Publication

This commentary discusses the situation in the North Caucasus and the region's relations with Russia. It looks at the region's ongoing and growing destabilization, the parties involved and the social background of the conflict. It also looks at Russia's approach to dealing with the problem and at what it needs to do in order to maintain the region within its political space. The author argues that, in the long run, a comprehensive approach is needed. One that starts with Moscow entering into a dialogue with independent communities in the region and withdrawing its unconditional support for the local elites.