Georgia-Russia conflict explained

Although the conflict between the Republic of Georgia and its northern neighbor Russia is taking place far away, the clash is unnerving, conjuring up images of the Cold War and signaling a new Russian aggressiveness. Here’s a brief explanation of what’s happening:

The unhappy breakup—background on the conflict
With just 4.5 million people, Georgia is one of 13 countries that became independent when the Soviet Union fell in 1991. It’s strategically located in the Caucasus region, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and its relations with Russia have been tense in the past. (See our “Lessons from Borat” posting on former Soviet countries.)

The current conflict arose from a region of Georgia called South Ossetia, which has long clamored for its own independence and found support from Russia.

The news
Late last week after multiple skirmishes in the region, Georgian troops launched an offensive against South Ossetian separatists. Russia quickly joined the fight on behalf of the separatists, in part to assert its power but also to spite the U.S., which supports the democratic government of Georgia. Their forces overwhelmed the Georgians and pushed out of South Ossetia into Georgia proper. Despite a cease-fire agreement reached earlier this week, Russian troops remain in Georgia and the outcome is uncertain.

Implications beyond the region—why this conflict matters
This is not your average regional spat—the conflict has major implications for the global balance of power. Georgia was loudly and proudly allied with the United States, which sponsored the tiny country for membership in NATO. This angered Russia, which is not a part of NATO (a military alliance), and considers its membership a security threat. The U.S., the Europeans and other former Soviet states such have all sided with Georgia in the current conflict, calling on Russia to withdraw.

Oil is also a big part of the story. Georgia is located near the Caspian Sea, an important oil and gas producing region that feeds Europe. The U.S. successfully backed a recently completed pipeline running through Georgia—deliberately skirting Russia—in an effort to keep Moscow from having too much control over energy resources. Once again, this angered Russia.

The big picture
More than anything, the war in Georgia seems to reflect Russia’s determination to reassert itself as a world power. Ten years ago the country was in shambles, reeling from the hangover left by decades of socialist rule. Thanks to high oil prices, Russia is now flush with money, confident and willing to flex its political and military muscles. 

Moreover, no one is exactly itching to confront Moscow, mainly because Europe is so reliant on Russia for oil and natural gas. And the U.S. already has its hands full in Iraq and Afghanistan, so there’s not much America can do for its ally Georgia other than protest. The U.S. may have some economic and diplomatic influence, but it's a delicate situation as Russia is key to another delicate situation with Iran. For now, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice—an expert in Russian politics—is in the region to help broker a solution.