Publication

In light of Russia's military intervention in Georgia, this paper examines why the Caucasus region has returned to the top of the security policy agenda. The author analyzes how Georgia’s attempt to retake South Ossetia by military force, and the subsequent demonstration of Russian power have called into question some important parameters of the European security framework. Instability in the Caucasus also threatens Europe's efforts to reduce its energy dependency on Russia. The paper argues that the West’s options are limited, as isolating Moscow would be counterproductive.