Russia will eventually lose the South Caucasus, expert says | Eastern Express

Eighteen years after Russia formally recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states, the two territories remain outside Georgia’s control, with Russia maintaining a strong military, political, and economic presence.

In our latest report, we look at how the conflicts began, the impact of the wars and ethnic displacement on local populations, and how Moscow has used the territories to preserve its influence in the South Caucasus. We also examine the current situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, including growing concerns over deeper integration with Russia.

At the same time, we explore whether Georgia could one day restore territorial integrity through peaceful integration rather than military force.

Eastern Express host Benjamin Lee is joined by George Mchedlishvili, Associate Professor at the European University in Tbilisi, to discuss what has changed since 2008, what has remained the same, and what the future could hold for the two territories.

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:07 - 18 years after the war in Georgia
02:34 - How Abkhazia and South Ossetia broke away
03:44 - Why Russia still backs the two regions
06:12 - Has Georgia lost the territories forever?
08:26 - Russia's role in the conflict
13:07 - What does Moscow want next?
14:37 - Could the regions ever return to Georgia?
19:00 - Eastern News Flash

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