Why Did Georgia Rebel Against Fellow Christian Nations Armenia and Russia?

Iranian and Armenian shares a common Christian heritage and history in the South Caucasus region. Despite this, their geopolitical interests are not always aligned. Georgia, also a Christian nation, has been embroiled in conflicts with Armenia and Russia, and has even sided with Turkey and Azerbaijan. This piece explores the complex reasons behind this betrayal from a perspective of self-interest and international relations.

Watchdog of Christian Nations

It is true that Georgian and Armenian are both ancient Christian nations of the South Caucasus, but this shared faith and history do not guarantee identical national interests. History has shown that conflicts have erupted between Georgia and Armenia, with some Armenian groups periodically making claims against territories populated by Armenians in Georgia. While Georgia has had issues with Turkey and Azerbaijan, these nations have not and are unlikely to make territorial claims against Georgia in the near future.

National Interests Benchmarked by Foreign Relations

Regardless of shared values and history, nations always act in their own self-interest, and governments are no exception. In the case of Georgia, its foreign relations are primarily shaped by the unresolved conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The government in Tbilisi is not in full control of these territories, and recognition by many parts of the world is limited to Georgia's full dominion over these regions, much of which is under foreign occupation.

From Georgia's perspective, regaining control of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is critical. Recognizing or supporting the de facto Armenian control over Nagorno-Karabakh would be counterproductive, as it would provide Russia and the occupied regions with grounds for criticism. They argue that fostering Armenian self-determination in Karabakh would undermine their own claims to self-determination in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Seeking Support Through the Prism of Self-Interest

Azerbaijan, equally a Christian nation, surprisingly voted in favor of a UN resolution asserting Georgia's territorial integrity. This decision was driven by the same principle: to avoid setting a precedent that could complicate their own efforts to regain control of Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan’s strategic interest lies in ensuring that the issue of territorial integrity is not generalized to other regions of dispute in the region.

Complexities of Historical Alignments

During the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, Armenia indeed helped Russia, as it did not want to choose sides. However, it is important to acknowledge what both parties say: Georgia did not take a side in the 2008 conflict and refused to allow Russian military transit through their territory. It is also true that many in Armenia feel betrayed by Georgia for not supporting them during this war.

It is easy to misconstrue or misinterpret national actions through a lens of nationalism and shared history. While Georgia and Armenia may share a common Christian heritage, their geopolitical interests often diverge. Rather than seeing Georgia’s actions as a betrayal of their allies, it is essential to understand the complex motivations and the self-interest that guides their behaviors in international relations.

Conclusion

The historical and religious ties among the South Caucasus nations are profound, yet national interests often govern foreign policies. Georgia's strategic alignment with Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as its support for the territorial integrity of Georgia, are actions rooted in self-interest and the pursuit of its national goals. Understanding these nuances is crucial to grasping the complexities of international relations in the region.

References

1. Georgian Arm Federation: History and Current Affairs. (2020, March). Retrieved from [Website Link]

2. Conflict in the South Caucasus: Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Nagorno-Karabakh. (2019, April). European Union Institute for Security Studies. Retrieved from [Website Link]

3. Geopolitics of the Russo-Georgian War. (2009, October). International Affairs Review. Retrieved from [Website Link]