From A Failed Satate To A Weak One? Georgia And Turkish-Georgian Relations

Authors : Mithat Çelikpala

Pages : 159-199

Doi:10.1501/Intrel_0000000106

View : 11 | Download : 5

Publication Date : 2005-05-01

Article Type : Research

Abstract :In current international relations concepts such as weak states or failing-failed states are dravving increasingly more attention from the scholars and policy makers. These states appeared to be the main threats, not only as the sources of origin for terrorists, but also as their breeding grounds. In response, eliminating such weak states and replacing them vvith strong, organized, preferably centralized, free and democratic states became the primary concern of vvestern democracies, especially of the U.S. These vveak or failing states come into sight particularly in areas vvhere state building has been relatively recent or closely associated vvith a supra-national povver. From this perspective, Georgia has been displaying the characteristics of a failing state in the early 1990s vvith its vveak political structure, lack of a national fınancial system and rampant ethnic strife and illegal armed groups. To complicate the matters more, the control of state över its national territory vvas compromised and the involvement of foreign povvers vvorsened the situation. This article aims at ansvvering questions related vvith Georgia's state formation or strengthening process vvith a special emphasis on the Turkish-Georgian relations.
Keywords : Weak State, Georgia, the Caucasus, Turkish-Georgian Relations, US policy in the Caucasus, Russia and Caucasus.