The Red Line 132 - Abkhazia: Client or Catalyst?
Jul 2, 2025
Laura Linderman, Beka Bajelidze, and Thomas de Waal dive into the complex dynamics of Abkhazia, caught between Russian dominance and the possibility of reconciliation with Georgia. They discuss growing anti-Russian sentiment among Abkhazia’s populace and explore how this could signal a geopolitical shift. The panel examines the strategic role of Russia's military presence, the economic dependencies of Abkhazia, and the region's turbulent leadership changes amid protests against Moscow's influence, capturing a compelling snapshot of a pivotal moment in the South Caucasus.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Complexity of Country Definition
- Defining a country is complex due to disputed borders, populations, governments, and international recognition.
- Abkhazia challenges easy categorization as it meets many but not all criteria of statehood, especially lacking broad recognition.
Demographic Tensions Rooted in History
- Abkhazia's demographic debates stem from Soviet policies which increased Georgian settlement.
- After the 1993 conflict, around 250,000 ethnic Georgians were expelled, deeply shaping current tensions.
Russian Role in 1990s Abkhazia War
- The 1992-1993 war in Abkhazia involved Russian backing of Abkhaz forces with arms and fighters.
- The conflict ended with ethnic cleansing of Georgians and consolidation of Abkhaz control backed by Russian troops.