132 - Abkhazia: Client or Catalyst?

132 - Abkhazia: Client or Catalyst?

From The Red Line by The Red Line

July 2, 2025 · 1h 32m · Season 6 · Episode 5

About this episode

The episode discusses the geopolitical situation in Abkhazia, its relationship with Russia and Georgia, and the potential for realignment in the region.

Abkhazia stands at a critical juncture, caught between its historical dependence on Russia and the uncertain allure of reconciliation with Georgia. Long overshadowed by Moscow's influence, recent years have seen the territory's population increasingly frustrated with Russia's heavy-handed presence, just as Tbilisi tentatively begins exploring pathways to re-engagement. Could growing anti-Russian sentiment signal a geopolitical realignment in the South Caucasus? Will Abkhazia tilt back toward Georgia, upsetting decades of frozen conflict dynamics? And why, despite mounting tensions and economic costs, does Moscow remain committed to maintaining its grip on this disputed strip of Black Sea coastline? To unpack these questions and understand the future of Abkhazia, we turn to our panel of experts: On the panel this week: - Laura Linderman (Central Asia-Caucasus Institute) - Beka Bajelidze (Institute for War and Peace) - Thomas de Waal (Carnegie Europe) Intro - 00:00 PART I - 03:49 PART II - 30:49 PART III - 1:00:15 Outro - 1:21:46 Follow the show on https://x.com/TheRedLinePod Follow Michael on https://x.com/MikeHilliardAusSupport the show at…

People in this episode

Guests: Laura Linderman, Beka Bajelidze, Thomas de Waal

Topics covered

  • Abkhazia
  • Russia
  • Georgia
  • geopolitical realignment
  • South Caucasus
  • conflict dynamics

Keywords

  • Abkhazia
  • Russia
  • Georgia
  • geopolitics
  • South Caucasus
  • conflict
  • reconciliation
  • influence

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, Institute for War and Peace, Carnegie Europe

Places: Abkhazia, Georgia, Russia, Black Sea, South Caucasus

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