Georgia's integration into the European Union and NATO

Asatiani, Rati

Item

Georgia's integration into the European Union and NATO

Asatiani, Rati

Abstract

This thesis discuses the question of Georgia's possible integration into NATO and EU. The introduction presents a look on Georgia's independence movement, its origins and ideology; the mass uprisings against the Soviet Union and in promotion of the idea of independent Georgia; and finally, touches on Georgia's exit from the USSR and its declaration of independence. In this, the thesis tries to demonstrate that Georgia was similar to the Baltic and Eastern European states, rather than other constituencies of the Soviet Union, managing to break away from imperialistic center by the means of national self-determination. The main body of the thesis goes through all three governments Georgia had since it became independent and discusses the foreign policy of each. Relations of respective governments in regards to the wider West - the United States and Europe - and Russia are a topic of particular attention. In addition, the topics of discussion are regional relationships and initiatives to create a more united Caucasian region. fpiti The central theme of the thesis is the willingness of Georgia to become a member of NATO and EU; the factors that determine Georgia's drive towards Euro-Atlantic organizations; and Russia's determination to prevent Georgia's entrance into those organizations. The thesis evaluates the importance of Georgia's potential NATO and EU membership for the West, Russia, the Caucasus, and Georgia itself.