Russia-Georgia War 2008 Flashcards
(15 cards)
What was the immediate cause of the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia?
Georgia launched military operation August 8th to retake South Ossetia
Who were the main actors?
Georgia, Russia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, international observers
What is the status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in international law?
Most world and UN recognise as part of Georgia, Russia recognises both
How long did the Russia–Georgia war last?
7-12 August 2008
Why did Russia intervene militarily in Georgia?
Reassert influence in the post-Soviet space.
Deter Georgia’s NATO ambitions.
Protect Russian passport holders in South Ossetia.
Prevent further Western encroachment near its borders.
What were the humanitarian consequences of the war?
850 killed, just under 200,000 displaced
How does Realism explain the 2008 war?
Russia asserting its national interest and regional dominance, responding to Georgia’s moves toward NATO and Western alliances.
How does Liberalism interpret the conflict?
emphasizes the role of democratization in Georgia clashing with Russian autocracy.
How might Constructivism explain the war?
identity politics: ethnic divisions, historical narratives, Russia’s self-image as protector of Russian-speakers. considers Georgia framed itself as pro-Western democracy.
What was the Western response to the 2008 war?
Condemned Russia but no intervention. The West was cautious due to energy dependencies and fears of escalation.
What were the long-term effects of the war?
Russia recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent.
Georgia lost control of both territories.
Relations between Russia and the West worsened, contributing to future confrontations (e.g., Crimea in 2014).
NATO expansion slowed in the South Caucasus.
Was a peace agreement signed after the war?
Six-point ceasefire agreement brokered by EU, but left Russian control of buffer zones. No formal peace treaty has been signed.
How was information used as a weapon during the war?
Both sides used media narratives to claim victimhood. Russia claimed Georgia committing genocide, Georgia claimed Russia breached int. law
How did Georgia’s NATO ambitions affect the conflict?
alarmed Russia, viewed as direct threat to its sphere of influence. Used conflict to halt further NATO expansion in the region.
