During the past 48 hours, Russia has deployed missiles to this political entity in Georgia, no not the state, but the Eastern European nation. Russia is one of handful of countries that recognize this small entity as an independent nation; Georgia, however, does not. Why are tensions so high in a piece of land smaller than the state of Connecticut? Well, let’s look at history of Georgia and Abkhazia.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, Georgia become one of around 33 countries to gain their independence. Yet even after this independence, parts of this country were still under the support and/or control of Russia. In 1992, Georgia fought a war in a region of land known as Ossetia. The war was between a military regime in Georgia and ethic minorities in Ossetia, which led to a military ceasefire in 1992, back by Russia, and a division in Georgia.
In 2008, tensions came back where Georgia took on Ossetia, Russia, and Abkhazia in 9 day conflict. Georgia hoped to regain this piece of land, yet even after this fighting, they were unable to do so. Abkhazia is a buffer zone along with South Ossetia in the uncontested Georgian territory.
Abkhazia is home to predominantly ethic minorities of Armenians, Georgians, and Russians. It is becoming a center for entrepreneurs to invest, especially for exploitation in Abkhazian factories for cheap labor and parts. This has led to issues with the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, which borders Abkhazia. Their economy has also failed due to corruption and criminal organizations.
Another nation that has been looked over, time and time again…
