The History of the Emergence and Current State of the Georgian-South Ossetian Conflict

Abstract

The article examines the causes of the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict, shows the phases of its development and its current state. The Georgian-South Ossetian confrontation began during the period of the existence of the USSR. It turned into an armed conflict in 1991-1992, which ended with the defeat of Georgian troops and the establishment of control over the territory of this autonomous region by South Ossetia with the help of military support from Russia. Since that time, South Ossetia has become a de facto independent state, which is practically outside the power of the Georgian government.

After that, a long-term negotiation process began, which, unfortunately, did not bring the desired results in the settlement of the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict. In view of this, in August 2008, Georgia made an unsuccessful attempt to restore control over South Ossetia by force. This led to a five-day Russian-Georgian armed conflict, during which South Ossetia, with the help of the Russians, established complete control over its entire territory. Shortly after that, South Ossetia was recognized as an independent state by the Russian Federation and some of its satellites, and Russian military personnel began to be stationed practically throughout the territory of this former South Ossetian autonomous region.

Despite this development, Georgia rightfully considers South Ossetia its territory occupied by Russia. The absolute majority of the world’s states, including Ukraine, support the territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia, a constituent part of which is the former South Ossetian Autonomous Region. Given the high level of Russian presence in South Ossetia, it can be predicted that in the near future Russia will completely absorb this Georgian territory and include it “at the request of the Ossetians” as another subject of the federation.