Russia and Georgia
Confrontation Instead of Co-operation
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Since the mid-1990s, radical Islamism and international terrorism have found fertile ground in Chechnya. Militant Islamism represents a threat not only for Russia but also for Georgia. The destabilisation of the region and a strengthening of Islamists in the northern Caucasus are of no advantage to either country. Moscow and Tbilisi are actually natural allies in this question, and there are other very serious arguments for cooperation. In reality, however, both sides are relying on confrontation and pouring oil onto the flames of their conflict.
(Osteuropa 7/2007, pp. 71–80)