state” was shattered and the country could well plunge into new internal political turmoil. Whereas it became plainly evident to the international community that Russia supported separatist regimes in Georgia and could not be considered as an honest broker any longer in addressing the situation: Georgia’s future now depends on international security guarantees. As a transit country, Georgia has turned into a key strategic partner to Turkey, and its independence and territorial integrity have become crucial not only for Turkey’s strategic interest but also for the security and the stability of the whole region. At the same time, Turkey has been faced with policy dilemmas in its relations with Georgia as it has also developed and diversified its ties with Russia. © 2011 Annie Jafalian.