Iran and the Caucasian crisis: The war between Russia and Georgia (August 2008)

• Main Author: Darvishi, Farhad
• Other Authors: Mohd Sani, Mohd Azizuddin
• Format: Book Section
• Language: English
• Published: College of Law, Government and International Studies, Universiti Utara Malaysia 2010
• Subjects: JZ International relations
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/2480/1/Dr._Farhad_Darvishi_-_Iran_and_the_Caucasian_Crisis.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/2480/; http://icis.uum.edu.my/
• Institution: Universiti Utara Malaysia

It can be claimed that the most significant international event after September 11 and the fall of Taliban and Saddam, was Caucasian crisis which eventually ended in a limited war between Russia and Georgia. Caucasian crisis was of great significance because it turned into a war of power between two competing poles of power and challenged the concerted international order which had shadowed the international relations for two decades. The continuance of the crisis at that time released, to some extent, the international structural pressure originating from American hegemony against Iranian government. Such changes and Russia’s show of power revealed that Moscow intends to prevent by any means the expansionism of the West within NATO’s or other similar organizations’ framework in the realm of its geo-political boundary. On the other hand, considering the limits of Russia’s capacities, the bitter experience of the cold war, and the mutual dependence of West and Russia on one another, one cannot shut the eyes to the possibility of compromise between Moscow and the West. Therefore, Iran’s interest lies in carefully watching the changes and adopting a comprehensive approach in regard to both sides of the crisis because Iran’s national interests depend on the establishment of balanced relations with both West and Russia. This article deals with Caucasian crisis and the approaches taken by both sides, regions and outside region’s powers, the consequences of the crisis, talks and Iran’s reaction toward the crisis and its role in it.